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9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10 10
11 // a single header file is required 11 // a single header file is required
12 #include <ev.h> 12 #include <ev.h>
13 13
14 #include <stdio.h> // for puts
15
14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct 16 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct
15 // with the name ev_<type> 17 // with the name ev_TYPE
16 ev_io stdin_watcher; 18 ev_io stdin_watcher;
17 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 19 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
18 20
19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature 21 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature
20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin 22 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin
21 static void 23 static void
22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents) 24 stdin_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
23 { 25 {
24 puts ("stdin ready"); 26 puts ("stdin ready");
25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher 27 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
26 // with its corresponding stop function. 28 // with its corresponding stop function.
27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 29 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
28 30
29 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating 31 // this causes all nested ev_run's to stop iterating
30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); 32 ev_break (EV_A_ EVBREAK_ALL);
31 } 33 }
32 34
33 // another callback, this time for a time-out 35 // another callback, this time for a time-out
34 static void 36 static void
35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 37 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
36 { 38 {
37 puts ("timeout"); 39 puts ("timeout");
38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating 40 // this causes the innermost ev_run to stop iterating
39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); 41 ev_break (EV_A_ EVBREAK_ONE);
40 } 42 }
41 43
42 int 44 int
43 main (void) 45 main (void)
44 { 46 {
45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs 47 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
46 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 48 struct ev_loop *loop = EV_DEFAULT;
47 49
48 // initialise an io watcher, then start it 50 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable 51 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
50 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);
51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 53 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
54 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout 56 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
55 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 57 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
56 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 58 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
57 59
58 // now wait for events to arrive 60 // now wait for events to arrive
59 ev_loop (loop, 0); 61 ev_run (loop, 0);
60 62
61 // unloop was called, so exit 63 // unloop was called, so exit
62 return 0; 64 return 0;
63 } 65 }
64 66
65=head1 DESCRIPTION 67=head1 ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
68
69This document documents the libev software package.
66 70
67The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted 71The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted
68web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first 72web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
69time: L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod>. 73time: L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod>.
74
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
77on event-based programming, nor will it introduce event-based programming
78with libev.
79
80Familiarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed
81throughout this document.
82
83=head1 WHAT TO READ WHEN IN A HURRY
84
85This manual tries to be very detailed, but unfortunately, this also makes
86it very long. If you just want to know the basics of libev, I suggest
87reading L<ANATOMY OF A WATCHER>, then the L<EXAMPLE PROGRAM> above and
88look up the missing functions in L<GLOBAL FUNCTIONS> and the C<ev_io> and
89C<ev_timer> sections in L<WATCHER TYPES>.
90
91=head1 ABOUT LIBEV
70 92
71Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 93Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
72file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage 94file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
73these event sources and provide your program with events. 95these event sources and provide your program with events.
74 96
84=head2 FEATURES 106=head2 FEATURES
85 107
86Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the 108Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
87BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms 109BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
88for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface 110for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
89(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers 111(for C<ev_stat>), Linux eventfd/signalfd (for faster and cleaner
90with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals 112inter-thread wakeup (C<ev_async>)/signal handling (C<ev_signal>)) relative
91(C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and event 113timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers with customised rescheduling
92watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>, 114(C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals (C<ev_signal>), process status
93C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as 115change events (C<ev_child>), and event watchers dealing with the event
94file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events 116loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>, C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and
95(C<ev_fork>). 117C<ev_check> watchers) as well as file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even
118limited support for fork events (C<ev_fork>).
96 119
97It also is quite fast (see this 120It also is quite fast (see this
98L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent 121L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
99for example). 122for example).
100 123
108name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have 131name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have
109this argument. 132this argument.
110 133
111=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION 134=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
112 135
113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 136Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing
114(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 137the (fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (in practice
115the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 138somewhere near the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't
116called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 139ask). This type is called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use
117to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 140too. It usually aliases to the C<double> type in C. When you need to do
118it, you should treat it as some floating point value. Unlike the name 141any calculations on it, you should treat it as some floating point value.
142
119component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences 143Unlike the name component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for
120throughout libev. 144time differences (e.g. delays) throughout libev.
121 145
122=head1 ERROR HANDLING 146=head1 ERROR HANDLING
123 147
124Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors 148Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors
125and internal errors (bugs). 149and internal errors (bugs).
149 173
150=item ev_tstamp ev_time () 174=item ev_tstamp ev_time ()
151 175
152Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 176Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
153C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp 177C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
154you actually want to know. 178you actually want to know. Also interesting is the combination of
179C<ev_update_now> and C<ev_now>.
155 180
156=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 181=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
157 182
158Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 183Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
159either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 184either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
176as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 201as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
177compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 202compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
178not a problem. 203not a problem.
179 204
180Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 205Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
181version. 206version (note, however, that this will not detect other ABI mismatches,
207such as LFS or reentrancy).
182 208
183 assert (("libev version mismatch", 209 assert (("libev version mismatch",
184 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 210 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
185 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 211 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
186 212
197 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 223 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
198 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 224 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
199 225
200=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 226=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
201 227
202Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also 228Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and
203recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one 229also recommended for this platform, meaning it will work for most file
230descriptor types. This set is often smaller than the one returned by
204returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on 231C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on most BSDs
205most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it 232and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it (assuming
206(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that 233you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that libev will
207libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 234probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
208 235
209=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 236=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
210 237
211Returns the set of backends that are embeddable in other event loops. This 238Returns the set of backends that are embeddable in other event loops. This
212is the theoretical, all-platform, value. To find which backends 239value is platform-specific but can include backends not available on the
213might be supported on the current system, you would need to look at 240current system. To find which embeddable backends might be supported on
214C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 241the current system, you would need to look at C<ev_embeddable_backends ()
215recommended ones. 242& ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for recommended ones.
216 243
217See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 244See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
218 245
219=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT] 246=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT]
220 247
274 ... 301 ...
275 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error); 302 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error);
276 303
277=back 304=back
278 305
279=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 306=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING EVENT LOOPS
280 307
281An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two 308An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> is
282types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child 309I<not> optional in this case unless libev 3 compatibility is disabled, as
283events, and dynamically created loops which do not. 310libev 3 had an C<ev_loop> function colliding with the struct name).
311
312The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
313supports child process events, and dynamically created event loops which
314do not.
284 315
285=over 4 316=over 4
286 317
287=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 318=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
288 319
289This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised 320This returns the "default" event loop object, which is what you should
290yet and return it. If the default loop could not be initialised, returns 321normally use when you just need "the event loop". Event loop objects and
291false. If it already was initialised it simply returns it (and ignores the 322the C<flags> parameter are described in more detail in the entry for
292flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 323C<ev_loop_new>.
324
325If the default loop is already initialised then this function simply
326returns it (and ignores the flags. If that is troubling you, check
327C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). Otherwise it will create it with the given
328flags, which should almost always be C<0>, unless the caller is also the
329one calling C<ev_run> or otherwise qualifies as "the main program".
293 330
294If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 331If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
295function. 332function (or via the C<EV_DEFAULT> macro).
296 333
297Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it 334Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
298from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely, 335from multiple threads, you have to employ some kind of mutex (note also
299as loops cannot bes hared easily between threads anyway). 336that this case is unlikely, as loops cannot be shared easily between
337threads anyway).
300 338
301The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and 339The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_child> watchers,
302C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler 340and to do this, it always registers a handler for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is
303for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either 341a problem for your application you can either create a dynamic loop with
304create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you 342C<ev_loop_new> which doesn't do that, or you can simply overwrite the
305can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling 343C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling C<ev_default_init>.
306C<ev_default_init>. 344
345Example: This is the most typical usage.
346
347 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
348 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
349
350Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
351environment settings to be taken into account:
352
353 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
354
355=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
356
357This will create and initialise a new event loop object. If the loop
358could not be initialised, returns false.
359
360Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and one common way to use
361libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
362default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
307 363
308The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 364The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
309backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). 365backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
310 366
311The following flags are supported: 367The following flags are supported:
326useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 382useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
327around bugs. 383around bugs.
328 384
329=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK> 385=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
330 386
331Instead of calling C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork> manually after 387Instead of calling C<ev_loop_fork> manually after a fork, you can also
332a fork, you can also make libev check for a fork in each iteration by 388make libev check for a fork in each iteration by enabling this flag.
333enabling this flag.
334 389
335This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 390This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
336and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop 391and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
337iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 392iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
338GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence 393GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
344flag. 399flag.
345 400
346This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> 401This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
347environment variable. 402environment variable.
348 403
404=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY>
405
406When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the
407I<inotify> API for it's C<ev_stat> watchers. Apart from debugging and
408testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as
409otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle.
410
411=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD>
412
413When this flag is specified, then libev will attempt to use the
414I<signalfd> API for it's C<ev_signal> (and C<ev_child>) watchers. This API
415delivers signals synchronously, which makes it both faster and might make
416it possible to get the queued signal data. It can also simplify signal
417handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your
418threads that are not interested in handling them.
419
420Signalfd will not be used by default as this changes your signal mask, and
421there are a lot of shoddy libraries and programs (glib's threadpool for
422example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks.
423
349=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 424=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
350 425
351This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 426This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
352libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 427libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
353but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 428but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
377This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and 452This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and
378C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>. 453C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>.
379 454
380=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 455=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
381 456
457Use the linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9
458kernels).
459
382For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 460For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
383but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 461but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
384like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), 462like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
385epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number 463epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
386of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect 464
387cases and requiring a system call per fd change, no fork support and bad 465The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
388support for dup. 466of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
467dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
468descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup and
469so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program forks then
470I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll set, which can
471take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) and is of course
472hard to detect.
473
474Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but
475of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally
476I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot
477even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially
478on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by
479employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the
480events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. Last
481not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work
482perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...).
389 483
390While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 484While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
391will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such incident 485will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
392(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 486incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different
393best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work 487I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
394very well if you register events for both fds. 488file descriptors might not work very well if you register events for both
395 489file descriptors.
396Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
397need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
398(or space) is available.
399 490
400Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all 491Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
401watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, 492watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible,
402i.e. keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. Stopping and 493i.e. keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. Stopping and
403starting a watcher (without re-setting it) also usually doesn't cause 494starting a watcher (without re-setting it) also usually doesn't cause
404extra overhead. 495extra overhead. A fork can both result in spurious notifications as well
496as in libev having to destroy and recreate the epoll object, which can
497take considerable time and thus should be avoided.
498
499All this means that, in practice, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> can be as fast or
500faster than epoll for maybe up to a hundred file descriptors, depending on
501the usage. So sad.
405 502
406While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in 503While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
407all kernel versions tested so far. 504all kernel versions tested so far.
408 505
409This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as 506This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
410C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 507C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
411 508
412=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 509=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
413 510
414Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it was 511Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
415broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably with 512was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably
416anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course it's 513with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
417completely useless). For this reason it's not being "auto-detected" unless 514it's completely useless). Unlike epoll, however, whose brokenness
418you explicitly specify it in the flags (i.e. using C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or 515is by design, these kqueue bugs can (and eventually will) be fixed
419libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough) system like NetBSD. 516without API changes to existing programs. For this reason it's not being
517"auto-detected" unless you explicitly specify it in the flags (i.e. using
518C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
519system like NetBSD.
420 520
421You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it 521You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
422only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on 522only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
423the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 523the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
424 524
425It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 525It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
426kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 526kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
427course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 527course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
428cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to 528cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
429two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it 529two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad (but
430drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases. 530sane, unlike epoll) and it drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect
531cases
431 532
432This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 533This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
433 534
434While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work 535While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
435everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken 536everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
436almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets 537almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets
437(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop 538(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop
438(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and, did I mention it, 539(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (but C<poll> is of course
439using it only for sockets. 540also broken on OS X)) and, did I mention it, using it only for sockets.
440 541
441This backend maps C<EV_READ> into an C<EVFILT_READ> kevent with 542This backend maps C<EV_READ> into an C<EVFILT_READ> kevent with
442C<NOTE_EOF>, and C<EV_WRITE> into an C<EVFILT_WRITE> kevent with 543C<NOTE_EOF>, and C<EV_WRITE> into an C<EVFILT_WRITE> kevent with
443C<NOTE_EOF>. 544C<NOTE_EOF>.
444 545
464might perform better. 565might perform better.
465 566
466On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness 567On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness
467notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification 568notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification
468in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat among the 569in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat among the
469OS-specific backends. 570OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed hacks).
470 571
471This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as 572This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
472C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 573C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
473 574
474=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 575=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
479 580
480It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 581It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
481 582
482=back 583=back
483 584
484If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these 585If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value,
485backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are 586then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed
486specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried. 587here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends
487 588()> will be tried.
488Example: This is the most typical usage.
489
490 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
491 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
492
493Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
494environment settings to be taken into account:
495
496 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
497
498Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
499used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
500private event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of
501fds):
502
503 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
504
505=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
506
507Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
508always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
509handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
510undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
511
512Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and the recommended way to use
513libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
514default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
515 589
516Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 590Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
517 591
518 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 592 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
519 if (!epoller) 593 if (!epoller)
520 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 594 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
521 595
596Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
597used if available.
598
599 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_loop_new (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
600
522=item ev_default_destroy () 601=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
523 602
524Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 603Destroys an event loop object (frees all memory and kernel state
525etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 604etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
526sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 605sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
527responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before> 606responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
528calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 607calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
529the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 608the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
530for example). 609for example).
531 610
532Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by 611Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
533this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers) 612handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
534would need to be stopped manually. 613as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
535 614
536In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 615This function is normally used on loop objects allocated by
537rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling 616C<ev_loop_new>, but it can also be used on the default loop returned by
617C<ev_default_loop>, in which case it is not thread-safe.
618
619Note that it is not advisable to call this function on the default loop
620except in the rare occasion where you really need to free it's resources.
538pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use 621If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use C<ev_loop_new>
539C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>). 622and C<ev_loop_destroy>.
540 623
541=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 624=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
542 625
543Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
544earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
545
546=item ev_default_fork ()
547
548This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_loop> iterations 626This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations to
549to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the 627reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
550name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in 628name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in
551the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little 629the child process. You I<must> call it (or use C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>) in the
552sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev 630child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>.
553functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration. 631
632Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after
633a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is
634because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things
635during fork.
