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1=encoding utf-8
2
1=head1 NAME 3=head1 NAME
2 4
3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C 5libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C
4 6
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 7=head1 SYNOPSIS
58 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 60 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
59 61
60 // now wait for events to arrive 62 // now wait for events to arrive
61 ev_run (loop, 0); 63 ev_run (loop, 0);
62 64
63 // unloop was called, so exit 65 // break was called, so exit
64 return 0; 66 return 0;
65 } 67 }
66 68
67=head1 ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT 69=head1 ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
68 70
82 84
83=head1 WHAT TO READ WHEN IN A HURRY 85=head1 WHAT TO READ WHEN IN A HURRY
84 86
85This manual tries to be very detailed, but unfortunately, this also makes 87This 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 88it 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 89reading 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 90look up the missing functions in L</GLOBAL FUNCTIONS> and the C<ev_io> and
89C<ev_timer> sections in L<WATCHER TYPES>. 91C<ev_timer> sections in L</WATCHER TYPES>.
90 92
91=head1 ABOUT LIBEV 93=head1 ABOUT LIBEV
92 94
93Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 95Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
94file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage 96file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
174=item ev_tstamp ev_time () 176=item ev_tstamp ev_time ()
175 177
176Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 178Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
177C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp 179C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
178you actually want to know. Also interesting is the combination of 180you actually want to know. Also interesting is the combination of
179C<ev_update_now> and C<ev_now>. 181C<ev_now_update> and C<ev_now>.
180 182
181=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 183=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
182 184
183Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 185Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked
184either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 186until either it is interrupted or the given time interval has
187passed (approximately - it might return a bit earlier even if not
188interrupted). Returns immediately if C<< interval <= 0 >>.
189
185this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>. 190Basically this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>.
191
192The range of the C<interval> is limited - libev only guarantees to work
193with sleep times of up to one day (C<< interval <= 86400 >>).
186 194
187=item int ev_version_major () 195=item int ev_version_major ()
188 196
189=item int ev_version_minor () 197=item int ev_version_minor ()
190 198
241the current system, you would need to look at C<ev_embeddable_backends () 249the current system, you would need to look at C<ev_embeddable_backends ()
242& ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for recommended ones. 250& ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for recommended ones.
243 251
244See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 252See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
245 253
246=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT] 254=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size) throw ())
247 255
248Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 256Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
249semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is 257semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
250used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero 258used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
251when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort 259when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
257 265
258You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 266You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
259free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 267free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
260or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 268or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
261 269
270Example: The following is the C<realloc> function that libev itself uses
271which should work with C<realloc> and C<free> functions of all kinds and
272is probably a good basis for your own implementation.
273
274 static void *
275 ev_realloc_emul (void *ptr, long size) EV_NOEXCEPT
276 {
277 if (size)
278 return realloc (ptr, size);
279
280 free (ptr);
281 return 0;
282 }
283
262Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 284Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
263retries (example requires a standards-compliant C<realloc>). 285retries.
264 286
265 static void * 287 static void *
266 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size) 288 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
267 { 289 {
290 if (!size)
291 {
292 free (ptr);
293 return 0;
294 }
295
268 for (;;) 296 for (;;)
269 { 297 {
270 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size); 298 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size);
271 299
272 if (newptr) 300 if (newptr)
277 } 305 }
278 306
279 ... 307 ...
280 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 308 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
281 309
282=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); [NOT REENTRANT] 310=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg) throw ())
283 311
284Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such 312Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
285as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 313as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
286indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 314indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
287callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no 315callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
299 } 327 }
300 328
301 ... 329 ...
302 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error); 330 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error);
303 331
332=item ev_feed_signal (int signum)
333
334This function can be used to "simulate" a signal receive. It is completely
335safe to call this function at any time, from any context, including signal
336handlers or random threads.
337
338Its main use is to customise signal handling in your process, especially
339in the presence of threads. For example, you could block signals
340by default in all threads (and specifying C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK> when
341creating any loops), and in one thread, use C<sigwait> or any other
342mechanism to wait for signals, then "deliver" them to libev by calling
343C<ev_feed_signal>.
344
304=back 345=back
305 346
306=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING EVENT LOOPS 347=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING EVENT LOOPS
307 348
308An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> is 349An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> is
355=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags) 396=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
356 397
357This will create and initialise a new event loop object. If the loop 398This will create and initialise a new event loop object. If the loop
358could not be initialised, returns false. 399could not be initialised, returns false.
359 400
360Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and one common way to use 401This function is thread-safe, and one common way to use libev with
361libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the 402threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the default
362default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread. 403loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
363 404
364The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 405The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
365backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). 406backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
366 407
367The following flags are supported: 408The following flags are supported:
377 418
378If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid 419If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid
379or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable 420or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
380C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 421C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
381override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 422override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
382useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 423useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, to work
383around bugs. 424around bugs, or to make libev threadsafe (accessing environment variables
425cannot be done in a threadsafe way, but usually it works if no other
426thread modifies them).
384 427
385=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK> 428=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
386 429
387Instead of calling C<ev_loop_fork> manually after a fork, you can also 430Instead of calling C<ev_loop_fork> manually after a fork, you can also
388make libev check for a fork in each iteration by enabling this flag. 431make libev check for a fork in each iteration by enabling this flag.
389 432
390This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 433This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
391and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop 434and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
392iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 435iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
393GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence 436GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn
394without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has 437sequence without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux
395C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). 438system also has C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). (Update: glibc
439versions 2.25 apparently removed the C<getpid> optimisation again).
396 440
397The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and 441The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
398forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this 442forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking, although you still
399flag. 443have to ignore C<SIGPIPE>) when you use this flag.
400 444
401This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> 445This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
402environment variable. 446environment variable.
403 447
404=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY> 448=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY>
405 449
406When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the 450When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the
407I<inotify> API for it's C<ev_stat> watchers. Apart from debugging and 451I<inotify> API for its C<ev_stat> watchers. Apart from debugging and
408testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as 452testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as
409otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle. 453otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle.
410 454
411=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD> 455=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD>
412 456
413When this flag is specified, then libev will attempt to use the 457When this flag is specified, then libev will attempt to use the
414I<signalfd> API for it's C<ev_signal> (and C<ev_child>) watchers. This API 458I<signalfd> API for its C<ev_signal> (and C<ev_child>) watchers. This API
415delivers signals synchronously, which makes it both faster and might make 459delivers signals synchronously, which makes it both faster and might make
416it possible to get the queued signal data. It can also simplify signal 460it possible to get the queued signal data. It can also simplify signal
417handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your 461handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your
418threads that are not interested in handling them. 462threads that are not interested in handling them.
419 463
420Signalfd will not be used by default as this changes your signal mask, and 464Signalfd 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 465there are a lot of shoddy libraries and programs (glib's threadpool for
422example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks. 466example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks.
467
468=item C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK>
469
470When this flag is specified, then libev will avoid to modify the signal
471mask. Specifically, this means you have to make sure signals are unblocked
472when you want to receive them.
473
474This behaviour is useful when you want to do your own signal handling, or
475want to handle signals only in specific threads and want to avoid libev
476unblocking the signals.
477
478It's also required by POSIX in a threaded program, as libev calls
479C<sigprocmask>, whose behaviour is officially unspecified.
480
481This flag's behaviour will become the default in future versions of libev.
423 482
424=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 483=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
425 484
426This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 485This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
427libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 486libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
455=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 514=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
456 515
457Use the linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9 516Use the linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9
458kernels). 517kernels).
459 518
460For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 519For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, but
461but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 520it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like
462like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), 521O(total_fds) where total_fds is the total number of fds (or the highest
463epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). 522fd), epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
464 523
465The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned 524The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
466of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently 525of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
467dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file 526dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
468descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup and 527descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup,
528returning before the timeout value, resulting in additional iterations
529(and only giving 5ms accuracy while select on the same platform gives
469so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program forks then 5300.1ms) and so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program
470I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll set, which can 531forks then I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll
471take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) and is of course 532set, which can take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor)
472hard to detect. 533and is of course hard to detect.
473 534
474Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but 535Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work,
475of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally 536but of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for
476I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot 537totally I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so
477even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially 538one cannot even remove them from the set) than registered in the set
478on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by 539(especially on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious
479employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the 540notifications by employing an additional generation counter and comparing
480events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. Last 541that against the events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set
542when required. Epoll also erroneously rounds down timeouts, but gives you
543no way to know when and by how much, so sometimes you have to busy-wait
544because epoll returns immediately despite a nonzero timeout. And last
481not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work 545not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work
482perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...). 546perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...).
