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26 puts ("stdin ready"); 26 puts ("stdin ready");
27 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher 27 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
28 // with its corresponding stop function. 28 // with its corresponding stop function.
29 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 29 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
30 30
31 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating 31 // this causes all nested ev_run's to stop iterating
32 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); 32 ev_break (EV_A_ EVBREAK_ALL);
33 } 33 }
34 34
35 // another callback, this time for a time-out 35 // another callback, this time for a time-out
36 static void 36 static void
37 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 37 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
38 { 38 {
39 puts ("timeout"); 39 puts ("timeout");
40 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating 40 // this causes the innermost ev_run to stop iterating
41 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); 41 ev_break (EV_A_ EVBREAK_ONE);
42 } 42 }
43 43
44 int 44 int
45 main (void) 45 main (void)
46 { 46 {
47 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs 47 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
48 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 48 struct ev_loop *loop = EV_DEFAULT;
49 49
50 // initialise an io watcher, then start it 50 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
51 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable 51 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
52 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 52 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
53 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 53 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
56 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout 56 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
57 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 57 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
58 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 58 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
59 59
60 // now wait for events to arrive 60 // now wait for events to arrive
61 ev_loop (loop, 0); 61 ev_run (loop, 0);
62 62
63 // unloop was called, so exit 63 // unloop was called, so exit
64 return 0; 64 return 0;
65 } 65 }
66 66
75While this document tries to be as complete as possible in documenting 75While this document tries to be as complete as possible in documenting
76libev, its usage and the rationale behind its design, it is not a tutorial 76libev, its usage and the rationale behind its design, it is not a tutorial
77on event-based programming, nor will it introduce event-based programming 77on event-based programming, nor will it introduce event-based programming
78with libev. 78with libev.
79 79
80Familarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed 80Familiarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed
81throughout this document. 81throughout this document.
82
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>.
82 90
83=head1 ABOUT LIBEV 91=head1 ABOUT LIBEV
84 92
85Libev 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
86file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage 94file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
124this argument. 132this argument.
125 133
126=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION 134=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
127 135
128Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing 136Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing
129the (fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere 137the (fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (in practice
130near the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This 138somewhere near the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't
131type is called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually 139ask). This type is called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use
132aliases to the C<double> type in C. When you need to do any calculations 140too. It usually aliases to the C<double> type in C. When you need to do
133on it, 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
134component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences 143Unlike the name component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for
135throughout libev. 144time differences (e.g. delays) throughout libev.
136 145
137=head1 ERROR HANDLING 146=head1 ERROR HANDLING
138 147
139Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors 148Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors
140and internal errors (bugs). 149and internal errors (bugs).
164 173
165=item ev_tstamp ev_time () 174=item ev_tstamp ev_time ()
166 175
167Returns 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
168C<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
169you actually want to know. 178you actually want to know. Also interesting is the combination of
179C<ev_update_now> and C<ev_now>.
170 180
171=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 181=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
172 182
173Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 183Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
174either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 184either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
191as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 201as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
192compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 202compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
193not a problem. 203not a problem.
194 204
195Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 205Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
196version. 206version (note, however, that this will not detect other ABI mismatches,
207such as LFS or reentrancy).
197 208
198 assert (("libev version mismatch", 209 assert (("libev version mismatch",
199 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 210 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
200 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 211 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
201 212
212 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 223 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
213 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 224 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
214 225
215=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 226=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
216 227
217Return 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
218recommended 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
219returned 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
220most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it 232and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it (assuming
221(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
222libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 234probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
223 235
224=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 236=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
225 237
226Returns 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
227is the theoretical, all-platform, value. To find which backends 239value is platform-specific but can include backends not available on the
228might be supported on the current system, you would need to look at 240current system. To find which embeddable backends might be supported on
229C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 241the current system, you would need to look at C<ev_embeddable_backends ()
230recommended ones. 242& ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for recommended ones.
231 243
232See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 244See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
233 245
234=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]
235 247
289 ... 301 ...
290 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error); 302 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error);
291 303
292=back 304=back
293 305
294=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 306=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING EVENT LOOPS
295 307
296An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> 308An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> is
297is I<not> optional in this case, as there is also an C<ev_loop> 309I<not> optional in this case unless libev 3 compatibility is disabled, as
298I<function>). 310libev 3 had an C<ev_loop> function colliding with the struct name).
299 311
300The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which 312The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
301supports signals and child events, and dynamically created loops which do 313supports child process events, and dynamically created event loops which
302not. 314do not.
303 315
304=over 4 316=over 4
305 317
306=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 318=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
307 319
308This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised 320This returns the "default" event loop object, which is what you should
309yet 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
310false. 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
311flags. 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".
312 330
313If 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
314function. 332function (or via the C<EV_DEFAULT> macro).
315 333
316Note 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
317from 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
318as loops cannot be shared easily between threads anyway). 336that this case is unlikely, as loops cannot be shared easily between
337threads anyway).
319 338
320The 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,
321C<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
322for 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
323create 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
324can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling 343C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling C<ev_default_init>.
325C<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.
326 363
327The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 364The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
328backends 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>).
329 366
330The following flags are supported: 367The following flags are supported:
345useful 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
346around bugs. 383around bugs.
347 384
348=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK> 385=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
349 386
350Instead 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
351a 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.
352enabling this flag.
353 389
354This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 390This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
355and 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
356iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 392iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
357GNU/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
370When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the 406When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the
371I<inotify> API for it's C<ev_stat> watchers. Apart from debugging and 407I<inotify> API for it's C<ev_stat> watchers. Apart from debugging and
372testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as 408testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as
373otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle. 409otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle.
374 410
375=item C<EVFLAG_NOSIGFD> 411=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD>
376 412
377When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the 413When this flag is specified, then libev will attempt to use the
378I<signalfd> API for it's C<ev_signal> (and C<ev_child>) watchers. This is 414I<signalfd> API for it's C<ev_signal> (and C<ev_child>) watchers. This API
379probably only useful to work around any bugs in libev. Consequently, this 415delivers signals synchronously, which makes it both faster and might make
380flag might go away once the signalfd functionality is considered stable, 416it possible to get the queued signal data. It can also simplify signal
381so it's useful mostly in environment variables and not in program code. 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.
382 423
383=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 424=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
384 425
385This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 426This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
386libev 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,
434of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally 475of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally
435I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot 476I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot
436even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially 477even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially
437on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by 478on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by
438employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the 479employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the
439events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. 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...).
440 483
441While 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
442will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such 485will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
443incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different 486incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different
444I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed 487I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
542If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value, 585If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value,
543then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed 586then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed
544here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends 587here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends
545()> will be tried. 588()> will be tried.
546 589
547Example: This is the most typical usage.
548
549 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
550 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
551
552Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
553environment settings to be taken into account:
554
555 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
556
557Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
558used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
559private event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of
560fds):
561
562 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
563
564=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
565
566Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
567always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
568handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
569undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
570
571Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and the recommended way to use
572libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
573default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
574
575Example: 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.
576 591
577 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 592 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
578 if (!epoller) 593 if (!epoller)
579 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 594 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
580 595
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
581=item ev_default_destroy () 601=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
582 602
583Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 603Destroys an event loop object (frees all memory and kernel state
584etc.). 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
585sense, 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
586responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before> 606responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
587calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 607calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
588the 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
590 610
591Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal 611Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
592handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such 612handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
593as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually. 613as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
594 614
595In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 615This function is normally used on loop objects allocated by
596rare 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.
597pipe 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>
598C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>. 622and C<ev_loop_destroy>.
599 623
600=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 624=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
601 625
602Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
603earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
604
605=item ev_default_fork ()
606
607This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_loop> iterations 626This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations to
608to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the 627reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
609name, 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
610the 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
611sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev 630child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>.
612functions, 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.
613 636
614On 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
615process 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
616you 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).
617 643
618The 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
619it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 645it just in case after a fork.
620quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
621 646
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 ...
622 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 657 pthread_atfork (0, 0, post_fork_child);
623
624=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
625
626Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
627C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
628after fork that you want to re-use in the child, and how you do this is
629entirely your own problem.