554 636
555On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child 637On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
556process if and only if you want to use the event library in the child. If 638process if and only if you want to use the event loop in the child. If
557you just fork+exec, you don't have to call it at all. 639you just fork+exec or create a new loop in the child, you don't have to
640call it at all (in fact, C<epoll> is so badly broken that it makes a
641difference, but libev will usually detect this case on its own and do a
642costly reset of the backend).
558 643
559The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 644The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
560it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 645it just in case after a fork.
561quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
562 646
647Example: Automate calling C<ev_loop_fork> on the default loop when
648using pthreads.
649
650 static void
651 post_fork_child (void)
652 {
653 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
654 }
655
656 ...
563 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 657 pthread_atfork (0, 0, post_fork_child);
564
565=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
566
567Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
568C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
569after fork that you want to re-use in the child, and how you do this is
570entirely your own problem.
571 658
572=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop) 659=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
573 660
574Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false 661Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
575otherwise. 662otherwise.
576 663
577=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop) 664=item unsigned int ev_iteration (loop)
578 665
579Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to 666Returns the current iteration count for the event loop, which is identical
580the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and 667to the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0>
581happily wraps around with enough iterations. 668and happily wraps around with enough iterations.
582 669
583This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it 670This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
584"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with 671"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
585C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls. 672C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls - and is incremented between the
673prepare and check phases.
674
675=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop)
676
677Returns the number of times C<ev_run> was entered minus the number of
678times C<ev_run> was exited, in other words, the recursion depth.
679
680Outside C<ev_run>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is
681C<1>, unless C<ev_run> was invoked recursively (or from another thread),
682in which case it is higher.
683
684Leaving C<ev_run> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread
685etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this as a hint to avoid such
686ungentleman-like behaviour unless it's really convenient.
586 687
587=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 688=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
588 689
589Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 690Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
590use. 691use.
599 700
600=item ev_now_update (loop) 701=item ev_now_update (loop)
601 702
602Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time 703Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
603returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and 704returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
604is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>. 705is usually done automatically within C<ev_run ()>.
605 706
606This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a 707This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
607very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of 708very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
608the current time is a good idea. 709the current time is a good idea.
609 710
610See also "The special problem of time updates" in the C<ev_timer> section. 711See also L<The special problem of time updates> in the C<ev_timer> section.
611 712
713=item ev_suspend (loop)
714
715=item ev_resume (loop)
716
717These two functions suspend and resume an event loop, for use when the
718loop is not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed.
719
720A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When
721the user presses C<^Z> to suspend the game and resumes it an hour later it
722would be best to handle timeouts as if no time had actually passed while
723the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<ev_suspend>
724in your C<SIGTSTP> handler, sending yourself a C<SIGSTOP> and calling
725C<ev_resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing.
726
727Effectively, all C<ev_timer> watchers will be delayed by the time spend
728between C<ev_suspend> and C<ev_resume>, and all C<ev_periodic> watchers
729will be rescheduled (that is, they will lose any events that would have
730occurred while suspended).
731
732After calling C<ev_suspend> you B<must not> call I<any> function on the
733given loop other than C<ev_resume>, and you B<must not> call C<ev_resume>
734without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>.
735
736Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the
737event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>).
738
612=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 739=item ev_run (loop, int flags)
613 740
614Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 741Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
615after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 742after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start
616events. 743handling events. It will ask the operating system for any new events, call
744the watcher callbacks, an then repeat the whole process indefinitely: This
745is why event loops are called I<loops>.
617 746
618If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until 747If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will keep handling events
619either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called. 748until either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_break> was
749called.
620 750
621Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than 751Please note that an explicit C<ev_break> is usually better than
622relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 752relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
623finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program 753finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
624that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue 754that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
625of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of 755of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
626beauty. 756beauty.
627 757
628A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 758A flags value of C<EVRUN_NOWAIT> will look for new events, will handle
629those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not block your 759those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not wait and
630process in case there are no events and will return after one iteration of 760block your process in case there are no events and will return after one
631the loop. 761iteration of the loop. This is sometimes useful to poll and handle new
762events while doing lengthy calculations, to keep the program responsive.
632 763
633A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 764A flags value of C<EVRUN_ONCE> will look for new events (waiting if
634necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It 765necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
635will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could 766will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could
636be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarentee that a 767be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a
637user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one 768user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
638iteration of the loop. 769iteration of the loop.
639 770
640This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction 771This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
641with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your 772with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
642own C<ev_loop>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 773own C<ev_run>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
643usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 774usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
644 775
645Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 776Here are the gory details of what C<ev_run> does:
646 777
778 - Increment loop depth.
779 - Reset the ev_break status.
647 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 780 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
781 LOOP:
648 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork. 782 - If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
649 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers. 783 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
650 - Queue and call all prepare watchers. 784 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
785 - If ev_break was called, goto FINISH.
651 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state 786 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
652 as to not disturb the other process. 787 as to not disturb the other process.
653 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 788 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
654 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()). 789 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
655 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all 790 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
656 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having 791 (active idle watchers, EVRUN_NOWAIT or not having
657 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 792 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
658 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 793 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
794 - Increment loop iteration counter.
659 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 795 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
660 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 796 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
661 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments. 797 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
662 - Queue all expired timers. 798 - Queue all expired timers.
663 - Queue all expired periodics. 799 - Queue all expired periodics.
664 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 800 - Queue all idle watchers with priority higher than that of pending events.
665 - Queue all check watchers. 801 - Queue all check watchers.
666 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 802 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
667 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 803 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
668 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 804 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
669 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 805 - If ev_break has been called, or EVRUN_ONCE or EVRUN_NOWAIT
670 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise 806 were used, or there are no active watchers, goto FINISH, otherwise
671 continue with step *. 807 continue with step LOOP.
808 FINISH:
809 - Reset the ev_break status iff it was EVBREAK_ONE.
810 - Decrement the loop depth.
811 - Return.
672 812
673Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding 813Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
674anymore. 814anymore.
675 815
676 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 816 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
677 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 817 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
678 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 818 ev_run (my_loop, 0);
679 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah! 819 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
680 820
681=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 821=item ev_break (loop, how)
682 822
683Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 823Can be used to make a call to C<ev_run> return early (but only after it
684has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 824has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
685C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 825C<EVBREAK_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_run> call return, or
686C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 826C<EVBREAK_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_run> calls return.
687 827
688This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again. 828This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_run> again.
689 829
690It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from otuside any C<ev_loop> calls. 830It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls. ##TODO##
691 831
692=item ev_ref (loop) 832=item ev_ref (loop)
693 833
694=item ev_unref (loop) 834=item ev_unref (loop)
695 835
696Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 836Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
697loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference 837loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
698count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. 838count is nonzero, C<ev_run> will not return on its own.
699 839
700If you have a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop> 840This is useful when you have a watcher that you never intend to
701from returning, call ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before 841unregister, but that nevertheless should not keep C<ev_run> from
842returning. In such a case, call C<ev_unref> after starting, and C<ev_ref>
702stopping it. 843before stopping it.
703 844
704As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is 845As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It
705not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting 846is not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_run> from
706if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 847exiting if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an
707way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 848excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within
708libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop> 849third-party libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref
709(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before, 850before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active
710respectively). 851before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself
852(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref>
853in the callback).
711 854
712Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 855Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_run>
713running when nothing else is active. 856running when nothing else is active.
714 857
715 struct ev_signal exitsig; 858 ev_signal exitsig;
716 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 859 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
717 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 860 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
718 evf_unref (loop); 861 evf_unref (loop);
719 862
720Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 863Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
744 887
745By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more 888By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
746time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration, 889time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
747at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and 890at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
748C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will 891C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
749introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. 892introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. The
893sleep time ensures that libev will not poll for I/O events more often then
894once per this interval, on average.
750 895
751Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev 896Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
752to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 897to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
753latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called 898latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
754later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null 899later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null
756 901
757Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect 902Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect
758interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for 903interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
759interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It 904interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
760usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>, 905usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
761as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems. 906as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems. Note that if
907you do transactions with the outside world and you can't increase the
908parallelity, then this setting will limit your transaction rate (if you
909need to poll once per transaction and the I/O collect interval is 0.01,
910then you can't do more than 100 transactions per second).
762 911
763Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for 912Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
764saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that 913saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
765are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of 914are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
766times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to 915times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
767reduce iterations/wake-ups is to use C<ev_periodic> watchers and make sure 916reduce iterations/wake-ups is to use C<ev_periodic> watchers and make sure
768they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only. 917they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.
769 918
919Example: we only need 0.1s timeout granularity, and we wish not to poll
920more often than 100 times per second:
921
922 ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.1);
923 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01);
924
925=item ev_invoke_pending (loop)
926
927This call will simply invoke all pending watchers while resetting their
928pending state. Normally, C<ev_run> does this automatically when required,
929but when overriding the invoke callback this call comes handy. This
930function can be invoked from a watcher - this can be useful for example
931when you want to do some lengthy calculation and want to pass further
932event handling to another thread (you still have to make sure only one
933thread executes within C<ev_invoke_pending> or C<ev_run> of course).
934
935=item int ev_pending_count (loop)
936
937Returns the number of pending watchers - zero indicates that no watchers
938are pending.
939
940=item ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (loop, void (*invoke_pending_cb)(EV_P))
941
942This overrides the invoke pending functionality of the loop: Instead of
943invoking all pending watchers when there are any, C<ev_run> will call
944this callback instead. This is useful, for example, when you want to
945invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.).
946
947If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new
948callback.
949
950=item ev_set_loop_release_cb (loop, void (*release)(EV_P), void (*acquire)(EV_P))
951
952Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This
953can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around
954each call to a libev function.
955
956However, C<ev_run> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible
957to wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the event
958loop via C<ev_break> and C<av_async_send>, another way is to set these
959I<release> and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop.
960
961When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is
962suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just
963afterwards.
964
965Ideally, C<release> will just call your mutex_unlock function, and
966C<acquire> will just call the mutex_lock function again.
967
968While event loop modifications are allowed between invocations of
969C<release> and C<acquire> (that's their only purpose after all), no
970modifications done will affect the event loop, i.e. adding watchers will
971have no effect on the set of file descriptors being watched, or the time
972waited. Use an C<ev_async> watcher to wake up C<ev_run> when you want it
973to take note of any changes you made.
974
975In theory, threads executing C<ev_run> will be async-cancel safe between
976invocations of C<release> and C<acquire>.
977
978See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this
979document.
980
981=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data)
982
983=item ev_userdata (loop)
984
985Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When
986C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns
987C<0.>
988
989These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop,
990and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and
991C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for
992any other purpose as well.
993
770=item ev_loop_verify (loop) 994=item ev_verify (loop)
771 995
772This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been 996This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
773compiled in. which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go 997compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
774through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything 998through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
775is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard 999is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
776error and call C<abort ()>. 1000error and call C<abort ()>.
777 1001
778This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal 1002This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal
782=back 1006=back
783 1007
784 1008
785=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 1009=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
786 1010
1011In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the
1012watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer
1013watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
1014
787A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 1015A watcher is an opaque structure that you allocate and register to record
788interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 1016your interest in some event. To make a concrete example, imagine you want
789become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 1017to wait for STDIN to become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher
1018for that:
790 1019
791 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1020 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
792 { 1021 {
793 ev_io_stop (w); 1022 ev_io_stop (w);
794 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1023 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
795 } 1024 }
796 1025
797 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 1026 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
1027
798 struct ev_io stdin_watcher; 1028 ev_io stdin_watcher;
1029
799 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 1030 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
800 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1031 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
801 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 1032 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
1033
802 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1034 ev_run (loop, 0);
803 1035
804As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 1036As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
805watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack, 1037watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
806although this can sometimes be quite valid). 1038stack).
807 1039
1040Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
1041or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
1042
808Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 1043Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init (watcher
809(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 1044*, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This callback is
810callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O 1045invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O watchers, each
811watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 1046time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given is readable
812is readable and/or writable). 1047and/or writable).
813 1048
814Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro 1049Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
815with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro 1050macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
816to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< ev_<type>_init 1051is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
817(watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 1052ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
818 1053
819To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it 1054To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it
820with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_<type>_start (loop, watcher 1055with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_TYPE_start (loop, watcher
821*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the 1056*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the
822corresponding stop function (C<< ev_<type>_stop (loop, watcher *) >>. 1057corresponding stop function (C<< ev_TYPE_stop (loop, watcher *) >>.
823 1058
824As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you 1059As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you
825must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never 1060must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never
826reinitialise it or call its C<set> macro. 1061reinitialise it or call its C<ev_TYPE_set> macro.
827 1062
828Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the 1063Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the
829registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as 1064registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as
830third argument. 1065third argument.
831 1066
840=item C<EV_WRITE> 1075=item C<EV_WRITE>
841 1076
842The file descriptor in the C<ev_io> watcher has become readable and/or 1077The file descriptor in the C<ev_io> watcher has become readable and/or
843writable. 1078writable.
844 1079
845=item C<EV_TIMEOUT> 1080=item C<EV_TIMER>
846 1081
847The C<ev_timer> watcher has timed out. 1082The C<ev_timer> watcher has timed out.
848 1083
849=item C<EV_PERIODIC> 1084=item C<EV_PERIODIC>
850 1085
868 1103
869=item C<EV_PREPARE> 1104=item C<EV_PREPARE>
870 1105
871=item C<EV_CHECK> 1106=item C<EV_CHECK>
872 1107
873All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_loop> starts 1108All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_run> starts
874to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after 1109to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after
875C<ev_loop> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any 1110C<ev_run> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any
876received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 1111received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as
877many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account 1112many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account
878(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep 1113(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep
879C<ev_loop> from blocking). 1114C<ev_run> from blocking).
880 1115
881=item C<EV_EMBED> 1116=item C<EV_EMBED>
882 1117
883The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention. 1118The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
884 1119
885=item C<EV_FORK> 1120=item C<EV_FORK>
886 1121
887The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see 1122The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
888C<ev_fork>). 1123C<ev_fork>).
889 1124
1125=item C<EV_CLEANUP>
1126
1127The event loop is about to be destroyed (see C<ev_cleanup>).
1128
890=item C<EV_ASYNC> 1129=item C<EV_ASYNC>
891 1130
892The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 1131The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
1132
1133=item C<EV_CUSTOM>
1134
1135Not ever sent (or otherwise used) by libev itself, but can be freely used
1136by libev users to signal watchers (e.g. via C<ev_feed_event>).