547
548Epoll is truly the train wreck among event poll mechanisms, a frankenpoll,
549cobbled together in a hurry, no thought to design or interaction with
550others. Oh, the pain, will it ever stop...
483 551
484While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 552While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
485will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such 553will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
486incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different 554incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different
487I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed 555I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
524 592
525It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 593It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
526kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 594kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
527course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 595course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
528cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to 596cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
529two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad (but 597two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad (you
530sane, unlike epoll) and it drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect 598might have to leak fd's on fork, but it's more sane than epoll) and it
531cases 599drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
532 600
533This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 601This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
534 602
535While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work 603While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
536everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken 604everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
553=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 621=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
554 622
555This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 623This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
556it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 624it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
557 625
558Please note that Solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
559notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
560blocking when no data (or space) is available.
561
562While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active 626While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
563file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 627file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
564descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend 628descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
565might perform better. 629might perform better.
566 630
567On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness 631On the positive side, this backend actually performed fully to
568notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification
569in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat among the 632specification in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat
570OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed hacks). 633among the OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed
634hacks).
635
636On the negative side, the interface is I<bizarre> - so bizarre that
637even sun itself gets it wrong in their code examples: The event polling
638function sometimes returns events to the caller even though an error
639occurred, but with no indication whether it has done so or not (yes, it's
640even documented that way) - deadly for edge-triggered interfaces where you
641absolutely have to know whether an event occurred or not because you have
642to re-arm the watcher.
643
644Fortunately libev seems to be able to work around these idiocies.
571 645
572This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as 646This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
573C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 647C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
574 648
575=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 649=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
576 650
577Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 651Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
578with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 652with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
579C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 653C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
580 654
581It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 655It is definitely not recommended to use this flag, use whatever
656C<ev_recommended_backends ()> returns, or simply do not specify a backend
657at all.
658
659=item C<EVBACKEND_MASK>
660
661Not a backend at all, but a mask to select all backend bits from a
662C<flags> value, in case you want to mask out any backends from a flags
663value (e.g. when modifying the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> environment variable).
582 664
583=back 665=back
584 666
585If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value, 667If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value,
586then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed 668then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed
615This function is normally used on loop objects allocated by 697This function is normally used on loop objects allocated by
616C<ev_loop_new>, but it can also be used on the default loop returned by 698C<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. 699C<ev_default_loop>, in which case it is not thread-safe.
618 700
619Note that it is not advisable to call this function on the default loop 701Note 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. 702except in the rare occasion where you really need to free its resources.
621If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use C<ev_loop_new> 703If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use C<ev_loop_new>
622and C<ev_loop_destroy>. 704and C<ev_loop_destroy>.
623 705
624=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 706=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
625 707
626This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations to 708This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations
627reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the 709to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite
628name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in 710the name, you can call it anytime you are allowed to start or stop
629the child process. You I<must> call it (or use C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>) in the 711watchers (except inside an C<ev_prepare> callback), but it makes most
712sense after forking, in the child process. You I<must> call it (or use
630child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>. 713C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>) in the child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>.
631 714
715In addition, if you want to reuse a loop (via this function or
716C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>), you I<also> have to ignore C<SIGPIPE>.
717
632Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after 718Again, 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 719a 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 720because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things
635during fork. 721during fork.
636 722
637On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child 723On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
673prepare and check phases. 759prepare and check phases.
674 760
675=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop) 761=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop)
676 762
677Returns the number of times C<ev_run> was entered minus the number of 763Returns the number of times C<ev_run> was entered minus the number of
678times C<ev_run> was exited, in other words, the recursion depth. 764times C<ev_run> was exited normally, in other words, the recursion depth.
679 765
680Outside C<ev_run>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is 766Outside C<ev_run>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is
681C<1>, unless C<ev_run> was invoked recursively (or from another thread), 767C<1>, unless C<ev_run> was invoked recursively (or from another thread),
682in which case it is higher. 768in which case it is higher.
683 769
684Leaving C<ev_run> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread 770Leaving C<ev_run> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread,
685etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this as a hint to avoid such 771throwing an exception etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this
686ungentleman-like behaviour unless it's really convenient. 772as a hint to avoid such ungentleman-like behaviour unless it's really
773convenient, in which case it is fully supported.
687 774
688=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 775=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
689 776
690Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 777Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
691use. 778use.
706 793
707This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a 794This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
708very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of 795very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
709the current time is a good idea. 796the current time is a good idea.
710 797
711See also L<The special problem of time updates> in the C<ev_timer> section. 798See also L</The special problem of time updates> in the C<ev_timer> section.
712 799
713=item ev_suspend (loop) 800=item ev_suspend (loop)
714 801
715=item ev_resume (loop) 802=item ev_resume (loop)
716 803
734without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>. 821without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>.
735 822
736Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the 823Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the
737event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>). 824event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>).
738 825
739=item ev_run (loop, int flags) 826=item bool ev_run (loop, int flags)
740 827
741Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 828Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
742after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start 829after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start
743handling events. It will ask the operating system for any new events, call 830handling events. It will ask the operating system for any new events, call
744the watcher callbacks, an then repeat the whole process indefinitely: This 831the watcher callbacks, and then repeat the whole process indefinitely: This
745is why event loops are called I<loops>. 832is why event loops are called I<loops>.
746 833
747If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will keep handling events 834If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will keep handling events
748until either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_break> was 835until either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_break> was
749called. 836called.
837
838The return value is false if there are no more active watchers (which
839usually means "all jobs done" or "deadlock"), and true in all other cases
840(which usually means " you should call C<ev_run> again").
750 841
751Please note that an explicit C<ev_break> is usually better than 842Please note that an explicit C<ev_break> is usually better than
752relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 843relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
753finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program 844finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
754that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue 845that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
755of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of 846of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
756beauty. 847beauty.
757 848
849This function is I<mostly> exception-safe - you can break out of a
850C<ev_run> call by calling C<longjmp> in a callback, throwing a C++
851exception and so on. This does not decrement the C<ev_depth> value, nor
852will it clear any outstanding C<EVBREAK_ONE> breaks.
853
758A flags value of C<EVRUN_NOWAIT> will look for new events, will handle 854A flags value of C<EVRUN_NOWAIT> will look for new events, will handle
759those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not wait and 855those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not wait and
760block your process in case there are no events and will return after one 856block your process in case there are no events and will return after one
761iteration of the loop. This is sometimes useful to poll and handle new 857iteration of the loop. This is sometimes useful to poll and handle new
762events while doing lengthy calculations, to keep the program responsive. 858events while doing lengthy calculations, to keep the program responsive.
771This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction 867This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
772with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your 868with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
773own C<ev_run>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 869own C<ev_run>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
774usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 870usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
775 871
776Here are the gory details of what C<ev_run> does: 872Here are the gory details of what C<ev_run> does (this is for your
873understanding, not a guarantee that things will work exactly like this in
874future versions):
777 875
778 - Increment loop depth. 876 - Increment loop depth.
779 - Reset the ev_break status. 877 - Reset the ev_break status.
780 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 878 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
781 LOOP: 879 LOOP:
814anymore. 912anymore.
815 913
816 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 914 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
817 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 915 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
818 ev_run (my_loop, 0); 916 ev_run (my_loop, 0);
819 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah! 917 ... jobs done or somebody called break. yeah!
820 918
821=item ev_break (loop, how) 919=item ev_break (loop, how)
822 920
823Can be used to make a call to C<ev_run> return early (but only after it 921Can be used to make a call to C<ev_run> return early (but only after it
824has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 922has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
825C<EVBREAK_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_run> call return, or 923C<EVBREAK_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_run> call return, or
826C<EVBREAK_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_run> calls return. 924C<EVBREAK_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_run> calls return.
827 925
828This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_run> again. 926This "break state" will be cleared on the next call to C<ev_run>.
829 927
830It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls. ##TODO## 928It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls, too, in
929which case it will have no effect.
831 930
832=item ev_ref (loop) 931=item ev_ref (loop)
833 932
834=item ev_unref (loop) 933=item ev_unref (loop)
835 934
856running when nothing else is active. 955running when nothing else is active.
857 956
858 ev_signal exitsig; 957 ev_signal exitsig;
859 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 958 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
860 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 959 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
861 evf_unref (loop); 960 ev_unref (loop);
862 961
863Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 962Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
864 963
865 ev_ref (loop); 964 ev_ref (loop);
866 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 965 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
886overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once. 985overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
887 986
888By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more 987By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
889time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration, 988time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
890at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and 989at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
891C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will 990C<ev_timer>) will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
892introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. The 991introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. The
893sleep time ensures that libev will not poll for I/O events more often then 992sleep time ensures that libev will not poll for I/O events more often then
894once per this interval, on average. 993once per this interval, on average (as long as the host time resolution is
994good enough).