630 658
631=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop) 659=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
632 660
633Returns 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
634otherwise. 662otherwise.
635 663
636=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop) 664=item unsigned int ev_iteration (loop)
637 665
638Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to 666Returns the current iteration count for the event loop, which is identical
639the 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>
640happily wraps around with enough iterations. 668and happily wraps around with enough iterations.
641 669
642This 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
643"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with 671"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
644C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls. 672C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls - and is incremented between the
673prepare and check phases.
645 674
646=item unsigned int ev_loop_depth (loop) 675=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop)
647 676
648Returns the number of times C<ev_loop> was entered minus the number of 677Returns the number of times C<ev_run> was entered minus the number of
649times C<ev_loop> was exited, in other words, the recursion depth. 678times C<ev_run> was exited, in other words, the recursion depth.
650 679
651Outside C<ev_loop>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is 680Outside C<ev_run>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is
652C<1>, unless C<ev_loop> was invoked recursively (or from another thread), 681C<1>, unless C<ev_run> was invoked recursively (or from another thread),
653in which case it is higher. 682in which case it is higher.
654 683
655Leaving C<ev_loop> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread 684Leaving C<ev_run> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread
656etc.), doesn't count as exit. 685etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this as a hint to avoid such
686ungentleman-like behaviour unless it's really convenient.
657 687
658=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 688=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
659 689
660Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 690Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
661use. 691use.
670 700
671=item ev_now_update (loop) 701=item ev_now_update (loop)
672 702
673Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time 703Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
674returned 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
675is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>. 705is usually done automatically within C<ev_run ()>.
676 706
677This 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
678very 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
679the current time is a good idea. 709the current time is a good idea.
680 710
682 712
683=item ev_suspend (loop) 713=item ev_suspend (loop)
684 714
685=item ev_resume (loop) 715=item ev_resume (loop)
686 716
687These two functions suspend and resume a loop, for use when the loop is 717These two functions suspend and resume an event loop, for use when the
688not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed. 718loop is not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed.
689 719
690A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When 720A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When
691the user presses C<^Z> to suspend the game and resumes it an hour later it 721the user presses C<^Z> to suspend the game and resumes it an hour later it
692would be best to handle timeouts as if no time had actually passed while 722would be best to handle timeouts as if no time had actually passed while
693the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<ev_suspend> 723the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<ev_suspend>
695C<ev_resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing. 725C<ev_resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing.
696 726
697Effectively, all C<ev_timer> watchers will be delayed by the time spend 727Effectively, all C<ev_timer> watchers will be delayed by the time spend
698between C<ev_suspend> and C<ev_resume>, and all C<ev_periodic> watchers 728between C<ev_suspend> and C<ev_resume>, and all C<ev_periodic> watchers
699will be rescheduled (that is, they will lose any events that would have 729will be rescheduled (that is, they will lose any events that would have
700occured while suspended). 730occurred while suspended).
701 731
702After calling C<ev_suspend> you B<must not> call I<any> function on the 732After calling C<ev_suspend> you B<must not> call I<any> function on the
703given loop other than C<ev_resume>, and you B<must not> call C<ev_resume> 733given loop other than C<ev_resume>, and you B<must not> call C<ev_resume>
704without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>. 734without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>.
705 735
706Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the 736Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the
707event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>). 737event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>).
708 738
709=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 739=item ev_run (loop, int flags)
710 740
711Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 741Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
712after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start 742after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start
713handling events. 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>.
714 746
715If 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
716either 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.
717 750
718Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than 751Please note that an explicit C<ev_break> is usually better than
719relying 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
720finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program 753finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
721that 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
722of 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
723beauty. 756beauty.
724 757
725A 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
726those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not block your 759those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not wait and
727process 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
728the loop. 761iteration of the loop. This is sometimes useful to poll and handle new
762events while doing lengthy calculations, to keep the program responsive.
729 763
730A 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
731necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It 765necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
732will 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
733be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a 767be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a
734user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one 768user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
735iteration of the loop. 769iteration of the loop.
736 770
737This 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
738with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your 772with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
739own 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
740usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 774usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
741 775
742Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 776Here are the gory details of what C<ev_run> does:
743 777
778 - Increment loop depth.
779 - Reset the ev_break status.
744 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 780 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
781 LOOP:
745 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork. 782 - If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
746 - 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.
747 - Queue and call all prepare watchers. 784 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
785 - If ev_break was called, goto FINISH.
748 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state 786 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
749 as to not disturb the other process. 787 as to not disturb the other process.
750 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 788 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
751 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()). 789 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
752 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all 790 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
753 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having 791 (active idle watchers, EVRUN_NOWAIT or not having
754 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 792 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
755 - 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.
756 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 795 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
757 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 796 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
758 - 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.
759 - Queue all expired timers. 798 - Queue all expired timers.
760 - Queue all expired periodics. 799 - Queue all expired periodics.
761 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 800 - Queue all idle watchers with priority higher than that of pending events.
762 - Queue all check watchers. 801 - Queue all check watchers.
763 - 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).
764 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
765 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 804 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
766 - 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
767 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise 806 were used, or there are no active watchers, goto FINISH, otherwise
768 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.
769 812
770Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding 813Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
771anymore. 814anymore.
772 815
773 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 816 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
774 ... 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..)
775 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 818 ev_run (my_loop, 0);
776 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah! 819 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
777 820
778=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 821=item ev_break (loop, how)
779 822
780Can 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
781has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 824has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
782C<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
783C<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.
784 827
785This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again. 828This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_run> again.
786 829
787It 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##
788 831
789=item ev_ref (loop) 832=item ev_ref (loop)
790 833
791=item ev_unref (loop) 834=item ev_unref (loop)
792 835
793Ref/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
794loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference 837loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
795count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. 838count is nonzero, C<ev_run> will not return on its own.
796 839
797This is useful when you have a watcher that you never intend to 840This is useful when you have a watcher that you never intend to
798unregister, but that nevertheless should not keep C<ev_loop> from 841unregister, but that nevertheless should not keep C<ev_run> from
799returning. In such a case, call C<ev_unref> after starting, and C<ev_ref> 842returning. In such a case, call C<ev_unref> after starting, and C<ev_ref>
800before stopping it. 843before stopping it.
801 844
802As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It 845As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It
803is not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from 846is not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_run> from
804exiting if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an 847exiting if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an
805excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within 848excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within
806third-party libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref 849third-party libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref
807before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active 850before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active
808before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself 851before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself
809(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref> 852(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref>
810in the callback). 853in the callback).
811 854
812Example: 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>
813running when nothing else is active. 856running when nothing else is active.
814 857
815 ev_signal exitsig; 858 ev_signal exitsig;
816 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 859 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
817 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 860 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
862usually 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>,
863as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems. Note that if 906as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems. Note that if
864you do transactions with the outside world and you can't increase the 907you do transactions with the outside world and you can't increase the
865parallelity, then this setting will limit your transaction rate (if you 908parallelity, then this setting will limit your transaction rate (if you
866need to poll once per transaction and the I/O collect interval is 0.01, 909need to poll once per transaction and the I/O collect interval is 0.01,
867then you can't do more than 100 transations per second). 910then you can't do more than 100 transactions per second).
868 911
869Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for 912Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
870saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that 913saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
871are "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
872times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to 915times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
880 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01); 923 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01);
881 924
882=item ev_invoke_pending (loop) 925=item ev_invoke_pending (loop)
883 926
884This call will simply invoke all pending watchers while resetting their 927This call will simply invoke all pending watchers while resetting their
885pending state. Normally, C<ev_loop> does this automatically when required, 928pending state. Normally, C<ev_run> does this automatically when required,
886but when overriding the invoke callback this call comes handy. 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).
887 934
888=item int ev_pending_count (loop) 935=item int ev_pending_count (loop)
889 936
890Returns the number of pending watchers - zero indicates that no watchers 937Returns the number of pending watchers - zero indicates that no watchers
891are pending. 938are pending.