893 1137
894=item C<EV_ERROR> 1138=item C<EV_ERROR>
895 1139
896An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might 1140An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
897happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 1141happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
898ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 1142ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
1143problem. Libev considers these application bugs.
1144
899problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping 1145You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping with the
900with the watcher being stopped. 1146watcher being stopped. Note that well-written programs should not receive
1147an error ever, so when your watcher receives it, this usually indicates a
1148bug in your program.
901 1149
902Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, for 1150Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, for
903example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if your 1151example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if your
904callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope with 1152callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope with
905the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded 1153the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
906programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another 1154programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another
907thing, so beware. 1155thing, so beware.
908 1156
909=back 1157=back
910 1158
1159=head2 WATCHER STATES
1160
1161There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual -
1162active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to
1163transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these
1164rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing".
1165
1166=over 4
1167
1168=item initialiased
1169
1170Before a watcher can be registered with the event looop it has to be
1171initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to
1172C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function.
1173
1174In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for use
1175in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at will.
1176
1177=item started/running/active
1178
1179Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes
1180property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in
1181this state it cannot be accessed (except in a few documented ways), moved,
1182freed or anything else - the only legal thing is to keep a pointer to it,
1183and call libev functions on it that are documented to work on active watchers.
1184
1185=item pending
1186
1187If a watcher is active and libev determines that an event it is interested
1188in has occurred (such as a timer expiring), it will become pending. It will
1189stay in this pending state until either it is stopped or its callback is
1190about to be invoked, so it is not normally pending inside the watcher
1191callback.
1192
1193The watcher might or might not be active while it is pending (for example,
1194an expired non-repeating timer can be pending but no longer active). If it
1195is stopped, it can be freely accessed (e.g. by calling C<ev_TYPE_set>),
1196but it is still property of the event loop at this time, so cannot be
1197moved, freed or reused. And if it is active the rules described in the
1198previous item still apply.
1199
1200It is also possible to feed an event on a watcher that is not active (e.g.
1201via C<ev_feed_event>), in which case it becomes pending without being
1202active.
1203
1204=item stopped
1205
1206A watcher can be stopped implicitly by libev (in which case it might still
1207be pending), or explicitly by calling its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. The
1208latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless
1209of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before
1210freeing it is often a good idea.
1211
1212While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the
1213initialised state, that is it can be reused, moved, modified in any way
1214you wish.
1215
1216=back
1217
911=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 1218=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
912
913In the following description, C<TYPE> stands for the watcher type,
914e.g. C<timer> for C<ev_timer> watchers and C<io> for C<ev_io> watchers.
915 1219
916=over 4 1220=over 4
917 1221
918=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 1222=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
919 1223
925which rolls both calls into one. 1229which rolls both calls into one.
926 1230
927You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped 1231You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped
928(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding. 1232(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
929 1233
930The callback is always of type C<void (*)(ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, 1234The callback is always of type C<void (*)(struct ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,
931int revents)>. 1235int revents)>.
932 1236
933Example: Initialise an C<ev_io> watcher in two steps. 1237Example: Initialise an C<ev_io> watcher in two steps.
934 1238
935 ev_io w; 1239 ev_io w;
936 ev_init (&w, my_cb); 1240 ev_init (&w, my_cb);
937 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1241 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
938 1242
939=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args]) 1243=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *watcher, [args])
940 1244
941This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to 1245This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
942call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can 1246call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
943call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this 1247call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this
944macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a 1248macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a
957 1261
958Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step. 1262Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
959 1263
960 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1264 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
961 1265
962=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1266=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
963 1267
964Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 1268Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
965events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen. 1269events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
966 1270
967Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this 1271Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
968whole section. 1272whole section.
969 1273
970 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w); 1274 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
971 1275
972=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1276=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
973 1277
974Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether 1278Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
975the watcher was active or not). 1279the watcher was active or not).
976 1280
977It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example, 1281It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
1002=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 1306=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1003 1307
1004Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 1308Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
1005(modulo threads). 1309(modulo threads).
1006 1310
1007=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority) 1311=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, int priority)
1008 1312
1009=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1313=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1010 1314
1011Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small 1315Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
1012integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI> 1316integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
1013(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked 1317(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
1014before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers 1318before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
1015from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers). 1319from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
1016 1320
1017This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
1018invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
1019example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
1020watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
1021
1022If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending 1321If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
1023you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality. 1322you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
1024 1323
1025You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or 1324You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
1026pending. 1325pending.
1027 1326
1327Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
1328fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
1329or might not have been clamped to the valid range.
1330
1028The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is 1331The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
1029always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :). 1332always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
1030 1333
1031Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is 1334See L<WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS>, below, for a more thorough treatment of
1032fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might 1335priorities.
1033or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
1034 1336
1035=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents) 1337=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1036 1338
1037Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither 1339Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
1038C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback 1340C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
1045returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the 1347returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
1046watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>. 1348watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
1047 1349
1048Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its 1350Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
1049callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function. 1351callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
1352
1353=item ev_feed_event (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1354
1355Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
1356had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
1357initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). Obviously you must
1358not free the watcher as long as it has pending events.
1359
1360Stopping the watcher, letting libev invoke it, or calling
1361C<ev_clear_pending> will clear the pending event, even if the watcher was
1362not started in the first place.
1363
1364See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
1365functions that do not need a watcher.
1050 1366
1051=back 1367=back
1052 1368
1053 1369
1054=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1370=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
1060member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own 1376member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
1061data: 1377data:
1062 1378
1063 struct my_io 1379 struct my_io
1064 { 1380 {
1065 struct ev_io io; 1381 ev_io io;
1066 int otherfd; 1382 int otherfd;
1067 void *somedata; 1383 void *somedata;
1068 struct whatever *mostinteresting; 1384 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
1069 }; 1385 };
1070 1386
1073 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ); 1389 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
1074 1390
1075And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you 1391And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
1076can cast it back to your own type: 1392can cast it back to your own type:
1077 1393
1078 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents) 1394 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
1079 { 1395 {
1080 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 1396 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
1081 ... 1397 ...
1082 } 1398 }
1083 1399
1101programmers): 1417programmers):
1102 1418
1103 #include <stddef.h> 1419 #include <stddef.h>
1104 1420
1105 static void 1421 static void
1106 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1422 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1107 { 1423 {
1108 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1424 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1109 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1425 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
1110 } 1426 }
1111 1427
1112 static void 1428 static void
1113 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1429 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1114 { 1430 {
1115 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1431 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1116 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1432 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1117 } 1433 }
1434
1435=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS
1436
1437Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small
1438integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation
1439between watchers in some way, all else being equal.
1440
1441In libev, Watcher priorities can be set using C<ev_set_priority>. See its
1442description for the more technical details such as the actual priority
1443range.
1444
1445There are two common ways how these these priorities are being interpreted
1446by event loops:
1447
1448In the more common lock-out model, higher priorities "lock out" invocation
1449of lower priority watchers, which means as long as higher priority
1450watchers receive events, lower priority watchers are not being invoked.
1451
1452The less common only-for-ordering model uses priorities solely to order
1453callback invocation within a single event loop iteration: Higher priority
1454watchers are invoked before lower priority ones, but they all get invoked
1455before polling for new events.
1456
1457Libev uses the second (only-for-ordering) model for all its watchers
1458except for idle watchers (which use the lock-out model).
1459
1460The rationale behind this is that implementing the lock-out model for
1461watchers is not well supported by most kernel interfaces, and most event
1462libraries will just poll for the same events again and again as long as
1463their callbacks have not been executed, which is very inefficient in the
1464common case of one high-priority watcher locking out a mass of lower
1465priority ones.
1466
1467Static (ordering) priorities are most useful when you have two or more
1468watchers handling the same resource: a typical usage example is having an
1469C<ev_io> watcher to receive data, and an associated C<ev_timer> to handle
1470timeouts. Under load, data might be received while the program handles
1471other jobs, but since timers normally get invoked first, the timeout
1472handler will be executed before checking for data. In that case, giving
1473the timer a lower priority than the I/O watcher ensures that I/O will be
1474handled first even under adverse conditions (which is usually, but not
1475always, what you want).
1476
1477Since idle watchers use the "lock-out" model, meaning that idle watchers
1478will only be executed when no same or higher priority watchers have
1479received events, they can be used to implement the "lock-out" model when
1480required.
1481
1482For example, to emulate how many other event libraries handle priorities,
1483you can associate an C<ev_idle> watcher to each such watcher, and in
1484the normal watcher callback, you just start the idle watcher. The real
1485processing is done in the idle watcher callback. This causes libev to
1486continuously poll and process kernel event data for the watcher, but when
1487the lock-out case is known to be rare (which in turn is rare :), this is
1488workable.
1489
1490Usually, however, the lock-out model implemented that way will perform
1491miserably under the type of load it was designed to handle. In that case,
1492it might be preferable to stop the real watcher before starting the
1493idle watcher, so the kernel will not have to process the event in case
1494the actual processing will be delayed for considerable time.
1495
1496Here is an example of an I/O watcher that should run at a strictly lower
1497priority than the default, and which should only process data when no
1498other events are pending:
1499
1500 ev_idle idle; // actual processing watcher
1501 ev_io io; // actual event watcher
1502
1503 static void
1504 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1505 {
1506 // stop the I/O watcher, we received the event, but
1507 // are not yet ready to handle it.
1508 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
1509
1510 // start the idle watcher to handle the actual event.
1511 // it will not be executed as long as other watchers
1512 // with the default priority are receiving events.
1513 ev_idle_start (EV_A_ &idle);
1514 }
1515
1516 static void
1517 idle_cb (EV_P_ ev_idle *w, int revents)
1518 {
1519 // actual processing
1520 read (STDIN_FILENO, ...);
1521
1522 // have to start the I/O watcher again, as
1523 // we have handled the event
1524 ev_io_start (EV_P_ &io);
1525 }
1526
1527 // initialisation
1528 ev_idle_init (&idle, idle_cb);
1529 ev_io_init (&io, io_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1530 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &io);
1531
1532In the "real" world, it might also be beneficial to start a timer, so that
1533low-priority connections can not be locked out forever under load. This
1534enables your program to keep a lower latency for important connections
1535during short periods of high load, while not completely locking out less
1536important ones.
1118 1537
1119 1538
1120=head1 WATCHER TYPES 1539=head1 WATCHER TYPES
1121 1540
1122This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 1541This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
1148descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1567descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
1149required if you know what you are doing). 1568required if you know what you are doing).
1150 1569
1151If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a 1570If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a
1152known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only 1571known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
1153C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1572C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). The same applies to file
1573descriptors for which non-blocking operation makes no sense (such as
1574files) - libev doesn't guarantee any specific behaviour in that case.
1154 1575
1155Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1576Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1156receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might 1577receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1157be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1578be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
1158because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1579because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
1223 1644
1224So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you 1645So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1225ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon 1646ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1226somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue). 1647somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1227 1648
1649=head3 The special problem of accept()ing when you can't
1650
1651Many implementations of the POSIX C<accept> function (for example,
1652found in post-2004 Linux) have the peculiar behaviour of not removing a
1653connection from the pending queue in all error cases.
1654
1655For example, larger servers often run out of file descriptors (because
1656of resource limits), causing C<accept> to fail with C<ENFILE> but not
1657rejecting the connection, leading to libev signalling readiness on
1658the next iteration again (the connection still exists after all), and
1659typically causing the program to loop at 100% CPU usage.
1660
1661Unfortunately, the set of errors that cause this issue differs between
1662operating systems, there is usually little the app can do to remedy the
1663situation, and no known thread-safe method of removing the connection to
1664cope with overload is known (to me).
1665
1666One of the easiest ways to handle this situation is to just ignore it
1667- when the program encounters an overload, it will just loop until the
1668situation is over. While this is a form of busy waiting, no OS offers an
1669event-based way to handle this situation, so it's the best one can do.
1670
1671A better way to handle the situation is to log any errors other than
1672C<EAGAIN> and C<EWOULDBLOCK>, making sure not to flood the log with such
1673messages, and continue as usual, which at least gives the user an idea of
1674what could be wrong ("raise the ulimit!"). For extra points one could stop
1675the C<ev_io> watcher on the listening fd "for a while", which reduces CPU
1676usage.
1677
1678If your program is single-threaded, then you could also keep a dummy file
1679descriptor for overload situations (e.g. by opening F</dev/null>), and
1680when you run into C<ENFILE> or C<EMFILE>, close it, run C<accept>,
1681close that fd, and create a new dummy fd. This will gracefully refuse
1682clients under typical overload conditions.
1683
1684The last way to handle it is to simply log the error and C<exit>, as
1685is often done with C<malloc> failures, but this results in an easy
1686opportunity for a DoS attack.
1228 1687
1229=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions 1688=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1230 1689
1231=over 4 1690=over 4
1232 1691
1253Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1712Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
1254readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1713readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
1255attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1714attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
1256 1715
1257 static void 1716 static void
1258 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1717 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1259 { 1718 {
1260 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1719 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
1261 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and handle any I/O errors 1720 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and handle any I/O errors
1262 } 1721 }
1263 1722
1264 ... 1723 ...
1265 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1724 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1266 struct ev_io stdin_readable; 1725 ev_io stdin_readable;
1267 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1726 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1268 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1727 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1269 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1728 ev_run (loop, 0);
1270 1729
1271 1730
1272=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1731=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1273 1732
1274Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1733Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1279year, it will still time out after (roughly) one hour. "Roughly" because 1738year, it will still time out after (roughly) one hour. "Roughly" because
1280detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1739detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1281monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1740monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1282 1741
1283The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has 1742The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1284passed, but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration 1743passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this
1285then order of execution is undefined. 1744might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the
1745same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked
1746before ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is
1747no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1748
1749=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1750
1751Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1752recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1753you want to raise some error after a while.
1754
1755What follows are some ways to handle this problem, from obvious and
1756inefficient to smart and efficient.
1757
1758In the following, a 60 second activity timeout is assumed - a timeout that
1759gets reset to 60 seconds each time there is activity (e.g. each time some
1760data or other life sign was received).
1761
1762=over 4
1763
1764=item 1. Use a timer and stop, reinitialise and start it on activity.