895 995
896Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev 996Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
897to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 997to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
898latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called 998latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
899later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null 999later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null
945invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.). 1045invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.).
946 1046
947If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new 1047If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new
948callback. 1048callback.
949 1049
950=item ev_set_loop_release_cb (loop, void (*release)(EV_P), void (*acquire)(EV_P)) 1050=item ev_set_loop_release_cb (loop, void (*release)(EV_P) throw (), void (*acquire)(EV_P) throw ())
951 1051
952Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This 1052Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This
953can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around 1053can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around
954each call to a libev function. 1054each call to a libev function.
955 1055
956However, C<ev_run> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible 1056However, C<ev_run> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible
957to wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the event 1057to wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the event
958loop via C<ev_break> and C<av_async_send>, another way is to set these 1058loop via C<ev_break> and C<ev_async_send>, another way is to set these
959I<release> and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop. 1059I<release> and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop.
960 1060
961When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is 1061When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is
962suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just 1062suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just
963afterwards. 1063afterwards.
978See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this 1078See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this
979document. 1079document.
980 1080
981=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data) 1081=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data)
982 1082
983=item ev_userdata (loop) 1083=item void *ev_userdata (loop)
984 1084
985Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When 1085Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When
986C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns 1086C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns
987C<0.> 1087C<0>.
988 1088
989These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop, 1089These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop,
990and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and 1090and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and
991C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for 1091C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for
992any other purpose as well. 1092any other purpose as well.
1103 1203
1104=item C<EV_PREPARE> 1204=item C<EV_PREPARE>
1105 1205
1106=item C<EV_CHECK> 1206=item C<EV_CHECK>
1107 1207
1108All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_run> starts 1208All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_run> starts to
1109to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after 1209gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are queued (not invoked)
1110C<ev_run> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any 1210just after C<ev_run> has gathered them, but before it queues any callbacks
1211for any received events. That means C<ev_prepare> watchers are the last
1212watchers invoked before the event loop sleeps or polls for new events, and
1213C<ev_check> watchers will be invoked before any other watchers of the same
1214or lower priority within an event loop iteration.
1215
1111received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 1216Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as many watchers as
1112many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account 1217they want, and all of them will be taken into account (for example, a
1113(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep 1218C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep C<ev_run> from
1114C<ev_run> from blocking). 1219blocking).
1115 1220
1116=item C<EV_EMBED> 1221=item C<EV_EMBED>
1117 1222
1118The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention. 1223The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
1119 1224
1242 1347
1243=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1348=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1244 1349
1245Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 1350Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
1246 1351
1247=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 1352=item ev_set_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1248 1353
1249Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 1354Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
1250(modulo threads). 1355(modulo threads).
1251 1356
1252=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, int priority) 1357=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, int priority)
1270or might not have been clamped to the valid range. 1375or might not have been clamped to the valid range.
1271 1376
1272The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is 1377The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
1273always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :). 1378always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
1274 1379
1275See L<WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS>, below, for a more thorough treatment of 1380See L</WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS>, below, for a more thorough treatment of
1276priorities. 1381priorities.
1277 1382
1278=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents) 1383=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1279 1384
1280Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither 1385Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
1305See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related 1410See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
1306functions that do not need a watcher. 1411functions that do not need a watcher.
1307 1412
1308=back 1413=back
1309 1414
1310=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1415See also the L</ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER> and L</BUILDING YOUR
1311 1416OWN COMPOSITE WATCHERS> idioms.
1312Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
1313and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
1314to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
1315don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data
1316member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
1317data:
1318
1319 struct my_io
1320 {
1321 ev_io io;
1322 int otherfd;
1323 void *somedata;
1324 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
1325 };
1326
1327 ...
1328 struct my_io w;
1329 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
1330
1331And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
1332can cast it back to your own type:
1333
1334 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
1335 {
1336 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
1337 ...
1338 }
1339
1340More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
1341instead have been omitted.
1342
1343Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
1344embedded watchers:
1345
1346 struct my_biggy
1347 {
1348 int some_data;
1349 ev_timer t1;
1350 ev_timer t2;
1351 }
1352
1353In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
1354complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct
1355in the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies), or you need to use
1356some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for real
1357programmers):
1358
1359 #include <stddef.h>
1360
1361 static void
1362 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1363 {
1364 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1365 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
1366 }
1367
1368 static void
1369 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1370 {
1371 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1372 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1373 }
1374 1417
1375=head2 WATCHER STATES 1418=head2 WATCHER STATES
1376 1419
1377There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual - 1420There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual -
1378active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to 1421active, 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 1422transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these
1380rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing". 1423rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing".
1381 1424
1382=over 4 1425=over 4
1383 1426
1384=item initialiased 1427=item initialised
1385 1428
1386Before a watcher can be registered with the event looop it has to be 1429Before a watcher can be registered with the event loop it has to be
1387initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to 1430initialised. 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. 1431C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function.
1389 1432
1390In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for use 1433In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for
1391in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at will. 1434use in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at
1435will - as long as you either keep the memory contents intact, or call
1436C<ev_TYPE_init> again.
1392 1437
1393=item started/running/active 1438=item started/running/active
1394 1439
1395Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes 1440Once 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 1441property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in
1424latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless 1469latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless
1425of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before 1470of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before
1426freeing it is often a good idea. 1471freeing it is often a good idea.
1427 1472
1428While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the 1473While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the
1429initialised state, that is it can be reused, moved, modified in any way 1474initialised state, that is, it can be reused, moved, modified in any way
1430you wish. 1475you wish (but when you trash the memory block, you need to C<ev_TYPE_init>
1476it again).
1431 1477
1432=back 1478=back
1433 1479
1434=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS 1480=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS
1435 1481
1564In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 1610In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
1565fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 1611fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
1566descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1612descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
1567required if you know what you are doing). 1613required if you know what you are doing).
1568 1614
1569If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a
1570known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
1571C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). The same applies to file
1572descriptors for which non-blocking operation makes no sense (such as
1573files) - libev doesn't guarantee any specific behaviour in that case.
1574
1575Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1615Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1576receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might 1616receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is, your callback might
1577be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1617be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
1578because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1618because there is no data. It is very easy to get into this situation even
1579lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into 1619with a relatively standard program structure. Thus it is best to always
1580this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1620use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning C<EAGAIN> is far
1581it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
1582C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 1621preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
1583 1622
1584If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should 1623If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should
1585not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately 1624not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately
1586re-test whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good 1625re-test whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good
1587interface such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already 1626interface such as poll (fortunately in the case of Xlib, it already does
1588does this on its own, so its quite safe to use). Some people additionally 1627this on its own, so its quite safe to use). Some people additionally
1589use C<SIGALRM> and an interval timer, just to be sure you won't block 1628use C<SIGALRM> and an interval timer, just to be sure you won't block
1590indefinitely. 1629indefinitely.
1591 1630
1592But really, best use non-blocking mode. 1631But really, best use non-blocking mode.
1593 1632
1621 1660
1622There is no workaround possible except not registering events 1661There is no workaround possible except not registering events
1623for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to 1662for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to
1624C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 1663C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1625 1664
1665=head3 The special problem of files
1666
1667Many people try to use C<select> (or libev) on file descriptors
1668representing files, and expect it to become ready when their program
1669doesn't block on disk accesses (which can take a long time on their own).
1670
1671However, this cannot ever work in the "expected" way - you get a readiness
1672notification as soon as the kernel knows whether and how much data is
1673there, and in the case of open files, that's always the case, so you
1674always get a readiness notification instantly, and your read (or possibly
1675write) will still block on the disk I/O.
1676
1677Another way to view it is that in the case of sockets, pipes, character
1678devices and so on, there is another party (the sender) that delivers data
1679on its own, but in the case of files, there is no such thing: the disk
1680will not send data on its own, simply because it doesn't know what you
1681wish to read - you would first have to request some data.
1682
1683Since files are typically not-so-well supported by advanced notification
1684mechanism, libev tries hard to emulate POSIX behaviour with respect
1685to files, even though you should not use it. The reason for this is
1686convenience: sometimes you want to watch STDIN or STDOUT, which is
1687usually a tty, often a pipe, but also sometimes files or special devices
1688(for example, C<epoll> on Linux works with F</dev/random> but not with
1689F</dev/urandom>), and even though the file might better be served with
1690asynchronous I/O instead of with non-blocking I/O, it is still useful when
1691it "just works" instead of freezing.
1692
1693So avoid file descriptors pointing to files when you know it (e.g. use
1694libeio), but use them when it is convenient, e.g. for STDIN/STDOUT, or
1695when you rarely read from a file instead of from a socket, and want to
1696reuse the same code path.