892 939
893=item ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (loop, void (*invoke_pending_cb)(EV_P)) 940=item ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (loop, void (*invoke_pending_cb)(EV_P))
894 941
895This overrides the invoke pending functionality of the loop: Instead of 942This overrides the invoke pending functionality of the loop: Instead of
896invoking all pending watchers when there are any, C<ev_loop> will call 943invoking all pending watchers when there are any, C<ev_run> will call
897this callback instead. This is useful, for example, when you want to 944this callback instead. This is useful, for example, when you want to
898invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.). 945invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.).
899 946
900If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new 947If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new
901callback. 948callback.
904 951
905Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This 952Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This
906can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around 953can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around
907each call to a libev function. 954each call to a libev function.
908 955
909However, C<ev_loop> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible to 956However, C<ev_run> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible
910wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the loop via 957to wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the event
911C<ev_unloop> and C<av_async_send>, another way is to set these I<release> 958loop via C<ev_break> and C<av_async_send>, another way is to set these
912and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop. 959I<release> and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop.
913 960
914When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is 961When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is
915suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just 962suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just
916afterwards. 963afterwards.
917 964
920 967
921While event loop modifications are allowed between invocations of 968While event loop modifications are allowed between invocations of
922C<release> and C<acquire> (that's their only purpose after all), no 969C<release> and C<acquire> (that's their only purpose after all), no
923modifications done will affect the event loop, i.e. adding watchers will 970modifications done will affect the event loop, i.e. adding watchers will
924have no effect on the set of file descriptors being watched, or the time 971have no effect on the set of file descriptors being watched, or the time
925waited. Use an C<ev_async> watcher to wake up C<ev_loop> when you want it 972waited. Use an C<ev_async> watcher to wake up C<ev_run> when you want it
926to take note of any changes you made. 973to take note of any changes you made.
927 974
928In theory, threads executing C<ev_loop> will be async-cancel safe between 975In theory, threads executing C<ev_run> will be async-cancel safe between
929invocations of C<release> and C<acquire>. 976invocations of C<release> and C<acquire>.
930 977
931See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this 978See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this
932document. 979document.
933 980
942These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop, 989These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop,
943and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and 990and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and
944C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for 991C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for
945any other purpose as well. 992any other purpose as well.
946 993
947=item ev_loop_verify (loop) 994=item ev_verify (loop)
948 995
949This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been 996This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
950compiled 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
951through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything 998through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
952is 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
963 1010
964In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the 1011In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the
965watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer 1012watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer
966watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers. 1013watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
967 1014
968A 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
969interest 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
970become 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:
971 1019
972 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1020 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
973 { 1021 {
974 ev_io_stop (w); 1022 ev_io_stop (w);
975 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1023 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
976 } 1024 }
977 1025
978 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 1026 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
979 1027
980 ev_io stdin_watcher; 1028 ev_io stdin_watcher;
981 1029
982 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 1030 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
983 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1031 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
984 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 1032 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
985 1033
986 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1034 ev_run (loop, 0);
987 1035
988As 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
989watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the 1037watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
990stack). 1038stack).
991 1039
992Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE> 1040Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
993or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs). 1041or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
994 1042
995Each 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
996(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 1044*, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This callback is
997callback 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
998watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 1046time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given is readable
999is readable and/or writable). 1047and/or writable).
1000 1048
1001Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >> 1049Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
1002macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There 1050macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
1003is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< 1051is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
1004ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 1052ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
1027=item C<EV_WRITE> 1075=item C<EV_WRITE>
1028 1076
1029The 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
1030writable. 1078writable.
1031 1079
1032=item C<EV_TIMEOUT> 1080=item C<EV_TIMER>
1033 1081
1034The C<ev_timer> watcher has timed out. 1082The C<ev_timer> watcher has timed out.
1035 1083
1036=item C<EV_PERIODIC> 1084=item C<EV_PERIODIC>
1037 1085
1055 1103
1056=item C<EV_PREPARE> 1104=item C<EV_PREPARE>
1057 1105
1058=item C<EV_CHECK> 1106=item C<EV_CHECK>
1059 1107
1060All 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
1061to 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
1062C<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
1063received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 1111received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as
1064many 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
1065(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
1066C<ev_loop> from blocking). 1114C<ev_run> from blocking).
1067 1115
1068=item C<EV_EMBED> 1116=item C<EV_EMBED>
1069 1117
1070The 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.
1071 1119
1072=item C<EV_FORK> 1120=item C<EV_FORK>
1073 1121
1074The 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
1075C<ev_fork>). 1123C<ev_fork>).
1124
1125=item C<EV_CLEANUP>
1126
1127The event loop is about to be destroyed (see C<ev_cleanup>).
1076 1128
1077=item C<EV_ASYNC> 1129=item C<EV_ASYNC>
1078 1130
1079The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 1131The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
1080 1132
1252 1304
1253See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related 1305See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
1254functions that do not need a watcher. 1306functions that do not need a watcher.
1255 1307
1256=back 1308=back
1257
1258 1309
1259=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1310=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
1260 1311
1261Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 1312Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
1262and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used 1313and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
1318 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1369 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1319 { 1370 {
1320 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *) 1371 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1321 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1372 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1322 } 1373 }
1374
1375=head2 WATCHER STATES
1376
1377There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual -
1378active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to
1379transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these
1380rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing".
1381
1382=over 4
1383
1384=item initialiased
1385
1386Before a watcher can be registered with the event looop it has to be
1387initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to
1388C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function.
1389
1390In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for use
1391in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at will.
1392
1393=item started/running/active
1394
1395Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes
1396property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in
1397this state it cannot be accessed (except in a few documented ways), moved,
1398freed or anything else - the only legal thing is to keep a pointer to it,
1399and call libev functions on it that are documented to work on active watchers.
1400
1401=item pending
1402
1403If a watcher is active and libev determines that an event it is interested
1404in has occurred (such as a timer expiring), it will become pending. It will
1405stay in this pending state until either it is stopped or its callback is
1406about to be invoked, so it is not normally pending inside the watcher
1407callback.
1408
1409The watcher might or might not be active while it is pending (for example,
1410an expired non-repeating timer can be pending but no longer active). If it
1411is stopped, it can be freely accessed (e.g. by calling C<ev_TYPE_set>),
1412but it is still property of the event loop at this time, so cannot be
1413moved, freed or reused. And if it is active the rules described in the
1414previous item still apply.
1415
1416It is also possible to feed an event on a watcher that is not active (e.g.
1417via C<ev_feed_event>), in which case it becomes pending without being
1418active.
1419
1420=item stopped
1421
1422A watcher can be stopped implicitly by libev (in which case it might still
1423be pending), or explicitly by calling its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. The
1424latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless
1425of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before
1426freeing it is often a good idea.
1427
1428While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the
1429initialised state, that is it can be reused, moved, modified in any way
1430you wish.
1431
1432=back
1323 1433
1324=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS 1434=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS
1325 1435
1326Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small 1436Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small
1327integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation 1437integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation
1370 1480
1371For example, to emulate how many other event libraries handle priorities, 1481For example, to emulate how many other event libraries handle priorities,
1372you can associate an C<ev_idle> watcher to each such watcher, and in 1482you can associate an C<ev_idle> watcher to each such watcher, and in
1373the normal watcher callback, you just start the idle watcher. The real 1483the normal watcher callback, you just start the idle watcher. The real
1374processing is done in the idle watcher callback. This causes libev to 1484processing is done in the idle watcher callback. This causes libev to
1375continously poll and process kernel event data for the watcher, but when 1485continuously poll and process kernel event data for the watcher, but when
1376the lock-out case is known to be rare (which in turn is rare :), this is 1486the lock-out case is known to be rare (which in turn is rare :), this is
1377workable. 1487workable.
1378 1488
1379Usually, however, the lock-out model implemented that way will perform 1489Usually, however, the lock-out model implemented that way will perform
1380miserably under the type of load it was designed to handle. In that case, 1490miserably under the type of load it was designed to handle. In that case,
1394 { 1504 {
1395 // stop the I/O watcher, we received the event, but 1505 // stop the I/O watcher, we received the event, but
1396 // are not yet ready to handle it. 1506 // are not yet ready to handle it.
1397 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 1507 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
1398 1508
1399 // start the idle watcher to ahndle the actual event. 1509 // start the idle watcher to handle the actual event.