1765
1766This is the most obvious, but not the most simple way: In the beginning,
1767start the watcher:
1768
1769 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 60., 0.);
1770 ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
1771
1772Then, each time there is some activity, C<ev_timer_stop> it, initialise it
1773and start it again:
1774
1775 ev_timer_stop (loop, timer);
1776 ev_timer_set (timer, 60., 0.);
1777 ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
1778
1779This is relatively simple to implement, but means that each time there is
1780some activity, libev will first have to remove the timer from its internal
1781data structure and then add it again. Libev tries to be fast, but it's
1782still not a constant-time operation.
1783
1784=item 2. Use a timer and re-start it with C<ev_timer_again> inactivity.
1785
1786This is the easiest way, and involves using C<ev_timer_again> instead of
1787C<ev_timer_start>.
1788
1789To implement this, configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value
1790of C<60> and then call C<ev_timer_again> at start and each time you
1791successfully read or write some data. If you go into an idle state where
1792you do not expect data to travel on the socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop>
1793the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will automatically restart it if need be.
1794
1795That means you can ignore both the C<ev_timer_start> function and the
1796C<after> argument to C<ev_timer_set>, and only ever use the C<repeat>
1797member and C<ev_timer_again>.
1798
1799At start:
1800
1801 ev_init (timer, callback);
1802 timer->repeat = 60.;
1803 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1804
1805Each time there is some activity:
1806
1807 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1808
1809It is even possible to change the time-out on the fly, regardless of
1810whether the watcher is active or not:
1811
1812 timer->repeat = 30.;
1813 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1814
1815This is slightly more efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1816you want to modify its timeout value, as libev does not have to completely
1817remove and re-insert the timer from/into its internal data structure.
1818
1819It is, however, even simpler than the "obvious" way to do it.
1820
1821=item 3. Let the timer time out, but then re-arm it as required.
1822
1823This method is more tricky, but usually most efficient: Most timeouts are
1824relatively long compared to the intervals between other activity - in
1825our example, within 60 seconds, there are usually many I/O events with
1826associated activity resets.
1827
1828In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone,
1829but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only
1830within the callback:
1831
1832 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity
1833
1834 static void
1835 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1836 {
1837 ev_tstamp now = ev_now (EV_A);
1838 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.;
1839
1840 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out
1841 if (timeout < now)
1842 {
1843 // timeout occurred, take action
1844 }
1845 else
1846 {
1847 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm
1848 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is
1849 // guaranteed to be in the future, so "again" is positive:
1850 w->repeat = timeout - now;
1851 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ w);
1852 }
1853 }
1854
1855To summarise the callback: first calculate the real timeout (defined
1856as "60 seconds after the last activity"), then check if that time has
1857been reached, which means something I<did>, in fact, time out. Otherwise
1858the callback was invoked too early (C<timeout> is in the future), so
1859re-schedule the timer to fire at that future time, to see if maybe we have
1860a timeout then.
1861
1862Note how C<ev_timer_again> is used, taking advantage of the
1863C<ev_timer_again> optimisation when the timer is already running.
1864
1865This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds
1866minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to
1867libev to change the timeout.
1868
1869To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity>
1870to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the
1871callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer:
1872
1873 ev_init (timer, callback);
1874 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1875 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMER);
1876
1877And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1878C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1879
1880 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1881
1882This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1883time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1884
1885Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1886callback :) - just change the timeout and invoke the callback, which will
1887fix things for you.
1888
1889=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts.
1890
1891If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all
1892employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can
1893do even better:
1894
1895When starting the timeout, calculate the timeout value and put the timeout
1896at the I<end> of the list.
1897
1898Then use an C<ev_timer> to fire when the timeout at the I<beginning> of
1899the list is expected to fire (for example, using the technique #3).
1900
1901When there is some activity, remove the timer from the list, recalculate
1902the timeout, append it to the end of the list again, and make sure to
1903update the C<ev_timer> if it was taken from the beginning of the list.
1904
1905This way, one can manage an unlimited number of timeouts in O(1) time for
1906starting, stopping and updating the timers, at the expense of a major
1907complication, and having to use a constant timeout. The constant timeout
1908ensures that the list stays sorted.
1909
1910=back
1911
1912So which method the best?
1913
1914Method #2 is a simple no-brain-required solution that is adequate in most
1915situations. Method #3 requires a bit more thinking, but handles many cases
1916better, and isn't very complicated either. In most case, choosing either
1917one is fine, with #3 being better in typical situations.
1918
1919Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is
1920rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays
1921off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually
1922overkill :)
1286 1923
1287=head3 The special problem of time updates 1924=head3 The special problem of time updates
1288 1925
1289Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at 1926Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1290least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current 1927least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1291time only before and after C<ev_loop> collects new events, which causes a 1928time only before and after C<ev_run> collects new events, which causes a
1292growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling 1929growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1293lots of events in one iteration. 1930lots of events in one iteration.
1294 1931
1295The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1932The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1296time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1933time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1302 1939
1303If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an 1940If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
1304update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update 1941update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
1305()>. 1942()>.
1306 1943
1944=head3 The special problems of suspended animation
1945
1946When you leave the server world it is quite customary to hit machines that
1947can suspend/hibernate - what happens to the clocks during such a suspend?
1948
1949Some quick tests made with a Linux 2.6.28 indicate that a suspend freezes
1950all processes, while the clocks (C<times>, C<CLOCK_MONOTONIC>) continue
1951to run until the system is suspended, but they will not advance while the
1952system is suspended. That means, on resume, it will be as if the program
1953was frozen for a few seconds, but the suspend time will not be counted
1954towards C<ev_timer> when a monotonic clock source is used. The real time
1955clock advanced as expected, but if it is used as sole clocksource, then a
1956long suspend would be detected as a time jump by libev, and timers would
1957be adjusted accordingly.
1958
1959I would not be surprised to see different behaviour in different between
1960operating systems, OS versions or even different hardware.
1961
1962The other form of suspend (job control, or sending a SIGSTOP) will see a
1963time jump in the monotonic clocks and the realtime clock. If the program
1964is suspended for a very long time, and monotonic clock sources are in use,
1965then you can expect C<ev_timer>s to expire as the full suspension time
1966will be counted towards the timers. When no monotonic clock source is in
1967use, then libev will again assume a timejump and adjust accordingly.
1968
1969It might be beneficial for this latter case to call C<ev_suspend>
1970and C<ev_resume> in code that handles C<SIGTSTP>, to at least get
1971deterministic behaviour in this case (you can do nothing against
1972C<SIGSTOP>).
1973
1307=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1974=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1308 1975
1309=over 4 1976=over 4
1310 1977
1311=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1978=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1334If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 2001If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1335 2002
1336If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 2003If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1337C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 2004C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1338 2005
1339This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 2006This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a
1340example: Imagine you have a TCP connection and you want a so-called idle 2007usage example.
1341timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
1342seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
1343configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
1344C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
1345you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
1346socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
1347automatically restart it if need be.
1348 2008
1349That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start> 2009=item ev_tstamp ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *)
1350altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
1351 2010
1352 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.); 2011Returns the remaining time until a timer fires. If the timer is active,
1353 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 2012then this time is relative to the current event loop time, otherwise it's
1354 ... 2013the timeout value currently configured.
1355 timer->again = 17.;
1356 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1357 ...
1358 timer->again = 10.;
1359 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1360 2014
1361This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time 2015That is, after an C<ev_timer_set (w, 5, 7)>, C<ev_timer_remaining> returns
1362you want to modify its timeout value. 2016C<5>. When the timer is started and one second passes, C<ev_timer_remaining>
1363 2017will return C<4>. When the timer expires and is restarted, it will return
1364Note, however, that it is often even more efficient to remember the 2018roughly C<7> (likely slightly less as callback invocation takes some time,
1365time of the last activity and let the timer time-out naturally. In the 2019too), and so on.
1366callback, you then check whether the time-out is real, or, if there was
1367some activity, you reschedule the watcher to time-out in "last_activity +
1368timeout - ev_now ()" seconds.
1369 2020
1370=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 2021=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1371 2022
1372The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 2023The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1373or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any), 2024or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any),
1378=head3 Examples 2029=head3 Examples
1379 2030
1380Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 2031Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1381 2032
1382 static void 2033 static void
1383 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 2034 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1384 { 2035 {
1385 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 2036 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
1386 } 2037 }
1387 2038
1388 struct ev_timer mytimer; 2039 ev_timer mytimer;
1389 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 2040 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
1390 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 2041 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
1391 2042
1392Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 2043Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
1393inactivity. 2044inactivity.
1394 2045
1395 static void 2046 static void
1396 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 2047 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1397 { 2048 {
1398 .. ten seconds without any activity 2049 .. ten seconds without any activity
1399 } 2050 }
1400 2051
1401 struct ev_timer mytimer; 2052 ev_timer mytimer;
1402 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 2053 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1403 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 2054 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1404 ev_loop (loop, 0); 2055 ev_run (loop, 0);
1405 2056
1406 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 2057 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1407 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 2058 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1408 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 2059 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1409 2060
1411=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron? 2062=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
1412 2063
1413Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 2064Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
1414(and unfortunately a bit complex). 2065(and unfortunately a bit complex).
1415 2066
1416Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 2067Unlike C<ev_timer>, periodic watchers are not based on real time (or
1417but on wall clock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 2068relative time, the physical time that passes) but on wall clock time
1418to trigger after some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 2069(absolute time, the thing you can read on your calender or clock). The
1419periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifying e.g. C<ev_now () 2070difference is that wall clock time can run faster or slower than real
1420+ 10.>, that is, an absolute time not a delay) and then reset your system 2071time, and time jumps are not uncommon (e.g. when you adjust your
1421clock to January of the previous year, then it will take more than year 2072wrist-watch).
1422to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger
1423roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout).
1424 2073
2074You can tell a periodic watcher to trigger after some specific point
2075in time: for example, if you tell a periodic watcher to trigger "in 10
2076seconds" (by specifying e.g. C<ev_now () + 10.>, that is, an absolute time
2077not a delay) and then reset your system clock to January of the previous
2078year, then it will take a year or more to trigger the event (unlike an
2079C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger roughly 10 seconds after starting
2080it, as it uses a relative timeout).
2081
1425C<ev_periodic>s can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, 2082C<ev_periodic> watchers can also be used to implement vastly more complex
1426such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or other 2083timers, such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or
1427complicated rules. 2084other complicated rules. This cannot be done with C<ev_timer> watchers, as
2085those cannot react to time jumps.
1428 2086
1429As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the 2087As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1430time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 2088point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple
1431during the same loop iteration, then order of execution is undefined. 2089timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with
2090earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values
2091(but this is no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1432 2092
1433=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2093=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1434 2094
1435=over 4 2095=over 4
1436 2096
1437=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 2097=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp offset, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1438 2098
1439=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 2099=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp offset, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1440 2100
1441Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 2101Lots of arguments, let's sort it out... There are basically three modes of
1442operation, and we will explain them from simplest to most complex: 2102operation, and we will explain them from simplest to most complex:
1443 2103
1444=over 4 2104=over 4
1445 2105
1446=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 2106=item * absolute timer (offset = absolute time, interval = 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1447 2107
1448In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock 2108In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock
1449time C<at> has passed. It will not repeat and will not adjust when a time 2109time C<offset> has passed. It will not repeat and will not adjust when a
1450jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will 2110time jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it
1451only run when the system clock reaches or surpasses this time. 2111will be stopped and invoked when the system clock reaches or surpasses
2112this point in time.
1452 2113
1453=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 2114=item * repeating interval timer (offset = offset within interval, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1454 2115
1455In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 2116In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1456C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative) 2117C<offset + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be
1457and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. 2118negative) and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. The C<offset>
2119argument is merely an offset into the C<interval> periods.
1458 2120
1459This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to the 2121This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to the
1460system clock, for example, here is a C<ev_periodic> that triggers each 2122system clock, for example, here is an C<ev_periodic> that triggers each
1461hour, on the hour: 2123hour, on the hour (with respect to UTC):
1462 2124
1463 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 2125 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1464 2126
1465This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers, 2127This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers,
1466but only that the callback will be called when the system time shows a 2128but only that the callback will be called when the system time shows a
1467full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible 2129full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
1468by 3600. 2130by 3600.
1469 2131
1470Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 2132Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1471C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 2133C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1472time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 2134time where C<time = offset (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1473 2135
1474For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near 2136For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<offset> value is near
1475C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for 2137C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1476this value, and in fact is often specified as zero. 2138this value, and in fact is often specified as zero.
1477 2139
1478Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU 2140Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
1479speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability 2141speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
1480will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one 2142will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
1481millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough). 2143millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
1482 2144
1483=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback) 2145=item * manual reschedule mode (offset ignored, interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1484 2146
1485In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 2147In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<offset> are both being
1486ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 2148ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1487reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 2149reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1488current time as second argument. 2150current time as second argument.
1489 2151
1490NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 2152NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, ever,
1491ever, or make ANY event loop modifications whatsoever>. 2153or make ANY other event loop modifications whatsoever, unless explicitly
2154allowed by documentation here>.
1492 2155
1493If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop 2156If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop
1494it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the 2157it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the
1495only event loop modification you are allowed to do). 2158only event loop modification you are allowed to do).
1496 2159
1497The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic 2160The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic
1498*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 2161*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1499 2162
2163 static ev_tstamp
1500 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 2164 my_rescheduler (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1501 { 2165 {
1502 return now + 60.; 2166 return now + 60.;
1503 } 2167 }
1504 2168
1505It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value 2169It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value
1525a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 2189a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1526program when the crontabs have changed). 2190program when the crontabs have changed).
1527 2191
1528=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *) 2192=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *)
1529 2193
1530When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to 2194When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed
1531trigger next. 2195to trigger next. This is not the same as the C<offset> argument to
2196C<ev_periodic_set>, but indeed works even in interval and manual
2197rescheduling modes.
1532 2198
1533=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write] 2199=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1534 2200
1535When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the 2201When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1536absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>). 2202absolute point in time (the C<offset> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>,
2203although libev might modify this value for better numerical stability).
1537 2204
1538Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic 2205Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1539timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 2206timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1540 2207
1541=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 2208=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1542 2209
1543The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 2210The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1544take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being 2211take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1545called. 2212called.