1697
1626=head3 The special problem of fork 1698=head3 The special problem of fork
1627 1699
1628Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit 1700Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit
1629useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about 1701useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about
1630it in the child. 1702it in the child if you want to continue to use it in the child.
1631 1703
1632To support fork in your programs, you either have to call 1704To support fork in your child processes, you have to call C<ev_loop_fork
1633C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child, 1705()> after a fork in the child, enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to
1634enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or 1706C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1635C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1636 1707
1637=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE 1708=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1638 1709
1639While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about C<SIGPIPE>: 1710While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about C<SIGPIPE>:
1640when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets 1711when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets
1738detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1809detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1739monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1810monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1740 1811
1741The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has 1812The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1742passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this 1813passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this
1743might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the 1814might introduce a small delay, see "the special problem of being too
1815early", below). If multiple timers become ready during the same loop
1744same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked 1816iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked before
1745before ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is 1817ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is no
1746no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively). 1818longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1747 1819
1748=head3 Be smart about timeouts 1820=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1749 1821
1750Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error 1822Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1751recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs, 1823recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1826 1898
1827In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone, 1899In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone,
1828but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only 1900but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only
1829within the callback: 1901within the callback:
1830 1902
1903 ev_tstamp timeout = 60.;
1831 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity 1904 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity
1905 ev_timer timer;
1832 1906
1833 static void 1907 static void
1834 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1908 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1835 { 1909 {
1836 ev_tstamp now = ev_now (EV_A); 1910 // calculate when the timeout would happen
1837 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.; 1911 ev_tstamp after = last_activity - ev_now (EV_A) + timeout;
1838 1912
1839 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out 1913 // if negative, it means we the timeout already occurred
1840 if (timeout < now) 1914 if (after < 0.)
1841 { 1915 {
1842 // timeout occurred, take action 1916 // timeout occurred, take action
1843 } 1917 }
1844 else 1918 else
1845 { 1919 {
1846 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm 1920 // callback was invoked, but there was some recent
1847 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is 1921 // activity. simply restart the timer to time out
1848 // guaranteed to be in the future, so "again" is positive: 1922 // after "after" seconds, which is the earliest time
1849 w->repeat = timeout - now; 1923 // the timeout can occur.
1924 ev_timer_set (w, after, 0.);
1850 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ w); 1925 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ w);
1851 } 1926 }
1852 } 1927 }
1853 1928
1854To summarise the callback: first calculate the real timeout (defined 1929To summarise the callback: first calculate in how many seconds the
1855as "60 seconds after the last activity"), then check if that time has 1930timeout will occur (by calculating the absolute time when it would occur,
1856been reached, which means something I<did>, in fact, time out. Otherwise 1931C<last_activity + timeout>, and subtracting the current time, C<ev_now
1857the callback was invoked too early (C<timeout> is in the future), so 1932(EV_A)> from that).
1858re-schedule the timer to fire at that future time, to see if maybe we have
1859a timeout then.
1860 1933
1861Note how C<ev_timer_again> is used, taking advantage of the 1934If this value is negative, then we are already past the timeout, i.e. we
1862C<ev_timer_again> optimisation when the timer is already running. 1935timed out, and need to do whatever is needed in this case.
1936
1937Otherwise, we now the earliest time at which the timeout would trigger,
1938and simply start the timer with this timeout value.
1939
1940In other words, each time the callback is invoked it will check whether
1941the timeout occurred. If not, it will simply reschedule itself to check
1942again at the earliest time it could time out. Rinse. Repeat.
1863 1943
1864This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds 1944This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds
1865minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to 1945minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to
1866libev to change the timeout. 1946libev to change the timeout.
1867 1947
1868To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity> 1948To start the machinery, simply initialise the watcher and set
1869to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the 1949C<last_activity> to the current time (meaning there was some activity just
1870callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer: 1950now), then call the callback, which will "do the right thing" and start
1951the timer:
1871 1952
1953 last_activity = ev_now (EV_A);
1872 ev_init (timer, callback); 1954 ev_init (&timer, callback);
1873 last_activity = ev_now (loop); 1955 callback (EV_A_ &timer, 0);
1874 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMER);
1875 1956
1876And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in 1957When there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1877C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all: 1958C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1878 1959
1960 if (activity detected)
1879 last_activity = ev_now (loop); 1961 last_activity = ev_now (EV_A);
1962
1963When your timeout value changes, then the timeout can be changed by simply
1964providing a new value, stopping the timer and calling the callback, which
1965will again do the right thing (for example, time out immediately :).
1966
1967 timeout = new_value;
1968 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &timer);
1969 callback (EV_A_ &timer, 0);
1880 1970
1881This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the 1971This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1882time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient. 1972time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1883
1884Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1885callback :) - just change the timeout and invoke the callback, which will
1886fix things for you.
1887 1973
1888=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts. 1974=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts.
1889 1975
1890If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all 1976If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all
1891employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can 1977employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can
1918Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is 2004Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is
1919rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays 2005rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays
1920off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually 2006off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually
1921overkill :) 2007overkill :)
1922 2008
2009=head3 The special problem of being too early
2010
2011If you ask a timer to call your callback after three seconds, then
2012you expect it to be invoked after three seconds - but of course, this
2013cannot be guaranteed to infinite precision. Less obviously, it cannot be
2014guaranteed to any precision by libev - imagine somebody suspending the
2015process with a STOP signal for a few hours for example.
2016
2017So, libev tries to invoke your callback as soon as possible I<after> the
2018delay has occurred, but cannot guarantee this.
2019
2020A less obvious failure mode is calling your callback too early: many event
2021loops compare timestamps with a "elapsed delay >= requested delay", but
2022this can cause your callback to be invoked much earlier than you would
2023expect.
2024
2025To see why, imagine a system with a clock that only offers full second
2026resolution (think windows if you can't come up with a broken enough OS
2027yourself). If you schedule a one-second timer at the time 500.9, then the
2028event loop will schedule your timeout to elapse at a system time of 500
2029(500.9 truncated to the resolution) + 1, or 501.
2030
2031If an event library looks at the timeout 0.1s later, it will see "501 >=
2032501" and invoke the callback 0.1s after it was started, even though a
2033one-second delay was requested - this is being "too early", despite best
2034intentions.
2035
2036This is the reason why libev will never invoke the callback if the elapsed
2037delay equals the requested delay, but only when the elapsed delay is
2038larger than the requested delay. In the example above, libev would only invoke
2039the callback at system time 502, or 1.1s after the timer was started.
2040
2041So, while libev cannot guarantee that your callback will be invoked
2042exactly when requested, it I<can> and I<does> guarantee that the requested
2043delay has actually elapsed, or in other words, it always errs on the "too
2044late" side of things.
2045
1923=head3 The special problem of time updates 2046=head3 The special problem of time updates
1924 2047
1925Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at 2048Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes
1926least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current 2049at least one system call): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1927time only before and after C<ev_run> collects new events, which causes a 2050time only before and after C<ev_run> collects new events, which causes a
1928growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling 2051growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1929lots of events in one iteration. 2052lots of events in one iteration.
1930 2053
1931The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 2054The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1932time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 2055time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1933of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If 2056of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If
1934you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the 2057you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the
1935timeout on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this: 2058timeout on the current time, use something like the following to adjust
2059for it:
1936 2060
1937 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 2061 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + (ev_time () - ev_now ()), 0.);
1938 2062
1939If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an 2063If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
1940update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update 2064update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
1941()>. 2065()>, although that will push the event time of all outstanding events
2066further into the future.
2067
2068=head3 The special problem of unsynchronised clocks
2069
2070Modern systems have a variety of clocks - libev itself uses the normal
2071"wall clock" clock and, if available, the monotonic clock (to avoid time
2072jumps).
2073
2074Neither of these clocks is synchronised with each other or any other clock
2075on the system, so C<ev_time ()> might return a considerably different time
2076than C<gettimeofday ()> or C<time ()>. On a GNU/Linux system, for example,
2077a call to C<gettimeofday> might return a second count that is one higher
2078than a directly following call to C<time>.
2079
2080The moral of this is to only compare libev-related timestamps with
2081C<ev_time ()> and C<ev_now ()>, at least if you want better precision than
2082a second or so.
2083
2084One more problem arises due to this lack of synchronisation: if libev uses
2085the system monotonic clock and you compare timestamps from C<ev_time>
2086or C<ev_now> from when you started your timer and when your callback is
2087invoked, you will find that sometimes the callback is a bit "early".
2088
2089This is because C<ev_timer>s work in real time, not wall clock time, so
2090libev makes sure your callback is not invoked before the delay happened,
2091I<measured according to the real time>, not the system clock.