1400 // it will not be executed as long as other watchers 1510 // it will not be executed as long as other watchers
1401 // with the default priority are receiving events. 1511 // with the default priority are receiving events.
1402 ev_idle_start (EV_A_ &idle); 1512 ev_idle_start (EV_A_ &idle);
1403 } 1513 }
1404 1514
1458 1568
1459If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a 1569If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a
1460known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only 1570known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
1461C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). The same applies to file 1571C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). The same applies to file
1462descriptors for which non-blocking operation makes no sense (such as 1572descriptors for which non-blocking operation makes no sense (such as
1463files) - libev doesn't guarentee any specific behaviour in that case. 1573files) - libev doesn't guarantee any specific behaviour in that case.
1464 1574
1465Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1575Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1466receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might 1576receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1467be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1577be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
1468because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1578because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
1533 1643
1534So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you 1644So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1535ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon 1645ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1536somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue). 1646somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1537 1647
1648=head3 The special problem of accept()ing when you can't
1649
1650Many implementations of the POSIX C<accept> function (for example,
1651found in post-2004 Linux) have the peculiar behaviour of not removing a
1652connection from the pending queue in all error cases.
1653
1654For example, larger servers often run out of file descriptors (because
1655of resource limits), causing C<accept> to fail with C<ENFILE> but not
1656rejecting the connection, leading to libev signalling readiness on
1657the next iteration again (the connection still exists after all), and
1658typically causing the program to loop at 100% CPU usage.
1659
1660Unfortunately, the set of errors that cause this issue differs between
1661operating systems, there is usually little the app can do to remedy the
1662situation, and no known thread-safe method of removing the connection to
1663cope with overload is known (to me).
1664
1665One of the easiest ways to handle this situation is to just ignore it
1666- when the program encounters an overload, it will just loop until the
1667situation is over. While this is a form of busy waiting, no OS offers an
1668event-based way to handle this situation, so it's the best one can do.
1669
1670A better way to handle the situation is to log any errors other than
1671C<EAGAIN> and C<EWOULDBLOCK>, making sure not to flood the log with such
1672messages, and continue as usual, which at least gives the user an idea of
1673what could be wrong ("raise the ulimit!"). For extra points one could stop
1674the C<ev_io> watcher on the listening fd "for a while", which reduces CPU
1675usage.
1676
1677If your program is single-threaded, then you could also keep a dummy file
1678descriptor for overload situations (e.g. by opening F</dev/null>), and
1679when you run into C<ENFILE> or C<EMFILE>, close it, run C<accept>,
1680close that fd, and create a new dummy fd. This will gracefully refuse
1681clients under typical overload conditions.
1682
1683The last way to handle it is to simply log the error and C<exit>, as
1684is often done with C<malloc> failures, but this results in an easy
1685opportunity for a DoS attack.
1538 1686
1539=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions 1687=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1540 1688
1541=over 4 1689=over 4
1542 1690
1574 ... 1722 ...
1575 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1723 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1576 ev_io stdin_readable; 1724 ev_io stdin_readable;
1577 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1725 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1578 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1726 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1579 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1727 ev_run (loop, 0);
1580 1728
1581 1729
1582=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1730=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1583 1731
1584Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1732Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1593The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has 1741The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1594passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this 1742passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this
1595might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the 1743might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the
1596same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked 1744same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked
1597before ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is 1745before ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is
1598no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_loop> recursively). 1746no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1599 1747
1600=head3 Be smart about timeouts 1748=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1601 1749
1602Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error 1750Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1603recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs, 1751recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1689 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.; 1837 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.;
1690 1838
1691 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out 1839 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out
1692 if (timeout < now) 1840 if (timeout < now)
1693 { 1841 {
1694 // timeout occured, take action 1842 // timeout occurred, take action
1695 } 1843 }
1696 else 1844 else
1697 { 1845 {
1698 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm 1846 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm
1699 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is 1847 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is
1721to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the 1869to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the
1722callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer: 1870callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer:
1723 1871
1724 ev_init (timer, callback); 1872 ev_init (timer, callback);
1725 last_activity = ev_now (loop); 1873 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1726 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMEOUT); 1874 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMER);
1727 1875
1728And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in 1876And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1729C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all: 1877C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1730 1878
1731 last_actiivty = ev_now (loop); 1879 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1732 1880
1733This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the 1881This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1734time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient. 1882time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1735 1883
1736Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the 1884Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1774 1922
1775=head3 The special problem of time updates 1923=head3 The special problem of time updates
1776 1924
1777Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at 1925Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1778least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current 1926least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1779time only before and after C<ev_loop> collects new events, which causes a 1927time only before and after C<ev_run> collects new events, which causes a
1780growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling 1928growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1781lots of events in one iteration. 1929lots of events in one iteration.
1782 1930
1783The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1931The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1784time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1932time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1862Returns the remaining time until a timer fires. If the timer is active, 2010Returns the remaining time until a timer fires. If the timer is active,
1863then this time is relative to the current event loop time, otherwise it's 2011then this time is relative to the current event loop time, otherwise it's
1864the timeout value currently configured. 2012the timeout value currently configured.
1865 2013
1866That is, after an C<ev_timer_set (w, 5, 7)>, C<ev_timer_remaining> returns 2014That is, after an C<ev_timer_set (w, 5, 7)>, C<ev_timer_remaining> returns
1867C<5>. When the timer is started and one second passes, C<ev_timer_remain> 2015C<5>. When the timer is started and one second passes, C<ev_timer_remaining>
1868will return C<4>. When the timer expires and is restarted, it will return 2016will return C<4>. When the timer expires and is restarted, it will return
1869roughly C<7> (likely slightly less as callback invocation takes some time, 2017roughly C<7> (likely slightly less as callback invocation takes some time,
1870too), and so on. 2018too), and so on.
1871 2019
1872=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 2020=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1901 } 2049 }
1902 2050
1903 ev_timer mytimer; 2051 ev_timer mytimer;
1904 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 2052 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1905 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 2053 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1906 ev_loop (loop, 0); 2054 ev_run (loop, 0);
1907 2055
1908 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 2056 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1909 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 2057 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1910 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 2058 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1911 2059
1937 2085
1938As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the 2086As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1939point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple 2087point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple
1940timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with 2088timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with
1941earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values 2089earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values
1942(but this is no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_loop> recursively). 2090(but this is no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1943 2091
1944=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2092=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1945 2093
1946=over 4 2094=over 4
1947 2095
2075Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 2223Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
2076system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 2224system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
2077potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability. 2225potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
2078 2226
2079 static void 2227 static void
2080 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2228 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_periodic *w, int revents)
2081 { 2229 {
2082 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 2230 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
2083 } 2231 }
2084 2232
2085 ev_periodic hourly_tick; 2233 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
2132C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should 2280C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should
2133not be unduly interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting 2281not be unduly interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting
2134interrupted by signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher 2282interrupted by signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher
2135and unblock them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher. 2283and unblock them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
2136 2284
2137=head3 The special problem of inheritance over execve 2285=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create
2138 2286
2139Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition 2287Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition
2140(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after 2288(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after
2141stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal, 2289stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal,
2142and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler. 2290and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler.
2152 2300
2153The simplest way to ensure that the signal mask is reset in the child is 2301The simplest way to ensure that the signal mask is reset in the child is
2154to install a fork handler with C<pthread_atfork> that resets it. That will 2302to install a fork handler with C<pthread_atfork> that resets it. That will
2155catch fork calls done by libraries (such as the libc) as well. 2303catch fork calls done by libraries (such as the libc) as well.
2156 2304
2157In current versions of libev, you can also ensure that the signal mask is 2305In current versions of libev, the signal will not be blocked indefinitely
2158not blocking any signals (except temporarily, so thread users watch out) 2306unless you use the C<signalfd> API (C<EV_SIGNALFD>). While this reduces
2159by specifying the C<EVFLAG_NOSIGFD> when creating the event loop. This 2307the window of opportunity for problems, it will not go away, as libev
2160is not guaranteed for future versions, however. 2308I<has> to modify the signal mask, at least temporarily.