1546 2213
1547=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write] 2214=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1548 2215
1549The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 2216The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1550switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 2217switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1551the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 2218the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1552 2219
1557Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 2224Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1558system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 2225system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1559potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability. 2226potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1560 2227
1561 static void 2228 static void
1562 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 2229 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_periodic *w, int revents)
1563 { 2230 {
1564 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 2231 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1565 } 2232 }
1566 2233
1567 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 2234 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1568 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 2235 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1569 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 2236 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1570 2237
1571Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 2238Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1572 2239
1573 #include <math.h> 2240 #include <math.h>
1574 2241
1575 static ev_tstamp 2242 static ev_tstamp
1576 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 2243 my_scheduler_cb (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1577 { 2244 {
1578 return now + (3600. - fmod (now, 3600.)); 2245 return now + (3600. - fmod (now, 3600.));
1579 } 2246 }
1580 2247
1581 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 2248 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1582 2249
1583Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now: 2250Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1584 2251
1585 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 2252 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1586 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 2253 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1587 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 2254 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1588 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 2255 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1589 2256
1590 2257
1593Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 2260Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1594signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 2261signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
1595will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 2262will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
1596normal event processing, like any other event. 2263normal event processing, like any other event.
1597 2264
1598If you want signals asynchronously, just use C<sigaction> as you would 2265If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use
1599do without libev and forget about sharing the signal. You can even use 2266C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing
1600C<ev_async> from a signal handler to synchronously wake up an event loop. 2267the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to
2268synchronously wake up an event loop.
1601 2269
1602You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the 2270You can configure as many watchers as you like for the same signal, but
2271only within the same loop, i.e. you can watch for C<SIGINT> in your
2272default loop and for C<SIGIO> in another loop, but you cannot watch for
2273C<SIGINT> in both the default loop and another loop at the same time. At
2274the moment, C<SIGCHLD> is permanently tied to the default loop.
2275
1603first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal handler 2276When the first watcher gets started will libev actually register something
1604with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as 2277with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as
1605you don't register any with libev for the same signal). Similarly, when 2278you don't register any with libev for the same signal).
1606the last signal watcher for a signal is stopped, libev will reset the
1607signal handler to SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1608 2279
1609If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with 2280If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1610C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly 2281C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should
1611interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by 2282not be unduly interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting
1612signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock 2283interrupted by signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher
1613them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher. 2284and unblock them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
2285
2286=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create
2287
2288Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition
2289(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after
2290stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal,
2291and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler.
2292
2293While this does not matter for the signal disposition (libev never
2294sets signals to C<SIG_IGN>, so handlers will be reset to C<SIG_DFL> on
2295C<execve>), this matters for the signal mask: many programs do not expect
2296certain signals to be blocked.
2297
2298This means that before calling C<exec> (from the child) you should reset
2299the signal mask to whatever "default" you expect (all clear is a good
2300choice usually).
2301
2302The simplest way to ensure that the signal mask is reset in the child is
2303to install a fork handler with C<pthread_atfork> that resets it. That will
2304catch fork calls done by libraries (such as the libc) as well.
2305
2306In current versions of libev, the signal will not be blocked indefinitely
2307unless you use the C<signalfd> API (C<EV_SIGNALFD>). While this reduces
2308the window of opportunity for problems, it will not go away, as libev
2309I<has> to modify the signal mask, at least temporarily.
2310
2311So I can't stress this enough: I<If you do not reset your signal mask when
2312you expect it to be empty, you have a race condition in your code>. This
2313is not a libev-specific thing, this is true for most event libraries.
1614 2314
1615=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2315=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1616 2316
1617=over 4 2317=over 4
1618 2318
1632=head3 Examples 2332=head3 Examples
1633 2333
1634Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT. 2334Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
1635 2335
1636 static void 2336 static void
1637 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 2337 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
1638 { 2338 {
1639 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 2339 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
1640 } 2340 }
1641 2341
1642 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 2342 ev_signal signal_watcher;
1643 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 2343 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1644 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher); 2344 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
1645 2345
1646 2346
1647=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 2347=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1650some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies or 2350some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies or
1651exits). It is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child 2351exits). It is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child
1652has been forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long 2352has been forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long
1653as the event loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher), i.e., 2353as the event loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher), i.e.,
1654forking and then immediately registering a watcher for the child is fine, 2354forking and then immediately registering a watcher for the child is fine,
1655but forking and registering a watcher a few event loop iterations later is 2355but forking and registering a watcher a few event loop iterations later or
1656not. 2356in the next callback invocation is not.
1657 2357
1658Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore 2358Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
1659you can only register child watchers in the default event loop. 2359you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
1660 2360
2361Due to some design glitches inside libev, child watchers will always be
2362handled at maximum priority (their priority is set to C<EV_MAXPRI> by
2363libev)
2364
1661=head3 Process Interaction 2365=head3 Process Interaction
1662 2366
1663Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is 2367Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
1664initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if 2368initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if the
1665the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence 2369first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
1666of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done 2370of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
1667synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all 2371synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
1668children, even ones not watched. 2372children, even ones not watched.
1669 2373
1670=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing 2374=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
1680=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher 2384=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
1681 2385
1682Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the 2386Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
1683child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the 2387child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
1684callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically 2388callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
1685when a child exit is detected. 2389when a child exit is detected (calling C<ev_child_stop> twice is not a
2390problem).
1686 2391
1687=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2392=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1688 2393
1689=over 4 2394=over 4
1690 2395
1722its completion. 2427its completion.
1723 2428
1724 ev_child cw; 2429 ev_child cw;
1725 2430
1726 static void 2431 static void
1727 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents) 2432 child_cb (EV_P_ ev_child *w, int revents)
1728 { 2433 {
1729 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w); 2434 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
1730 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus); 2435 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1731 } 2436 }
1732 2437
1747 2452
1748 2453
1749=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 2454=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1750 2455
1751This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 2456This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1752C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed 2457C<stat> on that path in regular intervals (or when the OS says it changed)
1753compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did. 2458and sees if it changed compared to the last time, invoking the callback if
2459it did.
1754 2460
1755The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 2461The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1756not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 2462not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does not
1757not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is 2463exist" (or more correctly "path cannot be stat'ed") is signified by the
1758otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of 2464C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is otherwise always forced to be at
1759the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 2465least one) and all the other fields of the stat buffer having unspecified
2466contents.
1760 2467
1761The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is 2468The path I<must not> end in a slash or contain special components such as
2469C<.> or C<..>. The path I<should> be absolute: If it is relative and
1762relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined. 2470your working directory changes, then the behaviour is undefined.
1763 2471
1764Since there is no standard kernel interface to do this, the portable 2472Since there is no portable change notification interface available, the
1765implementation simply calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if 2473portable implementation simply calls C<stat(2)> regularly on the path
1766it changed somehow. You can specify a recommended polling interval for 2474to see if it changed somehow. You can specify a recommended polling
1767this case. If you specify a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) 2475interval for this case. If you specify a polling interval of C<0> (highly
1768then a I<suitable, unspecified default> value will be used (which 2476recommended!) then a I<suitable, unspecified default> value will be used
1769you can expect to be around five seconds, although this might change 2477(which you can expect to be around five seconds, although this might
1770dynamically). Libev will also impose a minimum interval which is currently 2478change dynamically). Libev will also impose a minimum interval which is
1771around C<0.1>, but thats usually overkill. 2479currently around C<0.1>, but that's usually overkill.
1772 2480
1773This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 2481This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1774as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 2482as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1775resource-intensive. 2483resource-intensive.
1776 2484
1777At the time of this writing, the only OS-specific interface implemented 2485At the time of this writing, the only OS-specific interface implemented
1778is the Linux inotify interface (implementing kqueue support is left as 2486is the Linux inotify interface (implementing kqueue support is left as an
1779an exercise for the reader. Note, however, that the author sees no way 2487exercise for the reader. Note, however, that the author sees no way of
1780of implementing C<ev_stat> semantics with kqueue). 2488implementing C<ev_stat> semantics with kqueue, except as a hint).
1781 2489
1782=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support) 2490=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1783 2491
1784Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default 2492Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
1785compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file 2493compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file
1786support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat 2494support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
1787structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to 2495structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to
1788use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to 2496use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to
1789compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is 2497compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is
1790obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is 2498obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is
1791most noticeably disabled with ev_stat and large file support. 2499most noticeably displayed with ev_stat and large file support.
1792 2500
1793The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large 2501The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large
1794file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not 2502file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not
1795optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has 2503optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has
1796to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the 2504to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the
1797default compilation environment. 2505default compilation environment.
1798 2506
1799=head3 Inotify and Kqueue 2507=head3 Inotify and Kqueue
1800 2508
1801When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only 2509When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev and present at
1802available with Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up 2510runtime, it will be used to speed up change detection where possible. The
1803change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily 2511inotify descriptor will be created lazily when the first C<ev_stat>
1804when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started. 2512watcher is being started.
1805 2513
1806Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers 2514Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1807except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid 2515except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1808making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support 2516making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support
1809there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling, 2517there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling,
1810but as long as the path exists, libev usually gets away without polling. 2518but as long as kernel 2.6.25 or newer is used (2.6.24 and older have too
2519many bugs), the path exists (i.e. stat succeeds), and the path resides on
2520a local filesystem (libev currently assumes only ext2/3, jfs, reiserfs and
2521xfs are fully working) libev usually gets away without polling.
1811 2522
1812There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to 2523There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1813implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file 2524implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1814descriptor open on the object at all times, and detecting renames, unlinks 2525descriptor open on the object at all times, and detecting renames, unlinks
1815etc. is difficult. 2526etc. is difficult.
1816 2527
2528=head3 C<stat ()> is a synchronous operation
2529
2530Libev doesn't normally do any kind of I/O itself, and so is not blocking
2531the process. The exception are C<ev_stat> watchers - those call C<stat
2532()>, which is a synchronous operation.
2533
2534For local paths, this usually doesn't matter: unless the system is very
2535busy or the intervals between stat's are large, a stat call will be fast,
2536as the path data is usually in memory already (except when starting the
2537watcher).
2538
2539For networked file systems, calling C<stat ()> can block an indefinite
2540time due to network issues, and even under good conditions, a stat call
2541often takes multiple milliseconds.
2542
2543Therefore, it is best to avoid using C<ev_stat> watchers on networked
2544paths, although this is fully supported by libev.
2545
1817=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution 2546=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1818 2547
1819The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably, and 2548The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably,
1820even on systems where the resolution is higher, most file systems still 2549and even on systems where the resolution is higher, most file systems
1821only support whole seconds. 2550still only support whole seconds.
1822 2551
1823That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can 2552That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can
1824easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and 2553easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and
1825calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update 2554calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update
1826within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect unless the 2555within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect unless the
1969 2698
1970=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2699=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1971 2700
1972=over 4 2701=over 4
1973 2702
1974=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 2703=item ev_idle_init (ev_idle *, callback)
1975 2704
1976Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any 2705Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any
1977kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 2706kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1978believe me. 2707believe me.
1979 2708
1983 2712
1984Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 2713Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1985callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 2714callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1986 2715
1987 static void 2716 static void
1988 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 2717 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents)
1989 { 2718 {
1990 free (w); 2719 free (w);
1991 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 2720 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1992 // no longer anything immediate to do. 2721 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1993 } 2722 }
1994 2723
1995 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 2724 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle));
1996 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 2725 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1997 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 2726 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_watcher);
1998 2727
1999 2728
2000=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 2729=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
2001 2730
2002Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs: 2731Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
2003prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2732prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
2004afterwards. 2733afterwards.
2005 2734
2006You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter 2735You I<must not> call C<ev_run> or similar functions that enter
2007the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 2736the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
2008watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The 2737watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The
2009rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in 2738rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in
2010those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking, 2739those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,
2011C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be 2740C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
2081 2810
2082 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 2811 static ev_io iow [nfd];
2083 static ev_timer tw; 2812 static ev_timer tw;
2084 2813
2085 static void 2814 static void
2086 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2815 io_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
2087 { 2816 {
2088 } 2817 }
2089 2818
2090 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 2819 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
2091 static void 2820 static void
2092 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 2821 adns_prepare_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
2093 { 2822 {
2094 int timeout = 3600000; 2823 int timeout = 3600000;
2095 struct pollfd fds [nfd]; 2824 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
2096 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 2825 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
2097 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 2826 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
2098 2827
2099 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 2828 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
2100 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 2829 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3, 0.);
2101 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 2830 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
2102 2831
2103 // create one ev_io per pollfd 2832 // create one ev_io per pollfd
2104 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2833 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
2105 { 2834 {
2112 } 2841 }
2113 } 2842 }
2114 2843
2115 // stop all watchers after blocking 2844 // stop all watchers after blocking
2116 static void 2845 static void
2117 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 2846 adns_check_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
2118 { 2847 {
2119 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 2848 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
2120 2849
2121 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2850 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
2122 { 2851 {
2179 2908
2180 if (timeout >= 0) 2909 if (timeout >= 0)
2181 // create/start timer 2910 // create/start timer
2182 2911
2183 // poll 2912 // poll
2184 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2913 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
2185 2914
2186 // stop timer again 2915 // stop timer again
2187 if (timeout >= 0) 2916 if (timeout >= 0)
2188 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2917 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
2189 2918
2218some fds have to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency), 2947some fds have to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency),
2219and even priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In 2948and even priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In
2220this case you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all 2949this case you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all
2221the rest in a second one, and embed the second one in the first. 2950the rest in a second one, and embed the second one in the first.
2222 2951
2223As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every time 2952As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every
2224there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback must then 2953time there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback
2225call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single sweep and invoke 2954must then call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single
2226their callbacks (you could also start an idle watcher to give the embedded 2955sweep and invoke their callbacks (the callback doesn't need to invoke the
2227loop strictly lower priority for example). You can also set the callback 2956C<ev_embed_sweep> function directly, it could also start an idle watcher
2228to C<0>, in which case the embed watcher will automatically execute the 2957to give the embedded loop strictly lower priority for example).
2229embedded loop sweep.
2230 2958
2231As long as the watcher is started it will automatically handle events. The 2959You can also set the callback to C<0>, in which case the embed watcher
2232callback will be invoked whenever some events have been handled. You can 2960will automatically execute the embedded loop sweep whenever necessary.
2233set the callback to C<0> to avoid having to specify one if you are not
2234interested in that.