2092
2093If your timeouts are based on a physical timescale (e.g. "time out this
2094connection after 100 seconds") then this shouldn't bother you as it is
2095exactly the right behaviour.
2096
2097If you want to compare wall clock/system timestamps to your timers, then
2098you need to use C<ev_periodic>s, as these are based on the wall clock
2099time, where your comparisons will always generate correct results.
1942 2100
1943=head3 The special problems of suspended animation 2101=head3 The special problems of suspended animation
1944 2102
1945When you leave the server world it is quite customary to hit machines that 2103When you leave the server world it is quite customary to hit machines that
1946can suspend/hibernate - what happens to the clocks during such a suspend? 2104can suspend/hibernate - what happens to the clocks during such a suspend?
1976 2134
1977=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 2135=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1978 2136
1979=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 2137=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1980 2138
1981Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat> 2139Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds (fractional and
1982is C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped once the timeout is 2140negative values are supported). If C<repeat> is C<0.>, then it will
1983reached. If it is positive, then the timer will automatically be 2141automatically be stopped once the timeout is reached. If it is positive,
1984configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds later, again, and again, 2142then the timer will automatically be configured to trigger again C<repeat>
1985until stopped manually. 2143seconds later, again, and again, until stopped manually.
1986 2144
1987The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if 2145The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if
1988you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally 2146you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally
1989trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot 2147trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot
1990keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to 2148keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to
1991do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 2149do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
1992 2150
1993=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *) 2151=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
1994 2152
1995This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 2153This will act as if the timer timed out, and restarts it again if it is
1996repeating. The exact semantics are: 2154repeating. It basically works like calling C<ev_timer_stop>, updating the
2155timeout to the C<repeat> value and calling C<ev_timer_start>.
1997 2156
2157The exact semantics are as in the following rules, all of which will be
2158applied to the watcher:
2159
2160=over 4
2161
1998If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 2162=item If the timer is pending, the pending status is always cleared.
1999 2163
2000If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 2164=item If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed
2165out, without invoking it).
2001 2166
2002If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 2167=item If the timer is repeating, make the C<repeat> value the new timeout
2003C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 2168and start the timer, if necessary.
2004 2169
2170=back
2171
2005This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a 2172This sounds a bit complicated, see L</Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a
2006usage example. 2173usage example.
2007 2174
2008=item ev_tstamp ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *) 2175=item ev_tstamp ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *)
2009 2176
2010Returns the remaining time until a timer fires. If the timer is active, 2177Returns the remaining time until a timer fires. If the timer is active,
2063Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 2230Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
2064(and unfortunately a bit complex). 2231(and unfortunately a bit complex).
2065 2232
2066Unlike C<ev_timer>, periodic watchers are not based on real time (or 2233Unlike C<ev_timer>, periodic watchers are not based on real time (or
2067relative time, the physical time that passes) but on wall clock time 2234relative time, the physical time that passes) but on wall clock time
2068(absolute time, the thing you can read on your calender or clock). The 2235(absolute time, the thing you can read on your calendar or clock). The
2069difference is that wall clock time can run faster or slower than real 2236difference is that wall clock time can run faster or slower than real
2070time, and time jumps are not uncommon (e.g. when you adjust your 2237time, and time jumps are not uncommon (e.g. when you adjust your
2071wrist-watch). 2238wrist-watch).
2072 2239
2073You can tell a periodic watcher to trigger after some specific point 2240You can tell a periodic watcher to trigger after some specific point
2078C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger roughly 10 seconds after starting 2245C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger roughly 10 seconds after starting
2079it, as it uses a relative timeout). 2246it, as it uses a relative timeout).
2080 2247
2081C<ev_periodic> watchers can also be used to implement vastly more complex 2248C<ev_periodic> watchers can also be used to implement vastly more complex
2082timers, such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or 2249timers, such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or
2083other complicated rules. This cannot be done with C<ev_timer> watchers, as 2250other complicated rules. This cannot easily be done with C<ev_timer>
2084those cannot react to time jumps. 2251watchers, as those cannot react to time jumps.
2085 2252
2086As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the 2253As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
2087point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple 2254point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple
2088timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with 2255timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with
2089earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values 2256earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values
2130 2297
2131Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 2298Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
2132C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 2299C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
2133time where C<time = offset (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 2300time where C<time = offset (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
2134 2301
2135For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<offset> value is near 2302The C<interval> I<MUST> be positive, and for numerical stability, the
2136C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for 2303interval value should be higher than C<1/8192> (which is around 100
2137this value, and in fact is often specified as zero. 2304microseconds) and C<offset> should be higher than C<0> and should have
2305at most a similar magnitude as the current time (say, within a factor of
2306ten). Typical values for offset are, in fact, C<0> or something between
2307C<0> and C<interval>, which is also the recommended range.
2138 2308
2139Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU 2309Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
2140speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability 2310speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
2141will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one 2311will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
2142millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough). 2312millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
2172 2342
2173NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is higher than or 2343NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is higher than or
2174equal to the passed C<now> value >>. 2344equal to the passed C<now> value >>.
2175 2345
2176This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that 2346This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that
2177triggers on "next midnight, local time". To do this, you would calculate the 2347triggers on "next midnight, local time". To do this, you would calculate
2178next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How 2348the next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for
2179you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main 2349this. Here is a (completely untested, no error checking) example on how to
2180reason I omitted it as an example). 2350do this:
2351
2352 #include <time.h>
2353
2354 static ev_tstamp
2355 my_rescheduler (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
2356 {
2357 time_t tnow = (time_t)now;
2358 struct tm tm;
2359 localtime_r (&tnow, &tm);
2360
2361 tm.tm_sec = tm.tm_min = tm.tm_hour = 0; // midnight current day
2362 ++tm.tm_mday; // midnight next day
2363
2364 return mktime (&tm);
2365 }
2366
2367Note: this code might run into trouble on days that have more then two
2368midnights (beginning and end).
2181 2369
2182=back 2370=back
2183 2371
2184=item ev_periodic_again (loop, ev_periodic *) 2372=item ev_periodic_again (loop, ev_periodic *)
2185 2373
2250 2438
2251 ev_periodic hourly_tick; 2439 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
2252 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 2440 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
2253 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 2441 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
2254 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 2442 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
2255 2443
2256 2444
2257=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 2445=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
2258 2446
2259Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 2447Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
2260signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 2448signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
2261will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 2449will try its best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
2262normal event processing, like any other event. 2450normal event processing, like any other event.
2263 2451
2264If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use 2452If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use
2265C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing 2453C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing
2266the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to 2454the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to
2270only within the same loop, i.e. you can watch for C<SIGINT> in your 2458only within the same loop, i.e. you can watch for C<SIGINT> in your
2271default loop and for C<SIGIO> in another loop, but you cannot watch for 2459default loop and for C<SIGIO> in another loop, but you cannot watch for
2272C<SIGINT> in both the default loop and another loop at the same time. At 2460C<SIGINT> in both the default loop and another loop at the same time. At
2273the moment, C<SIGCHLD> is permanently tied to the default loop. 2461the moment, C<SIGCHLD> is permanently tied to the default loop.
2274 2462
2275When the first watcher gets started will libev actually register something 2463Only after the first watcher for a signal is started will libev actually
2276with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as 2464register something with the kernel. It thus coexists with your own signal
2277you don't register any with libev for the same signal). 2465handlers as long as you don't register any with libev for the same signal.
2278 2466
2279If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with 2467If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
2280C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should 2468C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should
2281not be unduly interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting 2469not be unduly interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting
2282interrupted by signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher 2470interrupted by signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher
2285=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create 2473=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create
2286 2474
2287Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition 2475Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition
2288(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after 2476(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after
2289stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal, 2477stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal,
2290and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler. 2478and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler (but
2479see C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK>).
2291 2480
2292While this does not matter for the signal disposition (libev never 2481While this does not matter for the signal disposition (libev never
2293sets signals to C<SIG_IGN>, so handlers will be reset to C<SIG_DFL> on 2482sets signals to C<SIG_IGN>, so handlers will be reset to C<SIG_DFL> on
2294C<execve>), this matters for the signal mask: many programs do not expect 2483C<execve>), this matters for the signal mask: many programs do not expect
2295certain signals to be blocked. 2484certain signals to be blocked.
2308I<has> to modify the signal mask, at least temporarily. 2497I<has> to modify the signal mask, at least temporarily.
2309 2498
2310So I can't stress this enough: I<If you do not reset your signal mask when 2499So 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 2500you 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. 2501is not a libev-specific thing, this is true for most event libraries.