2309
2310So I can't stress this enough: I<If you do not reset your signal mask when
2311you expect it to be empty, you have a race condition in your code>. This
2312is not a libev-specific thing, this is true for most event libraries.
2161 2313
2162=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2314=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2163 2315
2164=over 4 2316=over 4
2165 2317
2181Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT. 2333Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
2182 2334
2183 static void 2335 static void
2184 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents) 2336 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
2185 { 2337 {
2186 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 2338 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
2187 } 2339 }
2188 2340
2189 ev_signal signal_watcher; 2341 ev_signal signal_watcher;
2190 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 2342 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
2191 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher); 2343 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
2577 2729
2578Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs: 2730Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
2579prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2731prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
2580afterwards. 2732afterwards.
2581 2733
2582You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter 2734You I<must not> call C<ev_run> or similar functions that enter
2583the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 2735the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
2584watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The 2736watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The
2585rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in 2737rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in
2586those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking, 2738those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,
2587C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be 2739C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
2755 2907
2756 if (timeout >= 0) 2908 if (timeout >= 0)
2757 // create/start timer 2909 // create/start timer
2758 2910
2759 // poll 2911 // poll
2760 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2912 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
2761 2913
2762 // stop timer again 2914 // stop timer again
2763 if (timeout >= 0) 2915 if (timeout >= 0)
2764 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2916 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
2765 2917
2843if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 2995if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
2844 2996
2845=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 2997=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2846 2998
2847Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 2999Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2848similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 3000similarly to C<ev_run (embedded_loop, EVRUN_NOWAIT)>, but in the most
2849appropriate way for embedded loops. 3001appropriate way for embedded loops.
2850 3002
2851=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 3003=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2852 3004
2853The embedded event loop. 3005The embedded event loop.
2913C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 3065C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
2914handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 3066handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
2915 3067
2916=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible? 3068=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible?
2917 3069
2918Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to ste 3070Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to set
2919up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This 3071up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This
2920sequence should be handled by libev without any problems. 3072sequence should be handled by libev without any problems.
2921 3073
2922This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling 3074This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling
2923in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the 3075in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the
2939disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support 3091disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support
2940signal watchers). 3092signal watchers).
2941 3093
2942When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for 3094When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for
2943other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call 3095other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call
2944C<ev_default_destroy ()> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>. Destroying 3096C<ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT)> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>.
2945the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered watchers, so you 3097Destroying the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered
2946have to be careful not to execute code that modifies those watchers. Note 3098watchers, so you have to be careful not to execute code that modifies
2947also that in that case, you have to re-register any signal watchers. 3099those watchers. Note also that in that case, you have to re-register any
3100signal watchers.
2948 3101
2949=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 3102=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2950 3103
2951=over 4 3104=over 4
2952 3105
2953=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 3106=item ev_fork_init (ev_fork *, callback)
2954 3107
2955Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 3108Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
2956kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 3109kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2957believe me. 3110really.
2958 3111
2959=back 3112=back
2960 3113
2961 3114
3115=head2 C<ev_cleanup> - even the best things end
3116
3117Cleanup watchers are called just before the event loop is being destroyed
3118by a call to C<ev_loop_destroy>.
3119
3120While there is no guarantee that the event loop gets destroyed, cleanup
3121watchers provide a convenient method to install cleanup hooks for your
3122program, worker threads and so on - you just to make sure to destroy the
3123loop when you want them to be invoked.
3124
3125Cleanup watchers are invoked in the same way as any other watcher. Unlike
3126all other watchers, they do not keep a reference to the event loop (which
3127makes a lot of sense if you think about it). Like all other watchers, you
3128can call libev functions in the callback, except C<ev_cleanup_start>.
3129
3130=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
3131
3132=over 4
3133
3134=item ev_cleanup_init (ev_cleanup *, callback)
3135
3136Initialises and configures the cleanup watcher - it has no parameters of
3137any kind. There is a C<ev_cleanup_set> macro, but using it is utterly
3138pointless, I assure you.
3139
3140=back
3141
3142Example: Register an atexit handler to destroy the default loop, so any
3143cleanup functions are called.
3144
3145 static void
3146 program_exits (void)
3147 {
3148 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
3149 }
3150
3151 ...
3152 atexit (program_exits);
3153
3154
2962=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up another event loop 3155=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop
2963 3156
2964In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other 3157In general, you cannot use an C<ev_run> from multiple threads or other
2965asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event 3158asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
2966loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads). 3159loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
2967 3160
2968Sometimes, however, you need to wake up another event loop you do not 3161Sometimes, however, you need to wake up an event loop you do not control,
2969control, for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what 3162for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what C<ev_async>
2970C<ev_async> watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you 3163watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you can signal
2971can signal it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal 3164it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe.
2972safe.
2973 3165
2974This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals, 3166This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
2975too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed 3167too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
2976(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of 3168(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
2977C<ev_async_sent> calls). 3169C<ev_async_sent> calls).
3132 3324
3133If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 3325If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
3134started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 3326started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
3135repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout. 3327repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout.
3136 3328
3137The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 3329The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and is
3138passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 3330passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
3139C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg> 3331C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMER>) and the C<arg>
3140value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both> 3332value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both>
3141a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io 3333a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io
3142events precedence. 3334events precedence.
3143 3335
3144Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO. 3336Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO.
3145 3337
3146 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 3338 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
3147 { 3339 {
3148 if (revents & EV_READ) 3340 if (revents & EV_READ)
3149 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 3341 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
3150 else if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 3342 else if (revents & EV_TIMER)
3151 /* doh, nothing entered */; 3343 /* doh, nothing entered */;
3152 } 3344 }
3153 3345
3154 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 3346 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
3155 3347
3289 myclass obj; 3481 myclass obj;
3290 ev::io iow; 3482 ev::io iow;
3291 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 3483 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
3292 3484
3293=item w->set (object *) 3485=item w->set (object *)
3294
3295This is an B<experimental> feature that might go away in a future version.
3296 3486
3297This is a variation of a method callback - leaving out the method to call 3487This is a variation of a method callback - leaving out the method to call
3298will default the method to C<operator ()>, which makes it possible to use 3488will default the method to C<operator ()>, which makes it possible to use
3299functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all 3489functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all
3300the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument 3490the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument
3340Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 3530Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
3341do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 3531do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
3342 3532
3343=item w->set ([arguments]) 3533=item w->set ([arguments])
3344 3534
3345Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be 3535Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Either this
3346called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 3536method or a suitable start method must be called at least once. Unlike the
3347automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 3537C counterpart, an active watcher gets automatically stopped and restarted
3348method. 3538when reconfiguring it with this method.
3349 3539
3350=item w->start () 3540=item w->start ()
3351 3541
3352Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the 3542Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
3353constructor already stores the event loop. 3543constructor already stores the event loop.
3354 3544
3545=item w->start ([arguments])
3546
3547Instead of calling C<set> and C<start> methods separately, it is often
3548convenient to wrap them in one call. Uses the same type of arguments as
3549the configure C<set> method of the watcher.
3550
3355=item w->stop () 3551=item w->stop ()
3356 3552
3357Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 3553Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
3358 3554
3359=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only) 3555=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
3371 3567
3372=back 3568=back
3373 3569
3374=back 3570=back
3375 3571
3376Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 3572Example: Define a class with two I/O and idle watchers, start the I/O
3377the constructor. 3573watchers in the constructor.
3378 3574
3379 class myclass 3575 class myclass
3380 { 3576 {
3381 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 3577 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3578 ev::io2 io2 ; void io2_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3382 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 3579 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
3383 3580
3384 myclass (int fd) 3581 myclass (int fd)
3385 { 3582 {
3386 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 3583 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
3584 io2 .set <myclass, &myclass::io2_cb > (this);
3387 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 3585 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
3388 3586
3389 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 3587 io.set (fd, ev::WRITE); // configure the watcher
3588 io.start (); // start it whenever convenient
3589
3590 io2.start (fd, ev::READ); // set + start in one call
3390 } 3591 }
3391 }; 3592 };
3392 3593
3393 3594
3394=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS 3595=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
3442Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at 3643Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
3443L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>. 3644L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
3444 3645
3445=item Lua 3646=item Lua
3446 3647
3447Brian Maher has written a partial interface to libev 3648Brian Maher has written a partial interface to libev for lua (at the
3448for lua (only C<ev_io> and C<ev_timer>), to be found at 3649time of this writing, only C<ev_io> and C<ev_timer>), to be found at
3449L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>. 3650L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>.