2235 2961
2236Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking: 2962Fork detection will be handled transparently while the C<ev_embed> watcher
2237when you fork, you not only have to call C<ev_loop_fork> on both loops, 2963is active, i.e., the embedded loop will automatically be forked when the
2238but you will also have to stop and restart any C<ev_embed> watchers 2964embedding loop forks. In other cases, the user is responsible for calling
2239yourself - but you can use a fork watcher to handle this automatically, 2965C<ev_loop_fork> on the embedded loop.
2240and future versions of libev might do just that.
2241 2966
2242Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable: only the ones returned by 2967Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable: only the ones returned by
2243C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any 2968C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any
2244portable one. 2969portable one.
2245 2970
2271if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 2996if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
2272 2997
2273=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 2998=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2274 2999
2275Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 3000Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2276similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 3001similarly to C<ev_run (embedded_loop, EVRUN_NOWAIT)>, but in the most
2277appropriate way for embedded loops. 3002appropriate way for embedded loops.
2278 3003
2279=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 3004=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2280 3005
2281The embedded event loop. 3006The embedded event loop.
2290C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be 3015C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
2291used). 3016used).
2292 3017
2293 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 3018 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
2294 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 3019 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
2295 struct ev_embed embed; 3020 ev_embed embed;
2296 3021
2297 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 3022 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
2298 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 3023 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
2299 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 3024 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
2300 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 3025 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
2314kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in 3039kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2315C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 3040C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2316 3041
2317 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 3042 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2318 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 3043 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2319 struct ev_embed embed; 3044 ev_embed embed;
2320 3045
2321 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 3046 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2322 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 3047 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2323 { 3048 {
2324 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 3049 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2339event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 3064event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
2340and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling 3065and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
2341C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 3066C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
2342handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 3067handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
2343 3068
3069=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible?
3070
3071Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to set
3072up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This
3073sequence should be handled by libev without any problems.
3074
3075This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling
3076in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the
3077fork.
3078
3079The default mode of operation (for libev, with application help to detect
3080forks) is to duplicate all the state in the child, as would be expected
3081when I<either> the parent I<or> the child process continues.
3082
3083When both processes want to continue using libev, then this is usually the
3084wrong result. In that case, usually one process (typically the parent) is
3085supposed to continue with all watchers in place as before, while the other
3086process typically wants to start fresh, i.e. without any active watchers.
3087
3088The cleanest and most efficient way to achieve that with libev is to
3089simply create a new event loop, which of course will be "empty", and
3090use that for new watchers. This has the advantage of not touching more
3091memory than necessary, and thus avoiding the copy-on-write, and the
3092disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support
3093signal watchers).
3094
3095When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for
3096other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call
3097C<ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT)> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>.
3098Destroying the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered
3099watchers, so you have to be careful not to execute code that modifies
3100those watchers. Note also that in that case, you have to re-register any
3101signal watchers.
3102
2344=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 3103=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2345 3104
2346=over 4 3105=over 4
2347 3106
2348=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 3107=item ev_fork_init (ev_fork *, callback)
2349 3108
2350Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 3109Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
2351kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 3110kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2352believe me. 3111really.
2353 3112
2354=back 3113=back
2355 3114
2356 3115
3116=head2 C<ev_cleanup> - even the best things end
3117
3118Cleanup watchers are called just before the event loop is being destroyed
3119by a call to C<ev_loop_destroy>.
3120
3121While there is no guarantee that the event loop gets destroyed, cleanup
3122watchers provide a convenient method to install cleanup hooks for your
3123program, worker threads and so on - you just to make sure to destroy the
3124loop when you want them to be invoked.
3125
3126Cleanup watchers are invoked in the same way as any other watcher. Unlike
3127all other watchers, they do not keep a reference to the event loop (which
3128makes a lot of sense if you think about it). Like all other watchers, you
3129can call libev functions in the callback, except C<ev_cleanup_start>.
3130
3131=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
3132
3133=over 4
3134
3135=item ev_cleanup_init (ev_cleanup *, callback)
3136
3137Initialises and configures the cleanup watcher - it has no parameters of
3138any kind. There is a C<ev_cleanup_set> macro, but using it is utterly
3139pointless, I assure you.
3140
3141=back
3142
3143Example: Register an atexit handler to destroy the default loop, so any
3144cleanup functions are called.
3145
3146 static void
3147 program_exits (void)
3148 {
3149 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
3150 }
3151
3152 ...
3153 atexit (program_exits);
3154
3155
2357=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up another event loop 3156=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop
2358 3157
2359In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other 3158In general, you cannot use an C<ev_run> from multiple threads or other
2360asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event 3159asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
2361loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads). 3160loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
2362 3161
2363Sometimes, however, you need to wake up another event loop you do not 3162Sometimes, however, you need to wake up an event loop you do not control,
2364control, for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what 3163for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what C<ev_async>
2365C<ev_async> watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you 3164watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you can signal
2366can signal it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal 3165it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe.
2367safe.
2368 3166
2369This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals, 3167This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
2370too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed 3168too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
2371(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of 3169(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
2372C<ev_async_sent> calls). 3170C<ev_async_sent> calls).
2377=head3 Queueing 3175=head3 Queueing
2378 3176
2379C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason 3177C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
2380is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a 3178is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
2381multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't 3179multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2382need elaborate support such as pthreads. 3180need elaborate support such as pthreads or unportable memory access
3181semantics.
2383 3182
2384That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own 3183That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own
2385queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your 3184queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your
2386queue: 3185queue:
2387 3186
2465=over 4 3264=over 4
2466 3265
2467=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback) 3266=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback)
2468 3267
2469Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any 3268Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any
2470kind. There is a C<ev_asynd_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 3269kind. There is a C<ev_async_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2471trust me. 3270trust me.
2472 3271
2473=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *) 3272=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2474 3273
2475Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds 3274Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2476an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike 3275an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike
2477C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or 3276C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or
2478similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding 3277similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2479section below on what exactly this means). 3278section below on what exactly this means).
2480 3279
3280Note that, as with other watchers in libev, multiple events might get
3281compressed into a single callback invocation (another way to look at this
3282is that C<ev_async> watchers are level-triggered, set on C<ev_async_send>,
3283reset when the event loop detects that).
3284
2481This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per loop iteration, 3285This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per event loop
2482so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to repeated 3286iteration, so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to
2483calls to C<ev_async_send>. 3287repeated calls to C<ev_async_send> for the same event loop.
2484 3288
2485=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *) 3289=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
2486 3290
2487Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the 3291Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
2488watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the 3292watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
2491C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When 3295C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When
2492the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active, 3296the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active,
2493it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very 3297it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very
2494quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea. 3298quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
2495 3299
2496Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending, only 3300Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending,
2497whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending. 3301only whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending: there
3302is a time window between the event loop checking and resetting the async
3303notification, and the callback being invoked.
2498 3304
2499=back 3305=back
2500 3306
2501 3307
2502=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 3308=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
2519 3325
2520If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 3326If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
2521started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 3327started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
2522repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout. 3328repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout.
2523 3329
2524The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 3330The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and is
2525passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 3331passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
2526C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg> 3332C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMER>) and the C<arg>
2527value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both> 3333value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both>
2528a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io 3334a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io
2529events precedence. 3335events precedence.
2530 3336
2531Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO. 3337Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO.
2532 3338
2533 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 3339 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2534 { 3340 {
2535 if (revents & EV_READ) 3341 if (revents & EV_READ)
2536 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 3342 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2537 else if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 3343 else if (revents & EV_TIMER)
2538 /* doh, nothing entered */; 3344 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2539 } 3345 }
2540 3346
2541 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 3347 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2542 3348
2543=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2544
2545Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
2546had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
2547initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).
2548
2549=item ev_feed_fd_event (ev_loop *, int fd, int revents) 3349=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents)
2550 3350
2551Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 3351Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2552the given events it. 3352the given events it.
2553 3353
2554=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum) 3354=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum)
2555 3355
2556Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default 3356Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
2557loop!). 3357loop!).
2558 3358
2559=back 3359=back
2639 3439
2640=over 4 3440=over 4
2641 3441
2642=item ev::TYPE::TYPE () 3442=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
2643 3443
2644=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *) 3444=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (loop)
2645 3445
2646=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 3446=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
2647 3447
2648The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher 3448The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
2649with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>. 3449with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
2681 3481
2682 myclass obj; 3482 myclass obj;
2683 ev::io iow; 3483 ev::io iow;
2684 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 3484 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2685 3485
3486=item w->set (object *)
3487
3488This is a variation of a method callback - leaving out the method to call
3489will default the method to C<operator ()>, which makes it possible to use
3490functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all
3491the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument
3492list.
3493
3494The C<operator ()> method prototype must be C<void operator ()(watcher &w,
3495int revents)>.
3496
3497See the method-C<set> above for more details.
3498
3499Example: use a functor object as callback.
3500
3501 struct myfunctor
3502 {
3503 void operator() (ev::io &w, int revents)
3504 {
3505 ...
3506 }
3507 }
3508
3509 myfunctor f;
3510
3511 ev::io w;
3512 w.set (&f);
3513
2686=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0) 3514=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2687 3515
2688Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as 3516Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2689callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's 3517callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2690C<data> member and is free for you to use. 3518C<data> member and is free for you to use.
2696Example: Use a plain function as callback. 3524Example: Use a plain function as callback.
2697 3525
2698 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 3526 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2699 iow.set <io_cb> (); 3527 iow.set <io_cb> ();
2700 3528
2701=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 3529=item w->set (loop)
2702 3530
2703Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 3531Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
2704do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 3532do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
2705 3533
2706=item w->set ([arguments]) 3534=item w->set ([arguments])
2707 3535
2708Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be 3536Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Either this
2709called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 3537method or a suitable start method must be called at least once. Unlike the
2710automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 3538C counterpart, an active watcher gets automatically stopped and restarted
2711method. 3539when reconfiguring it with this method.
2712 3540
2713=item w->start () 3541=item w->start ()
2714 3542
2715Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the 3543Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
2716constructor already stores the event loop. 3544constructor already stores the event loop.
2717 3545
3546=item w->start ([arguments])
3547
3548Instead of calling C<set> and C<start> methods separately, it is often
3549convenient to wrap them in one call. Uses the same type of arguments as
3550the configure C<set> method of the watcher.
3551
2718=item w->stop () 3552=item w->stop ()
2719 3553
2720Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 3554Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
2721 3555
2722=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only) 3556=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
2734 3568
2735=back 3569=back
2736 3570
2737=back 3571=back
2738 3572
2739Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 3573Example: Define a class with two I/O and idle watchers, start the I/O
2740the constructor. 3574watchers in the constructor.
2741 3575
2742 class myclass 3576 class myclass
2743 { 3577 {
2744 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 3578 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3579 ev::io2 io2 ; void io2_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2745 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 3580 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2746 3581
2747 myclass (int fd) 3582 myclass (int fd)
2748 { 3583 {
2749 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 3584 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
3585 io2 .set <myclass, &myclass::io2_cb > (this);
2750 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 3586 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2751 3587
2752 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 3588 io.set (fd, ev::WRITE); // configure the watcher
3589 io.start (); // start it whenever convenient
3590
3591 io2.start (fd, ev::READ); // set + start in one call
2753 } 3592 }
2754 }; 3593 };
2755 3594
2756 3595
2757=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS 3596=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
2776L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>. 3615L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
2777 3616
2778=item Python 3617=item Python
2779 3618
2780Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It 3619Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It
2781seems to be quite complete and well-documented. Note, however, that the 3620seems to be quite complete and well-documented.
2782patch they require for libev is outright dangerous as it breaks the ABI
2783for everybody else, and therefore, should never be applied in an installed
2784libev (if python requires an incompatible ABI then it needs to embed
2785libev).
2786 3621
2787=item Ruby 3622=item Ruby
2788 3623
2789Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset 3624Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
2790of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and 3625of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and
2791more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at 3626more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
2792L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>. 3627L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
2793 3628
3629Roger Pack reports that using the link order C<-lws2_32 -lmsvcrt-ruby-190>
3630makes rev work even on mingw.
3631
3632=item Haskell
3633
3634A haskell binding to libev is available at
3635L<http://hackage.haskell.org/cgi-bin/hackage-scripts/package/hlibev>.
3636
2794=item D 3637=item D
2795 3638
2796Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to 3639Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
2797be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>. 3640be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>.
3641
3642=item Ocaml
3643
3644Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
3645L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
3646
3647=item Lua
3648
3649Brian Maher has written a partial interface to libev for lua (at the
3650time of this writing, only C<ev_io> and C<ev_timer>), to be found at
3651L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>.
2798 3652
2799=back 3653=back
2800 3654
2801 3655
2802=head1 MACRO MAGIC 3656=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2816loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 3670loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
2817C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 3671C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2818 3672
2819 ev_unref (EV_A); 3673 ev_unref (EV_A);
2820 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 3674 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2821 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 3675 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
2822 3676
2823It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 3677It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2824which is often provided by the following macro. 3678which is often provided by the following macro.
2825 3679
2826=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 3680=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2866 } 3720 }
2867 3721
2868 ev_check check; 3722 ev_check check;
2869 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 3723 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
2870 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 3724 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
2871 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 3725 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
2872 3726
2873=head1 EMBEDDING 3727=head1 EMBEDDING
2874 3728
2875Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 3729Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
2876applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 3730applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
2903 3757
2904 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 3758 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2905 #include "ev.h" 3759 #include "ev.h"
2906 3760
2907Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++ 3761Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
2908compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated 3762compiler (at least, that's a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
2909as a bug). 3763as a bug).
2910 3764
2911You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory 3765You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
2912in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev): 3766in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
2913 3767
2956 libev.m4 3810 libev.m4
2957 3811
2958=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 3812=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
2959 3813
2960Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to 3814Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
2961define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of 3815define before including (or compiling) any of its files. The default in
2962autoconf is documented for every option. 3816the absence of autoconf is documented for every option.
3817
3818Symbols marked with "(h)" do not change the ABI, and can have different
3819values when compiling libev vs. including F<ev.h>, so it is permissible
3820to redefine them before including F<ev.h> without breaking compatibility
3821to a compiled library. All other symbols change the ABI, which means all
3822users of libev and the libev code itself must be compiled with compatible
3823settings.
2963 3824
2964=over 4 3825=over 4
2965 3826
3827=item EV_COMPAT3 (h)
3828
3829Backwards compatibility is a major concern for libev. This is why this
3830release of libev comes with wrappers for the functions and symbols that
3831have been renamed between libev version 3 and 4.