2502
2503=head3 The special problem of threads signal handling
2504
2505POSIX threads has problematic signal handling semantics, specifically,
2506a lot of functionality (sigfd, sigwait etc.) only really works if all
2507threads in a process block signals, which is hard to achieve.
2508
2509When you want to use sigwait (or mix libev signal handling with your own
2510for the same signals), you can tackle this problem by globally blocking
2511all signals before creating any threads (or creating them with a fully set
2512sigprocmask) and also specifying the C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK> when creating
2513loops. Then designate one thread as "signal receiver thread" which handles
2514these signals. You can pass on any signals that libev might be interested
2515in by calling C<ev_feed_signal>.
2313 2516
2314=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2517=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2315 2518
2316=over 4 2519=over 4
2317 2520
2452 2655
2453=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 2656=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
2454 2657
2455This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 2658This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
2456C<stat> on that path in regular intervals (or when the OS says it changed) 2659C<stat> on that path in regular intervals (or when the OS says it changed)
2457and sees if it changed compared to the last time, invoking the callback if 2660and sees if it changed compared to the last time, invoking the callback
2458it did. 2661if it did. Starting the watcher C<stat>'s the file, so only changes that
2662happen after the watcher has been started will be reported.
2459 2663
2460The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 2664The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
2461not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does not 2665not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does not
2462exist" (or more correctly "path cannot be stat'ed") is signified by the 2666exist" (or more correctly "path cannot be stat'ed") is signified by the
2463C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is otherwise always forced to be at 2667C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is otherwise always forced to be at
2693Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 2897Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
2694effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do 2898effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do
2695"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 2899"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
2696event loop has handled all outstanding events. 2900event loop has handled all outstanding events.
2697 2901
2902=head3 Abusing an C<ev_idle> watcher for its side-effect
2903
2904As long as there is at least one active idle watcher, libev will never
2905sleep unnecessarily. Or in other words, it will loop as fast as possible.
2906For this to work, the idle watcher doesn't need to be invoked at all - the
2907lowest priority will do.
2908
2909This mode of operation can be useful together with an C<ev_check> watcher,
2910to do something on each event loop iteration - for example to balance load
2911between different connections.
2912
2913See L</Abusing an ev_check watcher for its side-effect> for a longer
2914example.
2915
2698=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2916=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2699 2917
2700=over 4 2918=over 4
2701 2919
2702=item ev_idle_init (ev_idle *, callback) 2920=item ev_idle_init (ev_idle *, callback)
2713callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 2931callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
2714 2932
2715 static void 2933 static void
2716 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents) 2934 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents)
2717 { 2935 {
2936 // stop the watcher
2937 ev_idle_stop (loop, w);
2938
2939 // now we can free it
2718 free (w); 2940 free (w);
2941
2719 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 2942 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
2720 // no longer anything immediate to do. 2943 // no longer anything immediate to do.
2721 } 2944 }
2722 2945
2723 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle)); 2946 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle));
2725 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_watcher); 2948 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_watcher);
2726 2949
2727 2950
2728=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 2951=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
2729 2952
2730Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs: 2953Prepare and check watchers are often (but not always) used in pairs:
2731prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2954prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
2732afterwards. 2955afterwards.
2733 2956
2734You I<must not> call C<ev_run> or similar functions that enter 2957You I<must not> call C<ev_run> (or similar functions that enter the
2735the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 2958current event loop) or C<ev_loop_fork> from either C<ev_prepare> or
2736watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The 2959C<ev_check> watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine,
2737rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in 2960however. The rationale behind this is that you do not need to check
2738those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking, 2961for recursion in those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be
2739C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be 2962C<ev_prepare>, blocking, C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each
2740called in pairs bracketing the blocking call. 2963kind they will always be called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.
2741 2964
2742Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and 2965Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and
2743their use is somewhat advanced. They could be used, for example, to track 2966their use is somewhat advanced. They could be used, for example, to track
2744variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a 2967variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a
2745coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if 2968coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if
2763with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 2986with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine
2764of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event 2987of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
2765loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 2988loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
2766low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 2989low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
2767 2990
2768It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) 2991When used for this purpose, it is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers
2769priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers 2992highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) priority, to ensure that they are being run before
2770after the poll (this doesn't matter for C<ev_prepare> watchers). 2993any other watchers after the poll (this doesn't matter for C<ev_prepare>
2994watchers).
2771 2995
2772Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, too) should not 2996Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, too) should not
2773activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully supports this, they 2997activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully supports this, they
2774might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers did their job. As 2998might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers did their job. As
2775C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other (non-libev) event 2999C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other (non-libev) event
2776loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their 3000loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
2777C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with 3001C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
2778others). 3002others).
3003
3004=head3 Abusing an C<ev_check> watcher for its side-effect
3005
3006C<ev_check> (and less often also C<ev_prepare>) watchers can also be
3007useful because they are called once per event loop iteration. For
3008example, if you want to handle a large number of connections fairly, you
3009normally only do a bit of work for each active connection, and if there
3010is more work to do, you wait for the next event loop iteration, so other
3011connections have a chance of making progress.
3012
3013Using an C<ev_check> watcher is almost enough: it will be called on the
3014next event loop iteration. However, that isn't as soon as possible -
3015without external events, your C<ev_check> watcher will not be invoked.
3016
3017This is where C<ev_idle> watchers come in handy - all you need is a
3018single global idle watcher that is active as long as you have one active
3019C<ev_check> watcher. The C<ev_idle> watcher makes sure the event loop
3020will not sleep, and the C<ev_check> watcher makes sure a callback gets
3021invoked. Neither watcher alone can do that.
2779 3022
2780=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 3023=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2781 3024
2782=over 4 3025=over 4
2783 3026
2984 3227
2985=over 4 3228=over 4
2986 3229
2987=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 3230=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
2988 3231
2989=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 3232=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
2990 3233
2991Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 3234Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
2992embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be 3235embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
2993invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback 3236invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
2994to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done, 3237to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
3015used). 3258used).
3016 3259
3017 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 3260 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
3018 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 3261 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
3019 ev_embed embed; 3262 ev_embed embed;
3020 3263
3021 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 3264 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
3022 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 3265 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
3023 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 3266 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
3024 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 3267 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
3025 : 0; 3268 : 0;
3039C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 3282C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
3040 3283
3041 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 3284 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
3042 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 3285 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
3043 ev_embed embed; 3286 ev_embed embed;
3044 3287
3045 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 3288 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
3046 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 3289 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
3047 { 3290 {
3048 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 3291 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
3049 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed); 3292 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
3057 3300
3058=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 3301=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
3059 3302
3060Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 3303Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
3061whoever is a good citizen cared to tell libev about it by calling 3304whoever is a good citizen cared to tell libev about it by calling
3062C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork>). The invocation is done before the 3305C<ev_loop_fork>). The invocation is done before the event loop blocks next
3063event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 3306and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, and only in the child
3064and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling 3307after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling C<ev_default_fork> cheats
3065C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 3308and calls it in the wrong process, the fork handlers will be invoked, too,
3066handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 3309of course.
3067 3310
3068=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible? 3311=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible?
3069 3312
3070Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to set 3313Most uses of C<fork ()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to set
3071up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This 3314up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This
3072sequence should be handled by libev without any problems. 3315sequence should be handled by libev without any problems.
3073 3316
3074This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling 3317This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling
3075in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the 3318in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the
3152 atexit (program_exits); 3395 atexit (program_exits);
3153 3396
3154 3397
3155=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop 3398=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop
3156 3399
3157In general, you cannot use an C<ev_run> from multiple threads or other 3400In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other
3158asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event 3401asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
3159loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads). 3402loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
3160 3403
3161Sometimes, however, you need to wake up an event loop you do not control, 3404Sometimes, however, you need to wake up an event loop you do not control,
3162for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what C<ev_async> 3405for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what C<ev_async>
3164it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe. 3407it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe.
3165 3408
3166This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals, 3409This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
3167too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed 3410too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
3168(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of 3411(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
3169C<ev_async_sent> calls). 3412C<ev_async_send> calls). In fact, you could use signal watchers as a kind
3170 3413of "global async watchers" by using a watcher on an otherwise unused
3171Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not 3414signal, and C<ev_feed_signal> to signal this watcher from another thread,
3172just the default loop. 3415even without knowing which loop owns the signal.
3173 3416
3174=head3 Queueing 3417=head3 Queueing
3175 3418
3176C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason 3419C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
3177is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a 3420is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
3269trust me. 3512trust me.
3270 3513
3271=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *) 3514=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
3272 3515
3273Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds 3516Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
3274an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike 3517an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop, and instantly
3518returns.