3450 3651
3451=back 3652=back
3452 3653
3453 3654
3468loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 3669loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
3469C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 3670C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
3470 3671
3471 ev_unref (EV_A); 3672 ev_unref (EV_A);
3472 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 3673 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
3473 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 3674 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
3474 3675
3475It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 3676It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
3476which is often provided by the following macro. 3677which is often provided by the following macro.
3477 3678
3478=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 3679=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
3518 } 3719 }
3519 3720
3520 ev_check check; 3721 ev_check check;
3521 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 3722 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
3522 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 3723 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
3523 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 3724 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
3524 3725
3525=head1 EMBEDDING 3726=head1 EMBEDDING
3526 3727
3527Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 3728Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
3528applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 3729applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
3608 libev.m4 3809 libev.m4
3609 3810
3610=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 3811=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
3611 3812
3612Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to 3813Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
3613define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of 3814define before including (or compiling) any of its files. The default in
3614autoconf is documented for every option. 3815the absence of autoconf is documented for every option.
3816
3817Symbols marked with "(h)" do not change the ABI, and can have different
3818values when compiling libev vs. including F<ev.h>, so it is permissible
3819to redefine them before including F<ev.h> without breaking compatibility
3820to a compiled library. All other symbols change the ABI, which means all
3821users of libev and the libev code itself must be compiled with compatible
3822settings.
3615 3823
3616=over 4 3824=over 4
3617 3825
3826=item EV_COMPAT3 (h)
3827
3828Backwards compatibility is a major concern for libev. This is why this
3829release of libev comes with wrappers for the functions and symbols that
3830have been renamed between libev version 3 and 4.
3831
3832You can disable these wrappers (to test compatibility with future
3833versions) by defining C<EV_COMPAT3> to C<0> when compiling your
3834sources. This has the additional advantage that you can drop the C<struct>
3835from C<struct ev_loop> declarations, as libev will provide an C<ev_loop>
3836typedef in that case.
3837
3838In some future version, the default for C<EV_COMPAT3> will become C<0>,
3839and in some even more future version the compatibility code will be
3840removed completely.
3841
3618=item EV_STANDALONE 3842=item EV_STANDALONE (h)
3619 3843
3620Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which 3844Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which
3621keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy 3845keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy
3622implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not 3846implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not
3623supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in 3847supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in
3773as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers. 3997as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
3774 3998
3775In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 3999In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
3776(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms. 4000(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
3777 4001
3778=item EV_H 4002=item EV_H (h)
3779 4003
3780The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 4004The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
3781undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be 4005undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be
3782used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 4006used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
3783 4007
3784=item EV_CONFIG_H 4008=item EV_CONFIG_H (h)
3785 4009
3786If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override 4010If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
3787F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to 4011F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
3788C<EV_H>, above. 4012C<EV_H>, above.
3789 4013
3790=item EV_EVENT_H 4014=item EV_EVENT_H (h)
3791 4015
3792Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea 4016Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
3793of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">. 4017of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">.
3794 4018
3795=item EV_PROTOTYPES 4019=item EV_PROTOTYPES (h)
3796 4020
3797If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function 4021If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
3798prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is 4022prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
3799occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions 4023occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions
3800around libev functions. 4024around libev functions.
3822fine. 4046fine.
3823 4047
3824If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these 4048If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these
3825both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU. 4049both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
3826 4050
3827=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 4051=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE, EV_IDLE_ENABLE, EV_EMBED_ENABLE, EV_STAT_ENABLE,
4052EV_PREPARE_ENABLE, EV_CHECK_ENABLE, EV_FORK_ENABLE, EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE,
4053EV_ASYNC_ENABLE, EV_CHILD_ENABLE.
3828 4054
3829If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 4055If undefined or defined to be C<1> (and the platform supports it), then
3830defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 4056the respective watcher type is supported. If defined to be C<0>, then it
3831code. 4057is not. Disabling watcher types mainly saves code size.
3832 4058
3833=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE 4059=item EV_FEATURES
3834
3835If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
3836defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
3837code.
3838
3839=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
3840
3841If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
3842defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Embed watchers rely on most other
3843watcher types, which therefore must not be disabled.
3844
3845=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
3846
3847If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
3848defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3849
3850=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
3851
3852If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
3853defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3854
3855=item EV_ASYNC_ENABLE
3856
3857If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then async watchers are supported. If
3858defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3859
3860=item EV_MINIMAL
3861 4060
3862If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 4061If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
3863speed (but with the full API), define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this 4062speed (but with the full API), you can define this symbol to request
3864is used to override some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size 4063certain subsets of functionality. The default is to enable all features
3865on amd64. It also selects a much smaller 2-heap for timer management over 4064that can be enabled on the platform.
3866the default 4-heap.
3867 4065
3868You can save even more by disabling watcher types you do not need 4066A typical way to use this symbol is to define it to C<0> (or to a bitset
3869and setting C<EV_MAXPRI> == C<EV_MINPRI>. Also, disabling C<assert> 4067with some broad features you want) and then selectively re-enable
3870(C<-DNDEBUG>) will usually reduce code size a lot. 4068additional parts you want, for example if you want everything minimal,
4069but multiple event loop support, async and child watchers and the poll
4070backend, use this:
3871 4071
3872Defining C<EV_MINIMAL> to C<2> will additionally reduce the core API to 4072 #define EV_FEATURES 0
3873provide a bare-bones event library. See C<ev.h> for details on what parts 4073 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 1
3874of the API are still available, and do not complain if this subset changes 4074 #define EV_USE_POLL 1
3875over time. 4075 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
4076 #define EV_ASYNC_ENABLE 1
4077
4078The actual value is a bitset, it can be a combination of the following
4079values:
4080
4081=over 4
4082
4083=item C<1> - faster/larger code
4084
4085Use larger code to speed up some operations.
4086
4087Currently this is used to override some inlining decisions (enlarging the
4088code size by roughly 30% on amd64).
4089
4090When optimising for size, use of compiler flags such as C<-Os> with
4091gcc is recommended, as well as C<-DNDEBUG>, as libev contains a number of
4092assertions.
4093
4094=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures
4095
4096Replaces the small 2-heap for timer management by a faster 4-heap, larger
4097hash table sizes and so on. This will usually further increase code size
4098and can additionally have an effect on the size of data structures at
4099runtime.
4100
4101=item C<4> - full API configuration
4102
4103This enables priorities (sets C<EV_MAXPRI>=2 and C<EV_MINPRI>=-2), and
4104enables multiplicity (C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>=1).
4105
4106=item C<8> - full API
4107
4108This enables a lot of the "lesser used" API functions. See C<ev.h> for
4109details on which parts of the API are still available without this
4110feature, and do not complain if this subset changes over time.
4111
4112=item C<16> - enable all optional watcher types
4113
4114Enables all optional watcher types. If you want to selectively enable
4115only some watcher types other than I/O and timers (e.g. prepare,
4116embed, async, child...) you can enable them manually by defining
4117C<EV_watchertype_ENABLE> to C<1> instead.
4118
4119=item C<32> - enable all backends
4120
4121This enables all backends - without this feature, you need to enable at
4122least one backend manually (C<EV_USE_SELECT> is a good choice).
4123
4124=item C<64> - enable OS-specific "helper" APIs
4125
4126Enable inotify, eventfd, signalfd and similar OS-specific helper APIs by
4127default.
4128
4129=back
4130
4131Compiling with C<gcc -Os -DEV_STANDALONE -DEV_USE_EPOLL=1 -DEV_FEATURES=0>
4132reduces the compiled size of libev from 24.7Kb code/2.8Kb data to 6.5Kb
4133code/0.3Kb data on my GNU/Linux amd64 system, while still giving you I/O
4134watchers, timers and monotonic clock support.