3832
3833You can disable these wrappers (to test compatibility with future
3834versions) by defining C<EV_COMPAT3> to C<0> when compiling your
3835sources. This has the additional advantage that you can drop the C<struct>
3836from C<struct ev_loop> declarations, as libev will provide an C<ev_loop>
3837typedef in that case.
3838
3839In some future version, the default for C<EV_COMPAT3> will become C<0>,
3840and in some even more future version the compatibility code will be
3841removed completely.
3842
2966=item EV_STANDALONE 3843=item EV_STANDALONE (h)
2967 3844
2968Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which 3845Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which
2969keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy 3846keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy
2970implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not 3847implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not
2971supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in 3848supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in
2972F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 3849F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
2973 3850
3851In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the
3852configuration, but has to be more conservative.
3853
2974=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 3854=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
2975 3855
2976If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3856If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2977monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no use 3857monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no
2978of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 3858use of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this,
2979usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 3859you usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it
2980the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have 3860when the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
2981to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 3861to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
2982function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 3862function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). See also C<EV_USE_CLOCK_SYSCALL>.
2983 3863
2984=item EV_USE_REALTIME 3864=item EV_USE_REALTIME
2985 3865
2986If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3866If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2987real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability at 3867real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability
2988runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock option will 3868at runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock
2989be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 3869option will be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday>
2990(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the 3870by C<clock_get (CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect
2991note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 3871correctness. See the note about libraries in the description of
3872C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. Defaults to the opposite value of
3873C<EV_USE_CLOCK_SYSCALL>.
3874
3875=item EV_USE_CLOCK_SYSCALL
3876
3877If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to use a direct syscall instead
3878of calling the system-provided C<clock_gettime> function. This option
3879exists because on GNU/Linux, C<clock_gettime> is in C<librt>, but C<librt>
3880unconditionally pulls in C<libpthread>, slowing down single-threaded
3881programs needlessly. Using a direct syscall is slightly slower (in
3882theory), because no optimised vdso implementation can be used, but avoids
3883the pthread dependency. Defaults to C<1> on GNU/Linux with glibc 2.x or
3884higher, as it simplifies linking (no need for C<-lrt>).
2992 3885
2993=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP 3886=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2994 3887
2995If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available 3888If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2996and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>. 3889and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
3012 3905
3013=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET 3906=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
3014 3907
3015If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set> 3908If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set>
3016structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing 3909structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing
3017C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it mis-guesses the bitset layout on 3910C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it mis-guesses the bitset layout
3018exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some 3911on exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to
3019low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only 3912some low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket
3020allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might 3913only allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation,
3021influence the size of the C<fd_set> used. 3914configures the maximum size of the C<fd_set>.
3022 3915
3023=item EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 3916=item EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET
3024 3917
3025When defined to C<1>, the select backend will assume that 3918When defined to C<1>, the select backend will assume that
3026select/socket/connect etc. don't understand file descriptors but 3919select/socket/connect etc. don't understand file descriptors but
3028be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call 3921be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call
3029C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise, 3922C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise,
3030it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even 3923it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
3031on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms. 3924on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.
3032 3925
3033=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE 3926=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE(fd)
3034 3927
3035If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map 3928If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map
3036file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the 3929file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the
3037default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually 3930default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually
3038correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management, 3931correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management,
3039in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles. 3932in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles.
3933
3934=item EV_WIN32_HANDLE_TO_FD(handle)
3935
3936If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> then libev maps handles to file descriptors
3937using the standard C<_open_osfhandle> function. For programs implementing
3938their own fd to handle mapping, overwriting this function makes it easier
3939to do so. This can be done by defining this macro to an appropriate value.
3940
3941=item EV_WIN32_CLOSE_FD(fd)
3942
3943If programs implement their own fd to handle mapping on win32, then this
3944macro can be used to override the C<close> function, useful to unregister
3945file descriptors again. Note that the replacement function has to close
3946the underlying OS handle.
3040 3947
3041=item EV_USE_POLL 3948=item EV_USE_POLL
3042 3949
3043If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2) 3950If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
3044backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 3951backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
3091as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers. 3998as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
3092 3999
3093In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 4000In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
3094(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms. 4001(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
3095 4002
3096=item EV_H 4003=item EV_H (h)
3097 4004
3098The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 4005The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
3099undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be 4006undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be
3100used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 4007used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
3101 4008
3102=item EV_CONFIG_H 4009=item EV_CONFIG_H (h)
3103 4010
3104If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override 4011If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
3105F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to 4012F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
3106C<EV_H>, above. 4013C<EV_H>, above.
3107 4014
3108=item EV_EVENT_H 4015=item EV_EVENT_H (h)
3109 4016
3110Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea 4017Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
3111of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">. 4018of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">.
3112 4019
3113=item EV_PROTOTYPES 4020=item EV_PROTOTYPES (h)
3114 4021
3115If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function 4022If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
3116prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is 4023prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
3117occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions 4024occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions
3118around libev functions. 4025around libev functions.
3140fine. 4047fine.
3141 4048
3142If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these 4049If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these
3143both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU. 4050both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
3144 4051
3145=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 4052=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE, EV_IDLE_ENABLE, EV_EMBED_ENABLE, EV_STAT_ENABLE,
4053EV_PREPARE_ENABLE, EV_CHECK_ENABLE, EV_FORK_ENABLE, EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE,
4054EV_ASYNC_ENABLE, EV_CHILD_ENABLE.
3146 4055
3147If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 4056If undefined or defined to be C<1> (and the platform supports it), then
3148defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 4057the respective watcher type is supported. If defined to be C<0>, then it
3149code. 4058is not. Disabling watcher types mainly saves code size.
3150 4059
3151=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE 4060=item EV_FEATURES
3152
3153If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
3154defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
3155code.
3156
3157=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
3158
3159If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
3160defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Embed watchers rely on most other
3161watcher types, which therefore must not be disabled.
3162
3163=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
3164
3165If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
3166defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3167
3168=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
3169
3170If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
3171defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3172
3173=item EV_ASYNC_ENABLE
3174
3175If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then async watchers are supported. If
3176defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3177
3178=item EV_MINIMAL
3179 4061
3180If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 4062If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
3181speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some 4063speed (but with the full API), you can define this symbol to request
3182inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a 4064certain subsets of functionality. The default is to enable all features
3183much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap. 4065that can be enabled on the platform.
4066
4067A typical way to use this symbol is to define it to C<0> (or to a bitset
4068with some broad features you want) and then selectively re-enable
4069additional parts you want, for example if you want everything minimal,
4070but multiple event loop support, async and child watchers and the poll
4071backend, use this:
4072
4073 #define EV_FEATURES 0
4074 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 1
4075 #define EV_USE_POLL 1
4076 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
4077 #define EV_ASYNC_ENABLE 1
4078
4079The actual value is a bitset, it can be a combination of the following
4080values:
4081
4082=over 4
4083
4084=item C<1> - faster/larger code
4085
4086Use larger code to speed up some operations.
4087
4088Currently this is used to override some inlining decisions (enlarging the
4089code size by roughly 30% on amd64).
4090
4091When optimising for size, use of compiler flags such as C<-Os> with
4092gcc is recommended, as well as C<-DNDEBUG>, as libev contains a number of
4093assertions.
4094
4095=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures
4096
4097Replaces the small 2-heap for timer management by a faster 4-heap, larger
4098hash table sizes and so on. This will usually further increase code size
4099and can additionally have an effect on the size of data structures at
4100runtime.
4101
4102=item C<4> - full API configuration
4103
4104This enables priorities (sets C<EV_MAXPRI>=2 and C<EV_MINPRI>=-2), and
4105enables multiplicity (C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>=1).
4106
4107=item C<8> - full API
4108
4109This enables a lot of the "lesser used" API functions. See C<ev.h> for
4110details on which parts of the API are still available without this
4111feature, and do not complain if this subset changes over time.
4112
4113=item C<16> - enable all optional watcher types
4114
4115Enables all optional watcher types. If you want to selectively enable
4116only some watcher types other than I/O and timers (e.g. prepare,
4117embed, async, child...) you can enable them manually by defining
4118C<EV_watchertype_ENABLE> to C<1> instead.
4119
4120=item C<32> - enable all backends
4121
4122This enables all backends - without this feature, you need to enable at
4123least one backend manually (C<EV_USE_SELECT> is a good choice).
4124
4125=item C<64> - enable OS-specific "helper" APIs
4126
4127Enable inotify, eventfd, signalfd and similar OS-specific helper APIs by
4128default.
4129
4130=back
4131
4132Compiling with C<gcc -Os -DEV_STANDALONE -DEV_USE_EPOLL=1 -DEV_FEATURES=0>
4133reduces the compiled size of libev from 24.7Kb code/2.8Kb data to 6.5Kb
4134code/0.3Kb data on my GNU/Linux amd64 system, while still giving you I/O
4135watchers, timers and monotonic clock support.
4136
4137With an intelligent-enough linker (gcc+binutils are intelligent enough
4138when you use C<-Wl,--gc-sections -ffunction-sections>) functions unused by
4139your program might be left out as well - a binary starting a timer and an
4140I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb.
4141
4142=item EV_AVOID_STDIO
4143
4144If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio
4145functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the code size
4146somewhat, but if your program doesn't otherwise depend on stdio and your
4147libc allows it, this avoids linking in the stdio library which is quite
4148big.
4149
4150Note that error messages might become less precise when this option is
4151enabled.
4152
4153=item EV_NSIG
4154
4155The highest supported signal number, +1 (or, the number of
4156signals): Normally, libev tries to deduce the maximum number of signals
4157automatically, but sometimes this fails, in which case it can be
4158specified. Also, using a lower number than detected (C<32> should be
4159good for about any system in existence) can save some memory, as libev
4160statically allocates some 12-24 bytes per signal number.
3184 4161
3185=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 4162=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
3186 4163
3187C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 4164C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
3188pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 4165pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_FEATURES> disabled),
3189than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to 4166usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you
3190increase this value (I<must> be a power of two). 4167might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
3191 4168
3192=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE 4169=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
3193 4170
3194C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 4171C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
3195inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), 4172inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_FEATURES>
3196usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat> 4173disabled), usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of
3197watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of 4174C<ev_stat> watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a
3198two). 4175power of two).
3199 4176
3200=item EV_USE_4HEAP 4177=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3201 4178
3202Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 4179Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3203timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined 4180timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3204to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably 4181to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably
3205faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers. 4182faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3206 4183
3207The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 4184The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3208(disabled). 4185will be C<0>.
3209 4186
3210=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT 4187=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3211 4188
3212Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 4189Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3213timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within 4190timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3214the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>), 4191the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
3215which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code, 4192which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
3216but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance 4193but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3217noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers. 4194noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3218 4195
3219The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 4196The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3220(disabled). 4197will be C<0>.
3221 4198
3222=item EV_VERIFY 4199=item EV_VERIFY
3223 4200
3224Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will 4201Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_verify ()>) will
3225be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled 4202be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
3226in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not 4203in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
3227called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be 4204called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
3228called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the 4205called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
3229verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down 4206verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3230libev considerably. 4207libev considerably.
3231 4208
3232The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be 4209The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3233C<0>. 4210will be C<0>.
3234 4211
3235=item EV_COMMON 4212=item EV_COMMON
3236 4213
3237By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 4214By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
3238this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 4215this macro to something else you can include more and other types of
3239members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files, 4216members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
3240though, and it must be identical each time. 4217though, and it must be identical each time.
3241 4218
3242For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 4219For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
3243 4220
3296file. 4273file.
3297 4274
3298The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 4275The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
3299that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 4276that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
3300 4277
3301 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 4278 #define EV_FEATURES 8
3302 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 4279 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
3303 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
3304 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 4280 #define EV_PREPARE_ENABLE 1
4281 #define EV_IDLE_ENABLE 1
3305 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 4282 #define EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE 1
3306 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 4283 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
4284 #define EV_USE_STDEXCEPT 0
3307 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 4285 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
3308 #define EV_MINPRI 0
3309 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
3310 4286
3311 #include "ev++.h" 4287 #include "ev++.h"
3312 4288
3313And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 4289And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
3314 4290
3374default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop 4350default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
3375watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal. 4351watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
3376 4352
3377=back 4353=back
3378 4354
4355=head4 THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE
4356
4357Here is a fictitious example of how to run an event loop in a different
4358thread than where callbacks are being invoked and watchers are
4359created/added/removed.
4360
4361For a real-world example, see the C<EV::Loop::Async> perl module,
4362which uses exactly this technique (which is suited for many high-level
4363languages).
4364
4365The example uses a pthread mutex to protect the loop data, a condition
4366variable to wait for callback invocations, an async watcher to notify the
4367event loop thread and an unspecified mechanism to wake up the main thread.
4368
4369First, you need to associate some data with the event loop:
4370
4371 typedef struct {
4372 mutex_t lock; /* global loop lock */
4373 ev_async async_w;
4374 thread_t tid;
4375 cond_t invoke_cv;
4376 } userdata;
4377
4378 void prepare_loop (EV_P)
4379 {
4380 // for simplicity, we use a static userdata struct.
4381 static userdata u;
4382
4383 ev_async_init (&u->async_w, async_cb);
4384 ev_async_start (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4385
4386 pthread_mutex_init (&u->lock, 0);
4387 pthread_cond_init (&u->invoke_cv, 0);
4388
4389 // now associate this with the loop
4390 ev_set_userdata (EV_A_ u);
4391 ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (EV_A_ l_invoke);
4392 ev_set_loop_release_cb (EV_A_ l_release, l_acquire);
4393
4394 // then create the thread running ev_loop
4395 pthread_create (&u->tid, 0, l_run, EV_A);
4396 }
4397
4398The callback for the C<ev_async> watcher does nothing: the watcher is used
4399solely to wake up the event loop so it takes notice of any new watchers
4400that might have been added:
4401
4402 static void
4403 async_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
4404 {
4405 // just used for the side effects
4406 }
4407
4408The C<l_release> and C<l_acquire> callbacks simply unlock/lock the mutex
4409protecting the loop data, respectively.