3519
3275C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or 3520Unlike C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads,
3276similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding 3521signal or similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the
3277section below on what exactly this means). 3522embedding section below on what exactly this means).
3278 3523
3279Note that, as with other watchers in libev, multiple events might get 3524Note that, as with other watchers in libev, multiple events might get
3280compressed into a single callback invocation (another way to look at this 3525compressed into a single callback invocation (another way to look at
3281is that C<ev_async> watchers are level-triggered, set on C<ev_async_send>, 3526this is that C<ev_async> watchers are level-triggered: they are set on
3282reset when the event loop detects that). 3527C<ev_async_send>, reset when the event loop detects that).
3283 3528
3284This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per event loop 3529This call incurs the overhead of at most one extra system call per event
3285iteration, so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to 3530loop iteration, if the event loop is blocked, and no syscall at all if
3286repeated calls to C<ev_async_send> for the same event loop. 3531the event loop (or your program) is processing events. That means that
3532repeated calls are basically free (there is no need to avoid calls for
3533performance reasons) and that the overhead becomes smaller (typically
3534zero) under load.
3287 3535
3288=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *) 3536=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
3289 3537
3290Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the 3538Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
3291watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the 3539watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
3308 3556
3309There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now. 3557There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now.
3310 3558
3311=over 4 3559=over 4
3312 3560
3313=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback) 3561=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback, arg)
3314 3562
3315This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your 3563This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your
3316callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stops both 3564callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stops both
3317watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd 3565watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd
3318or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 3566or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
3346 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 3594 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
3347 3595
3348=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents) 3596=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents)
3349 3597
3350Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 3598Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
3351the given events it. 3599the given events.
3352 3600
3353=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum) 3601=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum)
3354 3602
3355Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default 3603Feed an event as if the given signal occurred. See also C<ev_feed_signal>,
3356loop!). 3604which is async-safe.
3357 3605
3358=back 3606=back
3607
3608
3609=head1 COMMON OR USEFUL IDIOMS (OR BOTH)
3610
3611This section explains some common idioms that are not immediately
3612obvious. Note that examples are sprinkled over the whole manual, and this
3613section only contains stuff that wouldn't fit anywhere else.
3614
3615=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
3616
3617Each watcher has, by default, a C<void *data> member that you can read
3618or modify at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
3619to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
3620don't want to allocate memory separately and store a pointer to it in that
3621data member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
3622data:
3623
3624 struct my_io
3625 {
3626 ev_io io;
3627 int otherfd;
3628 void *somedata;
3629 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
3630 };
3631
3632 ...
3633 struct my_io w;
3634 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
3635
3636And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
3637can cast it back to your own type:
3638
3639 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
3640 {
3641 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
3642 ...
3643 }
3644
3645More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback
3646function type instead have been omitted.
3647
3648=head2 BUILDING YOUR OWN COMPOSITE WATCHERS
3649
3650Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
3651embedded watchers, in effect creating your own watcher that combines
3652multiple libev event sources into one "super-watcher":
3653
3654 struct my_biggy
3655 {
3656 int some_data;
3657 ev_timer t1;
3658 ev_timer t2;
3659 }
3660
3661In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
3662complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct in
3663the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies or C++ coders), or you need
3664to use some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for
3665real programmers):
3666
3667 #include <stddef.h>
3668
3669 static void
3670 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
3671 {
3672 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
3673 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
3674 }
3675
3676 static void
3677 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
3678 {
3679 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
3680 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
3681 }
3682
3683=head2 AVOIDING FINISHING BEFORE RETURNING
3684
3685Often you have structures like this in event-based programs:
3686
3687 callback ()
3688 {
3689 free (request);
3690 }
3691
3692 request = start_new_request (..., callback);
3693
3694The intent is to start some "lengthy" operation. The C<request> could be
3695used to cancel the operation, or do other things with it.
3696
3697It's not uncommon to have code paths in C<start_new_request> that
3698immediately invoke the callback, for example, to report errors. Or you add
3699some caching layer that finds that it can skip the lengthy aspects of the
3700operation and simply invoke the callback with the result.
3701
3702The problem here is that this will happen I<before> C<start_new_request>
3703has returned, so C<request> is not set.
3704
3705Even if you pass the request by some safer means to the callback, you
3706might want to do something to the request after starting it, such as
3707canceling it, which probably isn't working so well when the callback has
3708already been invoked.
3709
3710A common way around all these issues is to make sure that
3711C<start_new_request> I<always> returns before the callback is invoked. If
3712C<start_new_request> immediately knows the result, it can artificially
3713delay invoking the callback by using a C<prepare> or C<idle> watcher for
3714example, or more sneakily, by reusing an existing (stopped) watcher and
3715pushing it into the pending queue:
3716
3717 ev_set_cb (watcher, callback);
3718 ev_feed_event (EV_A_ watcher, 0);
3719
3720This way, C<start_new_request> can safely return before the callback is
3721invoked, while not delaying callback invocation too much.
3722
3723=head2 MODEL/NESTED EVENT LOOP INVOCATIONS AND EXIT CONDITIONS
3724
3725Often (especially in GUI toolkits) there are places where you have
3726I<modal> interaction, which is most easily implemented by recursively
3727invoking C<ev_run>.
3728
3729This brings the problem of exiting - a callback might want to finish the
3730main C<ev_run> call, but not the nested one (e.g. user clicked "Quit", but
3731a modal "Are you sure?" dialog is still waiting), or just the nested one
3732and not the main one (e.g. user clocked "Ok" in a modal dialog), or some
3733other combination: In these cases, a simple C<ev_break> will not work.
3734
3735The solution is to maintain "break this loop" variable for each C<ev_run>
3736invocation, and use a loop around C<ev_run> until the condition is
3737triggered, using C<EVRUN_ONCE>:
3738
3739 // main loop
3740 int exit_main_loop = 0;
3741
3742 while (!exit_main_loop)
3743 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3744
3745 // in a modal watcher
3746 int exit_nested_loop = 0;
3747
3748 while (!exit_nested_loop)
3749 ev_run (EV_A_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3750
3751To exit from any of these loops, just set the corresponding exit variable:
3752
3753 // exit modal loop
3754 exit_nested_loop = 1;
3755
3756 // exit main program, after modal loop is finished
3757 exit_main_loop = 1;
3758
3759 // exit both
3760 exit_main_loop = exit_nested_loop = 1;
3761
3762=head2 THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE
3763
3764Here is a fictitious example of how to run an event loop in a different
3765thread from where callbacks are being invoked and watchers are
3766created/added/removed.
3767
3768For a real-world example, see the C<EV::Loop::Async> perl module,
3769which uses exactly this technique (which is suited for many high-level
3770languages).
3771
3772The example uses a pthread mutex to protect the loop data, a condition
3773variable to wait for callback invocations, an async watcher to notify the
3774event loop thread and an unspecified mechanism to wake up the main thread.
3775
3776First, you need to associate some data with the event loop:
3777
3778 typedef struct {
3779 mutex_t lock; /* global loop lock */
3780 ev_async async_w;
3781 thread_t tid;
3782 cond_t invoke_cv;
3783 } userdata;
3784
3785 void prepare_loop (EV_P)
3786 {
3787 // for simplicity, we use a static userdata struct.
3788 static userdata u;
3789
3790 ev_async_init (&u->async_w, async_cb);
3791 ev_async_start (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
3792
3793 pthread_mutex_init (&u->lock, 0);
3794 pthread_cond_init (&u->invoke_cv, 0);
3795
3796 // now associate this with the loop
3797 ev_set_userdata (EV_A_ u);
3798 ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (EV_A_ l_invoke);
3799 ev_set_loop_release_cb (EV_A_ l_release, l_acquire);
3800
3801 // then create the thread running ev_run
3802 pthread_create (&u->tid, 0, l_run, EV_A);
3803 }
3804
3805The callback for the C<ev_async> watcher does nothing: the watcher is used
3806solely to wake up the event loop so it takes notice of any new watchers
3807that might have been added:
3808
3809 static void
3810 async_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
3811 {
3812 // just used for the side effects
3813 }
3814
3815The C<l_release> and C<l_acquire> callbacks simply unlock/lock the mutex
3816protecting the loop data, respectively.