4135
4136With an intelligent-enough linker (gcc+binutils are intelligent enough
4137when you use C<-Wl,--gc-sections -ffunction-sections>) functions unused by
4138your program might be left out as well - a binary starting a timer and an
4139I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb.
4140
4141=item EV_AVOID_STDIO
4142
4143If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio
4144functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the code size
4145somewhat, but if your program doesn't otherwise depend on stdio and your
4146libc allows it, this avoids linking in the stdio library which is quite
4147big.
4148
4149Note that error messages might become less precise when this option is
4150enabled.
3876 4151
3877=item EV_NSIG 4152=item EV_NSIG
3878 4153
3879The highest supported signal number, +1 (or, the number of 4154The highest supported signal number, +1 (or, the number of
3880signals): Normally, libev tries to deduce the maximum number of signals 4155signals): Normally, libev tries to deduce the maximum number of signals
3881automatically, but sometimes this fails, in which case it can be 4156automatically, but sometimes this fails, in which case it can be
3882specified. Also, using a lower number than detected (C<32> should be 4157specified. Also, using a lower number than detected (C<32> should be
3883good for about any system in existance) can save some memory, as libev 4158good for about any system in existence) can save some memory, as libev
3884statically allocates some 12-24 bytes per signal number. 4159statically allocates some 12-24 bytes per signal number.
3885 4160
3886=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 4161=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
3887 4162
3888C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 4163C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
3889pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 4164pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_FEATURES> disabled),
3890than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to 4165usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you
3891increase this value (I<must> be a power of two). 4166might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
3892 4167
3893=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE 4168=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
3894 4169
3895C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 4170C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
3896inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), 4171inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_FEATURES>
3897usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat> 4172disabled), usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of
3898watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of 4173C<ev_stat> watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a
3899two). 4174power of two).
3900 4175
3901=item EV_USE_4HEAP 4176=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3902 4177
3903Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 4178Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3904timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined 4179timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3905to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably 4180to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably
3906faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers. 4181faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3907 4182
3908The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 4183The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3909(disabled). 4184will be C<0>.
3910 4185
3911=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT 4186=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3912 4187
3913Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 4188Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3914timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within 4189timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3915the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>), 4190the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
3916which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code, 4191which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
3917but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance 4192but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3918noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers. 4193noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3919 4194
3920The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 4195The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3921(disabled). 4196will be C<0>.
3922 4197
3923=item EV_VERIFY 4198=item EV_VERIFY
3924 4199
3925Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will 4200Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_verify ()>) will
3926be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled 4201be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
3927in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not 4202in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
3928called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be 4203called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
3929called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the 4204called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
3930verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down 4205verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3931libev considerably. 4206libev considerably.
3932 4207
3933The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be 4208The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3934C<0>. 4209will be C<0>.
3935 4210
3936=item EV_COMMON 4211=item EV_COMMON
3937 4212
3938By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 4213By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
3939this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 4214this macro to something else you can include more and other types of
3940members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files, 4215members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
3941though, and it must be identical each time. 4216though, and it must be identical each time.
3942 4217
3943For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 4218For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
3944 4219
3997file. 4272file.
3998 4273
3999The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 4274The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
4000that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 4275that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
4001 4276
4002 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 4277 #define EV_FEATURES 8
4003 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 4278 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
4004 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
4005 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 4279 #define EV_PREPARE_ENABLE 1
4280 #define EV_IDLE_ENABLE 1
4006 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 4281 #define EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE 1
4007 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 4282 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
4283 #define EV_USE_STDEXCEPT 0
4008 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 4284 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
4009 #define EV_MINPRI 0
4010 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
4011 4285
4012 #include "ev++.h" 4286 #include "ev++.h"
4013 4287
4014And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 4288And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
4015 4289
4146 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A); 4420 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4147 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock); 4421 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4148 } 4422 }
4149 4423
4150The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight 4424The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
4151into C<ev_loop>: 4425into C<ev_run>:
4152 4426
4153 void * 4427 void *
4154 l_run (void *thr_arg) 4428 l_run (void *thr_arg)
4155 { 4429 {
4156 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg; 4430 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg;
4157 4431
4158 l_acquire (EV_A); 4432 l_acquire (EV_A);
4159 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0); 4433 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0);
4160 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 4434 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
4161 l_release (EV_A); 4435 l_release (EV_A);
4162 4436
4163 return 0; 4437 return 0;
4164 } 4438 }
4165 4439
4217 4491
4218=head3 COROUTINES 4492=head3 COROUTINES
4219 4493
4220Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 4494Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
4221libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different 4495libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
4222coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two 4496coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_run> on the same loop from two
4223different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running 4497different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running
4224the loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is 4498the loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is
4225that you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks. 4499that you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
4226 4500
4227Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside 4501Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside
4228C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as 4502C<ev_run>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
4229they do not call any callbacks. 4503they do not call any callbacks.
4230 4504
4231=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS 4505=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
4232 4506
4233Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a 4507Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
4244maintainable. 4518maintainable.
4245 4519
4246And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply 4520And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
4247wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message 4521wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
4248seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some 4522seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some
4249warnings that resulted an extreme number of false positives. These have 4523warnings that resulted in an extreme number of false positives. These have
4250been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with 4524been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with
4251such buggy versions. 4525such buggy versions.
4252 4526
4253While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible, 4527While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
4254"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev 4528"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
4290I suggest using suppression lists. 4564I suggest using suppression lists.
4291 4565
4292 4566
4293=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES 4567=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES
4294 4568
4569=head2 GNU/LINUX 32 BIT LIMITATIONS
4570
4571GNU/Linux is the only common platform that supports 64 bit file/large file
4572interfaces but I<disables> them by default.
4573
4574That means that libev compiled in the default environment doesn't support
4575files larger than 2GiB or so, which mainly affects C<ev_stat> watchers.
4576
4577Unfortunately, many programs try to work around this GNU/Linux issue
4578by enabling the large file API, which makes them incompatible with the
4579standard libev compiled for their system.
4580
4581Likewise, libev cannot enable the large file API itself as this would
4582suddenly make it incompatible to the default compile time environment,
4583i.e. all programs not using special compile switches.
4584
4585=head2 OS/X AND DARWIN BUGS
4586
4587The whole thing is a bug if you ask me - basically any system interface
4588you touch is broken, whether it is locales, poll, kqueue or even the
4589OpenGL drivers.
4590
4591=head3 C<kqueue> is buggy
4592
4593The kqueue syscall is broken in all known versions - most versions support
4594only sockets, many support pipes.
4595
4596Libev tries to work around this by not using C<kqueue> by default on this
4597rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating a
4598loop - embedding a socket-only kqueue loop into a select-based one is
4599probably going to work well.
4600
4601=head3 C<poll> is buggy
4602
4603Instead of fixing C<kqueue>, Apple replaced their (working) C<poll>
4604implementation by something calling C<kqueue> internally around the 10.5.6
4605release, so now C<kqueue> I<and> C<poll> are broken.
4606
4607Libev tries to work around this by not using C<poll> by default on
4608this rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating
4609a loop.
4610
4611=head3 C<select> is buggy
4612
4613All that's left is C<select>, and of course Apple found a way to fuck this
4614one up as well: On OS/X, C<select> actively limits the number of file
4615descriptors you can pass in to 1024 - your program suddenly crashes when
4616you use more.
4617
4618There is an undocumented "workaround" for this - defining
4619C<_DARWIN_UNLIMITED_SELECT>, which libev tries to use, so select I<should>
4620work on OS/X.
4621
4622=head2 SOLARIS PROBLEMS AND WORKAROUNDS
4623
4624=head3 C<errno> reentrancy
4625
4626The default compile environment on Solaris is unfortunately so
4627thread-unsafe that you can't even use components/libraries compiled
4628without C<-D_REENTRANT> in a threaded program, which, of course, isn't
4629defined by default. A valid, if stupid, implementation choice.
4630
4631If you want to use libev in threaded environments you have to make sure
4632it's compiled with C<_REENTRANT> defined.