4410
4411 static void
4412 l_release (EV_P)
4413 {
4414 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4415 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4416 }
4417
4418 static void
4419 l_acquire (EV_P)
4420 {
4421 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4422 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4423 }
4424
4425The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
4426into C<ev_run>:
4427
4428 void *
4429 l_run (void *thr_arg)
4430 {
4431 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg;
4432
4433 l_acquire (EV_A);
4434 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0);
4435 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
4436 l_release (EV_A);
4437
4438 return 0;
4439 }
4440
4441Instead of invoking all pending watchers, the C<l_invoke> callback will
4442signal the main thread via some unspecified mechanism (signals? pipe
4443writes? C<Async::Interrupt>?) and then waits until all pending watchers
4444have been called (in a while loop because a) spurious wakeups are possible
4445and b) skipping inter-thread-communication when there are no pending
4446watchers is very beneficial):
4447
4448 static void
4449 l_invoke (EV_P)
4450 {
4451 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4452
4453 while (ev_pending_count (EV_A))
4454 {
4455 wake_up_other_thread_in_some_magic_or_not_so_magic_way ();
4456 pthread_cond_wait (&u->invoke_cv, &u->lock);
4457 }
4458 }
4459
4460Now, whenever the main thread gets told to invoke pending watchers, it
4461will grab the lock, call C<ev_invoke_pending> and then signal the loop
4462thread to continue:
4463
4464 static void
4465 real_invoke_pending (EV_P)
4466 {
4467 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4468
4469 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4470 ev_invoke_pending (EV_A);
4471 pthread_cond_signal (&u->invoke_cv);
4472 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4473 }
4474
4475Whenever you want to start/stop a watcher or do other modifications to an
4476event loop, you will now have to lock:
4477
4478 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
4479 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4480
4481 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
4482
4483 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4484 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ &timeout_watcher);
4485 ev_async_send (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4486 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4487
4488Note that sending the C<ev_async> watcher is required because otherwise
4489an event loop currently blocking in the kernel will have no knowledge
4490about the newly added timer. By waking up the loop it will pick up any new
4491watchers in the next event loop iteration.
4492
3379=head3 COROUTINES 4493=head3 COROUTINES
3380 4494
3381Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 4495Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3382libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different 4496libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
3383coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two 4497coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_run> on the same loop from two
3384different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running the 4498different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running
3385loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that 4499the loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is
3386you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks. 4500that you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3387 4501
3388Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside 4502Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside
3389C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as 4503C<ev_run>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
3390they do not clal any callbacks. 4504they do not call any callbacks.
3391 4505
3392=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS 4506=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
3393 4507
3394Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a 4508Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3395lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently 4509lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently
3405maintainable. 4519maintainable.
3406 4520
3407And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply 4521And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3408wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message 4522wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3409seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some 4523seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some
3410warnings that resulted an extreme number of false positives. These have 4524warnings that resulted in an extreme number of false positives. These have
3411been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with 4525been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with
3412such buggy versions. 4526such buggy versions.
3413 4527
3414While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible, 4528While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
3415"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev 4529"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
3429 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks. 4543 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3430 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks. 4544 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3431 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks. 4545 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3432 4546
3433Then there is no memory leak, just as memory accounted to global variables 4547Then there is no memory leak, just as memory accounted to global variables
3434is not a memleak - the memory is still being refernced, and didn't leak. 4548is not a memleak - the memory is still being referenced, and didn't leak.
3435 4549
3436Similarly, under some circumstances, valgrind might report kernel bugs 4550Similarly, under some circumstances, valgrind might report kernel bugs
3437as if it were a bug in libev (e.g. in realloc or in the poll backend, 4551as if it were a bug in libev (e.g. in realloc or in the poll backend,
3438although an acceptable workaround has been found here), or it might be 4552although an acceptable workaround has been found here), or it might be
3439confused. 4553confused.
3451I suggest using suppression lists. 4565I suggest using suppression lists.
3452 4566
3453 4567
3454=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES 4568=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES
3455 4569
4570=head2 GNU/LINUX 32 BIT LIMITATIONS
4571
4572GNU/Linux is the only common platform that supports 64 bit file/large file
4573interfaces but I<disables> them by default.
4574
4575That means that libev compiled in the default environment doesn't support
4576files larger than 2GiB or so, which mainly affects C<ev_stat> watchers.
4577
4578Unfortunately, many programs try to work around this GNU/Linux issue
4579by enabling the large file API, which makes them incompatible with the
4580standard libev compiled for their system.
4581
4582Likewise, libev cannot enable the large file API itself as this would
4583suddenly make it incompatible to the default compile time environment,
4584i.e. all programs not using special compile switches.
4585
4586=head2 OS/X AND DARWIN BUGS
4587
4588The whole thing is a bug if you ask me - basically any system interface
4589you touch is broken, whether it is locales, poll, kqueue or even the
4590OpenGL drivers.
4591
4592=head3 C<kqueue> is buggy
4593
4594The kqueue syscall is broken in all known versions - most versions support
4595only sockets, many support pipes.
4596
4597Libev tries to work around this by not using C<kqueue> by default on this
4598rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating a
4599loop - embedding a socket-only kqueue loop into a select-based one is
4600probably going to work well.
4601
4602=head3 C<poll> is buggy
4603
4604Instead of fixing C<kqueue>, Apple replaced their (working) C<poll>
4605implementation by something calling C<kqueue> internally around the 10.5.6
4606release, so now C<kqueue> I<and> C<poll> are broken.
4607
4608Libev tries to work around this by not using C<poll> by default on
4609this rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating
4610a loop.
4611
4612=head3 C<select> is buggy
4613
4614All that's left is C<select>, and of course Apple found a way to fuck this
4615one up as well: On OS/X, C<select> actively limits the number of file
4616descriptors you can pass in to 1024 - your program suddenly crashes when
4617you use more.
4618
4619There is an undocumented "workaround" for this - defining
4620C<_DARWIN_UNLIMITED_SELECT>, which libev tries to use, so select I<should>
4621work on OS/X.
4622
4623=head2 SOLARIS PROBLEMS AND WORKAROUNDS
4624
4625=head3 C<errno> reentrancy
4626
4627The default compile environment on Solaris is unfortunately so
4628thread-unsafe that you can't even use components/libraries compiled
4629without C<-D_REENTRANT> in a threaded program, which, of course, isn't
4630defined by default. A valid, if stupid, implementation choice.
4631
4632If you want to use libev in threaded environments you have to make sure
4633it's compiled with C<_REENTRANT> defined.
4634
4635=head3 Event port backend
4636
4637The scalable event interface for Solaris is called "event
4638ports". Unfortunately, this mechanism is very buggy in all major
4639releases. If you run into high CPU usage, your program freezes or you get
4640a large number of spurious wakeups, make sure you have all the relevant
4641and latest kernel patches applied. No, I don't know which ones, but there
4642are multiple ones to apply, and afterwards, event ports actually work
4643great.
4644
4645If you can't get it to work, you can try running the program by setting
4646the environment variable C<LIBEV_FLAGS=3> to only allow C<poll> and
4647C<select> backends.
4648
4649=head2 AIX POLL BUG
4650
4651AIX unfortunately has a broken C<poll.h> header. Libev works around
4652this by trying to avoid the poll backend altogether (i.e. it's not even
4653compiled in), which normally isn't a big problem as C<select> works fine
4654with large bitsets on AIX, and AIX is dead anyway.
4655
3456=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS 4656=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
4657
4658=head3 General issues
3457 4659
3458Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 4660Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
3459requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 4661requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
3460model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 4662model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
3461the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 4663the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
3462descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 4664descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
3463e.g. cygwin. 4665e.g. cygwin. Actually, it only applies to the microsofts own compilers,
4666as every compielr comes with a slightly differently broken/incompatible
4667environment.
3464 4668
3465Lifting these limitations would basically require the full 4669Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
3466re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of 4670re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into this kind of thing,
3467things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable 4671then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable way (note
3468way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man). 4672also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
3469 4673
3470There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 4674There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
3471embedding it into other applications. 4675embedding it into other applications.
4676
4677Sensible signal handling is officially unsupported by Microsoft - libev
4678tries its best, but under most conditions, signals will simply not work.
3472 4679
3473Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't 4680Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
3474accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will 4681accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
3475either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large, 4682either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large,
3476so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a 4683so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a
3481the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets 4688the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
3482is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use 4689is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use
3483more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally 4690more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally
3484different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness 4691different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
3485notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows 4692notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
3486(Microsoft monopoly games). 4693(due to Microsoft monopoly games).
3487 4694
3488A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding 4695A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding
3489section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead 4696section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead
3490of F<ev.h>: 4697of F<ev.h>:
3491 4698
3498you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!): 4705you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!):
3499 4706
3500 #include "evwrap.h" 4707 #include "evwrap.h"
3501 #include "ev.c" 4708 #include "ev.c"
3502 4709
3503=over 4
3504
3505=item The winsocket select function 4710=head3 The winsocket C<select> function
3506 4711
3507The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it 4712The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
3508requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is 4713requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
3509also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also 4714also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
3510requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft 4715requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
3519 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */ 4724 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
3520 4725
3521Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a 4726Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
3522complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 4727complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
3523 4728
3524=item Limited number of file descriptors 4729=head3 Limited number of file descriptors
3525 4730
3526Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. 4731Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
3527 4732
3528Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum 4733Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
3529of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels 4734of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
3530can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft 4735can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft
3531recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the 4736recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
3532previous thread in each. Great). 4737previous thread in each. Sounds great!).
3533 4738
3534Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE> 4739Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
3535to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select 4740to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
3536call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own 4741call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl and many
3537select emulation on windows). 4742other interpreters do their own select emulation on windows).
3538 4743
3539Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime 4744Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime
3540libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish 4745libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64>
3541or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this by calling 4746fetish or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this
3542C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another 4747by calling C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048>
3543arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft runtime 4748(another arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft
3544libraries.
3545
3546This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on 4749runtime libraries. This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets
3547windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to 4750(depending on windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more,
3548wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of 4751you need to wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but
3549calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 4752the cost of calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
3550
3551=back
3552 4753
3553=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS 4754=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
3554 4755
3555In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the 4756In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the
3556backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions: 4757backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions:
3563Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal 4764Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
3564structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also 4765structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
3565assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher 4766assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
3566callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev 4767callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
3567calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally. 4768calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
4769
4770=item pointer accesses must be thread-atomic
4771
4772Accessing a pointer value must be atomic, it must both be readable and
4773writable in one piece - this is the case on all current architectures.
3568 4774
3569=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well 4775=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
3570 4776
3571The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as 4777The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
3572C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different 4778C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
3595watchers. 4801watchers.
3596 4802
3597=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy 4803=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
3598 4804
3599The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to 4805The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
3600have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good 4806have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is
3601enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by 4807good enough for at least into the year 4000 with millisecond accuracy
4808(the design goal for libev). This requirement is overfulfilled by
3602implementations implementing IEEE 754 (basically all existing ones). 4809implementations using IEEE 754, which is basically all existing ones. With
4810IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least 2200.
3603 4811
3604=back 4812=back
3605 4813
3606If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 4814If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
3607 4815
3675involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers. 4883involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
3676 4884
3677=back 4885=back
3678 4886
3679 4887
4888=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X
4889
4890The major version 4 introduced some incompatible changes to the API.
4891
4892At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file provides compatibility definitions
4893for all changes, so most programs should still compile. The compatibility
4894layer might be removed in later versions of libev, so better update to the
4895new API early than late.
4896
4897=over 4
4898
4899=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
4900
4901The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
4902C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L<PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L<EMBEDDING>
4903section.
4904
4905=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed
4906
4907These calls can be replaced easily by their C<ev_loop_xxx> counterparts:
4908
4909 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
4910 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
4911
4912=item function/symbol renames
4913
4914A number of functions and symbols have been renamed:
4915
4916 ev_loop => ev_run
4917 EVLOOP_NONBLOCK => EVRUN_NOWAIT
4918 EVLOOP_ONESHOT => EVRUN_ONCE
4919
4920 ev_unloop => ev_break
4921 EVUNLOOP_CANCEL => EVBREAK_CANCEL
4922 EVUNLOOP_ONE => EVBREAK_ONE
4923 EVUNLOOP_ALL => EVBREAK_ALL
4924
4925 EV_TIMEOUT => EV_TIMER
4926
4927 ev_loop_count => ev_iteration
4928 ev_loop_depth => ev_depth
4929 ev_loop_verify => ev_verify
4930
4931Most functions working on C<struct ev_loop> objects don't have an
4932C<ev_loop_> prefix, so it was removed; C<ev_loop>, C<ev_unloop> and
4933associated constants have been renamed to not collide with the C<struct
4934ev_loop> anymore and C<EV_TIMER> now follows the same naming scheme
4935as all other watcher types. Note that C<ev_loop_fork> is still called
4936C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the C<ev_fork>
4937typedef.
4938
4939=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES>
4940
4941The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different
4942mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile
4943and work, but the library code will of course be larger.
4944
4945=back
4946
4947
4948=head1 GLOSSARY
4949
4950=over 4
4951
4952=item active
4953
4954A watcher is active as long as it has been started and not yet stopped.
4955See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
4956
4957=item application
4958
4959In this document, an application is whatever is using libev.
4960
4961=item backend
4962
4963The part of the code dealing with the operating system interfaces.
4964
4965=item callback
4966
4967The address of a function that is called when some event has been
4968detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that
4969received the event, and the actual event bitset.
4970
4971=item callback/watcher invocation
4972
4973The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4974
4975=item event
4976
4977A change of state of some external event, such as data now being available
4978for reading on a file descriptor, time having passed or simply not having
4979any other events happening anymore.
4980
4981In libev, events are represented as single bits (such as C<EV_READ> or
4982C<EV_TIMER>).
4983
4984=item event library
4985
4986A software package implementing an event model and loop.
4987
4988=item event loop
4989
4990An entity that handles and processes external events and converts them
4991into callback invocations.
4992
4993=item event model
4994
4995The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes
4996watchers and events.
4997
4998=item pending
4999
5000A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been
5001detected. See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
5002
5003=item real time
5004
5005The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
5006
5007=item wall-clock time
5008
5009The time and date as shown on clocks. Unlike real time, it can actually
5010be wrong and jump forwards and backwards, e.g. when the you adjust your
5011clock.
5012
5013=item watcher
5014
5015A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need
5016to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events.
5017
5018=back
5019
3680=head1 AUTHOR 5020=head1 AUTHOR
3681 5021
3682Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 5022Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael
5023Magnusson and Emanuele Giaquinta.
3683 5024

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