4633
4634=head3 Event port backend
4635
4636The scalable event interface for Solaris is called "event
4637ports". Unfortunately, this mechanism is very buggy in all major
4638releases. If you run into high CPU usage, your program freezes or you get
4639a large number of spurious wakeups, make sure you have all the relevant
4640and latest kernel patches applied. No, I don't know which ones, but there
4641are multiple ones to apply, and afterwards, event ports actually work
4642great.
4643
4644If you can't get it to work, you can try running the program by setting
4645the environment variable C<LIBEV_FLAGS=3> to only allow C<poll> and
4646C<select> backends.
4647
4648=head2 AIX POLL BUG
4649
4650AIX unfortunately has a broken C<poll.h> header. Libev works around
4651this by trying to avoid the poll backend altogether (i.e. it's not even
4652compiled in), which normally isn't a big problem as C<select> works fine
4653with large bitsets on AIX, and AIX is dead anyway.
4654
4295=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS 4655=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
4656
4657=head3 General issues
4296 4658
4297Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 4659Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
4298requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 4660requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
4299model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 4661model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
4300the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 4662the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
4301descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 4663descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
4302e.g. cygwin. 4664e.g. cygwin. Actually, it only applies to the microsofts own compilers,
4665as every compielr comes with a slightly differently broken/incompatible
4666environment.
4303 4667
4304Lifting these limitations would basically require the full 4668Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
4305re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of 4669re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into this kind of thing,
4306things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable 4670then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable way (note
4307way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man). 4671also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
4308 4672
4309There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 4673There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
4310embedding it into other applications. 4674embedding it into other applications.
4311 4675
4312Sensible signal handling is officially unsupported by Microsoft - libev 4676Sensible signal handling is officially unsupported by Microsoft - libev
4340you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!): 4704you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!):
4341 4705
4342 #include "evwrap.h" 4706 #include "evwrap.h"
4343 #include "ev.c" 4707 #include "ev.c"
4344 4708
4345=over 4
4346
4347=item The winsocket select function 4709=head3 The winsocket C<select> function
4348 4710
4349The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it 4711The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
4350requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is 4712requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
4351also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also 4713also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
4352requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft 4714requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
4361 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */ 4723 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
4362 4724
4363Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a 4725Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
4364complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 4726complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
4365 4727
4366=item Limited number of file descriptors 4728=head3 Limited number of file descriptors
4367 4729
4368Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. 4730Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
4369 4731
4370Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum 4732Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
4371of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels 4733of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
4386runtime libraries. This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets 4748runtime libraries. This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets
4387(depending on windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, 4749(depending on windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more,
4388you need to wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but 4750you need to wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but
4389the cost of calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 4751the cost of calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
4390 4752
4391=back
4392
4393=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS 4753=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
4394 4754
4395In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the 4755In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the
4396backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions: 4756backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions:
4397 4757
4403Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal 4763Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
4404structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also 4764structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
4405assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher 4765assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
4406callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev 4766callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
4407calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally. 4767calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
4768
4769=item pointer accesses must be thread-atomic
4770
4771Accessing a pointer value must be atomic, it must both be readable and
4772writable in one piece - this is the case on all current architectures.
4408 4773
4409=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well 4774=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
4410 4775
4411The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as 4776The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
4412C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different 4777C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
4435watchers. 4800watchers.
4436 4801
4437=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy 4802=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
4438 4803
4439The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to 4804The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
4440have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good 4805have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is
4441enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by 4806good enough for at least into the year 4000 with millisecond accuracy
4807(the design goal for libev). This requirement is overfulfilled by
4442implementations implementing IEEE 754, which is basically all existing 4808implementations using IEEE 754, which is basically all existing ones. With
4443ones. With IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least 4809IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least 2200.
44442200.
4445 4810
4446=back 4811=back
4447 4812
4448If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 4813If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
4449 4814
4517involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers. 4882involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
4518 4883
4519=back 4884=back
4520 4885
4521 4886
4887=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X
4888
4889The major version 4 introduced some incompatible changes to the API.
4890
4891At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file provides compatibility definitions
4892for all changes, so most programs should still compile. The compatibility
4893layer might be removed in later versions of libev, so better update to the
4894new API early than late.
4895
4896=over 4
4897
4898=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
4899
4900The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
4901C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L<PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L<EMBEDDING>
4902section.
4903
4904=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed
4905
4906These calls can be replaced easily by their C<ev_loop_xxx> counterparts:
4907
4908 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
4909 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
4910
4911=item function/symbol renames
4912
4913A number of functions and symbols have been renamed:
4914
4915 ev_loop => ev_run
4916 EVLOOP_NONBLOCK => EVRUN_NOWAIT
4917 EVLOOP_ONESHOT => EVRUN_ONCE
4918
4919 ev_unloop => ev_break
4920 EVUNLOOP_CANCEL => EVBREAK_CANCEL
4921 EVUNLOOP_ONE => EVBREAK_ONE
4922 EVUNLOOP_ALL => EVBREAK_ALL
4923
4924 EV_TIMEOUT => EV_TIMER
4925
4926 ev_loop_count => ev_iteration
4927 ev_loop_depth => ev_depth
4928 ev_loop_verify => ev_verify
4929
4930Most functions working on C<struct ev_loop> objects don't have an
4931C<ev_loop_> prefix, so it was removed; C<ev_loop>, C<ev_unloop> and
4932associated constants have been renamed to not collide with the C<struct
4933ev_loop> anymore and C<EV_TIMER> now follows the same naming scheme
4934as all other watcher types. Note that C<ev_loop_fork> is still called
4935C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the C<ev_fork>
4936typedef.
4937
4938=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES>
4939
4940The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different
4941mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile
4942and work, but the library code will of course be larger.
4943
4944=back
4945
4946
4522=head1 GLOSSARY 4947=head1 GLOSSARY
4523 4948
4524=over 4 4949=over 4
4525 4950
4526=item active 4951=item active
4527 4952
4528A watcher is active as long as it has been started (has been attached to 4953A watcher is active as long as it has been started and not yet stopped.
4529an event loop) but not yet stopped (disassociated from the event loop). 4954See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
4530 4955
4531=item application 4956=item application
4532 4957
4533In this document, an application is whatever is using libev. 4958In this document, an application is whatever is using libev.
4959
4960=item backend
4961
4962The part of the code dealing with the operating system interfaces.
4534 4963
4535=item callback 4964=item callback
4536 4965
4537The address of a function that is called when some event has been 4966The address of a function that is called when some event has been
4538detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that 4967detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that
4539received the event, and the actual event bitset. 4968received the event, and the actual event bitset.
4540 4969
4541=item callback invocation 4970=item callback/watcher invocation
4542 4971
4543The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher. 4972The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4544 4973
4545=item event 4974=item event
4546 4975
4547A change of state of some external event, such as data now being available 4976A change of state of some external event, such as data now being available
4548for reading on a file descriptor, time having passed or simply not having 4977for reading on a file descriptor, time having passed or simply not having
4549any other events happening anymore. 4978any other events happening anymore.
4550 4979
4551In libev, events are represented as single bits (such as C<EV_READ> or 4980In libev, events are represented as single bits (such as C<EV_READ> or
4552C<EV_TIMEOUT>). 4981C<EV_TIMER>).
4553 4982
4554=item event library 4983=item event library
4555 4984
4556A software package implementing an event model and loop. 4985A software package implementing an event model and loop.
4557 4986
4565The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes 4994The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes
4566watchers and events. 4995watchers and events.
4567 4996
4568=item pending 4997=item pending
4569 4998
4570A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been detected, 4999A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been
4571and stops being pending as soon as the watcher will be invoked or its 5000detected. See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
4572pending status is explicitly cleared by the application.
4573
4574A watcher can be pending, but not active. Stopping a watcher also clears
4575its pending status.
4576 5001
4577=item real time 5002=item real time
4578 5003
4579The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :) 5004The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
4580 5005
4587=item watcher 5012=item watcher
4588 5013
4589A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need 5014A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need
4590to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events. 5015to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events.
4591 5016
4592=item watcher invocation
4593
4594The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4595
4596=back 5017=back
4597 5018
4598=head1 AUTHOR 5019=head1 AUTHOR
4599 5020
4600Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson. 5021Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael
5022Magnusson and Emanuele Giaquinta.
4601 5023

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