3817
3818 static void
3819 l_release (EV_P)
3820 {
3821 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3822 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
3823 }
3824
3825 static void
3826 l_acquire (EV_P)
3827 {
3828 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3829 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
3830 }
3831
3832The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
3833into C<ev_run>:
3834
3835 void *
3836 l_run (void *thr_arg)
3837 {
3838 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg;
3839
3840 l_acquire (EV_A);
3841 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0);
3842 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
3843 l_release (EV_A);
3844
3845 return 0;
3846 }
3847
3848Instead of invoking all pending watchers, the C<l_invoke> callback will
3849signal the main thread via some unspecified mechanism (signals? pipe
3850writes? C<Async::Interrupt>?) and then waits until all pending watchers
3851have been called (in a while loop because a) spurious wakeups are possible
3852and b) skipping inter-thread-communication when there are no pending
3853watchers is very beneficial):
3854
3855 static void
3856 l_invoke (EV_P)
3857 {
3858 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3859
3860 while (ev_pending_count (EV_A))
3861 {
3862 wake_up_other_thread_in_some_magic_or_not_so_magic_way ();
3863 pthread_cond_wait (&u->invoke_cv, &u->lock);
3864 }
3865 }
3866
3867Now, whenever the main thread gets told to invoke pending watchers, it
3868will grab the lock, call C<ev_invoke_pending> and then signal the loop
3869thread to continue:
3870
3871 static void
3872 real_invoke_pending (EV_P)
3873 {
3874 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3875
3876 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
3877 ev_invoke_pending (EV_A);
3878 pthread_cond_signal (&u->invoke_cv);
3879 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
3880 }
3881
3882Whenever you want to start/stop a watcher or do other modifications to an
3883event loop, you will now have to lock:
3884
3885 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
3886 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3887
3888 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
3889
3890 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
3891 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ &timeout_watcher);
3892 ev_async_send (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
3893 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
3894
3895Note that sending the C<ev_async> watcher is required because otherwise
3896an event loop currently blocking in the kernel will have no knowledge
3897about the newly added timer. By waking up the loop it will pick up any new
3898watchers in the next event loop iteration.
3899
3900=head2 THREADS, COROUTINES, CONTINUATIONS, QUEUES... INSTEAD OF CALLBACKS
3901
3902While the overhead of a callback that e.g. schedules a thread is small, it
3903is still an overhead. If you embed libev, and your main usage is with some
3904kind of threads or coroutines, you might want to customise libev so that
3905doesn't need callbacks anymore.
3906
3907Imagine you have coroutines that you can switch to using a function
3908C<switch_to (coro)>, that libev runs in a coroutine called C<libev_coro>
3909and that due to some magic, the currently active coroutine is stored in a
3910global called C<current_coro>. Then you can build your own "wait for libev
3911event" primitive by changing C<EV_CB_DECLARE> and C<EV_CB_INVOKE> (note
3912the differing C<;> conventions):
3913
3914 #define EV_CB_DECLARE(type) struct my_coro *cb;
3915 #define EV_CB_INVOKE(watcher) switch_to ((watcher)->cb)
3916
3917That means instead of having a C callback function, you store the
3918coroutine to switch to in each watcher, and instead of having libev call
3919your callback, you instead have it switch to that coroutine.
3920
3921A coroutine might now wait for an event with a function called
3922C<wait_for_event>. (the watcher needs to be started, as always, but it doesn't
3923matter when, or whether the watcher is active or not when this function is
3924called):
3925
3926 void
3927 wait_for_event (ev_watcher *w)
3928 {
3929 ev_set_cb (w, current_coro);
3930 switch_to (libev_coro);
3931 }
3932
3933That basically suspends the coroutine inside C<wait_for_event> and
3934continues the libev coroutine, which, when appropriate, switches back to
3935this or any other coroutine.
3936
3937You can do similar tricks if you have, say, threads with an event queue -
3938instead of storing a coroutine, you store the queue object and instead of
3939switching to a coroutine, you push the watcher onto the queue and notify
3940any waiters.
3941
3942To embed libev, see L</EMBEDDING>, but in short, it's easiest to create two
3943files, F<my_ev.h> and F<my_ev.c> that include the respective libev files:
3944
3945 // my_ev.h
3946 #define EV_CB_DECLARE(type) struct my_coro *cb;
3947 #define EV_CB_INVOKE(watcher) switch_to ((watcher)->cb)
3948 #include "../libev/ev.h"
3949
3950 // my_ev.c
3951 #define EV_H "my_ev.h"
3952 #include "../libev/ev.c"
3953
3954And then use F<my_ev.h> when you would normally use F<ev.h>, and compile
3955F<my_ev.c> into your project. When properly specifying include paths, you
3956can even use F<ev.h> as header file name directly.
3359 3957
3360 3958
3361=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION 3959=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION
3362 3960
3363Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot 3961Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot
3364emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints: 3962emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints:
3365 3963
3366=over 4 3964=over 4
3965
3966=item * Only the libevent-1.4.1-beta API is being emulated.
3967
3968This was the newest libevent version available when libev was implemented,
3969and is still mostly unchanged in 2010.
3367 3970
3368=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual. 3971=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual.
3369 3972
3370=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback, 3973=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback,
3371ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events. 3974ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events.
3377=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 3980=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
3378will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 3981will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
3379is an ev_pri field. 3982is an ev_pri field.
3380 3983
3381=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the 3984=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
3382first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals. 3985base that registered the signal gets the signals.
3383 3986
3384=item * Other members are not supported. 3987=item * Other members are not supported.
3385 3988
3386=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 3989=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
3387to use the libev header file and library. 3990to use the libev header file and library.
3388 3991
3389=back 3992=back
3390 3993
3391=head1 C++ SUPPORT 3994=head1 C++ SUPPORT
3995
3996=head2 C API
3997
3998The normal C API should work fine when used from C++: both ev.h and the
3999libev sources can be compiled as C++. Therefore, code that uses the C API
4000will work fine.
4001
4002Proper exception specifications might have to be added to callbacks passed
4003to libev: exceptions may be thrown only from watcher callbacks, all other
4004callbacks (allocator, syserr, loop acquire/release and periodic reschedule
4005callbacks) must not throw exceptions, and might need a C<noexcept>
4006specification. If you have code that needs to be compiled as both C and
4007C++ you can use the C<EV_NOEXCEPT> macro for this:
4008
4009 static void
4010 fatal_error (const char *msg) EV_NOEXCEPT
4011 {
4012 perror (msg);
4013 abort ();
4014 }
4015
4016 ...
4017 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error);
4018
4019The only API functions that can currently throw exceptions are C<ev_run>,
4020C<ev_invoke>, C<ev_invoke_pending> and C<ev_loop_destroy> (the latter
4021because it runs cleanup watchers).
4022
4023Throwing exceptions in watcher callbacks is only supported if libev itself
4024is compiled with a C++ compiler or your C and C++ environments allow
4025throwing exceptions through C libraries (most do).
4026
4027=head2 C++ API
3392 4028
3393Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 4029Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
3394you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change 4030you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
3395the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 4031the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
3396 4032
3397To use it, 4033To use it,
3398 4034
3399 #include <ev++.h> 4035 #include <ev++.h>
3400 4036
3401This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many 4037This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
3402of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are 4038of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
3403put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding 4039put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
3406Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++ 4042Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
3407classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer 4043classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
3408that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if 4044that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
3409you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev). 4045you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
3410 4046
3411Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be 4047Currently, functions, static and non-static member functions and classes
3412used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only 4048with C<operator ()> can be used as callbacks. Other types should be easy
3413need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other 4049to add as long as they only need one additional pointer for context. If
3414types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing 4050you need support for other types of functors please contact the author
3415it). 4051(preferably after implementing it).
4052
4053For all this to work, your C++ compiler either has to use the same calling
4054conventions as your C compiler (for static member functions), or you have
4055to embed libev and compile libev itself as C++.
3416 4056
3417Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 4057Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
3418 4058
3419=over 4 4059=over 4
3420 4060
3430=item C<ev::io>, C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic>, C<ev::idle>, C<ev::sig> etc. 4070=item C<ev::io>, C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic>, C<ev::idle>, C<ev::sig> etc.
3431 4071
3432For each C<ev_TYPE> watcher in F<ev.h> there is a corresponding class of 4072For each C<ev_TYPE> watcher in F<ev.h> there is a corresponding class of
3433the same name in the C<ev> namespace, with the exception of C<ev_signal> 4073the same name in the C<ev> namespace, with the exception of C<ev_signal>
3434which is called C<ev::sig> to avoid clashes with the C<signal> macro 4074which is called C<ev::sig> to avoid clashes with the C<signal> macro
3435defines by many implementations. 4075defined by many implementations.
3436 4076
3437All of those classes have these methods: 4077All of those classes have these methods:
3438 4078
3439=over 4 4079=over 4
3440 4080
3502 void operator() (ev::io &w, int revents) 4142 void operator() (ev::io &w, int revents)
3503 { 4143 {
3504 ... 4144 ...
3505 } 4145 }
3506 } 4146 }
3507 4147
3508 myfunctor f; 4148 myfunctor f;
3509 4149
3510 ev::io w; 4150 ev::io w;
3511 w.set (&f); 4151 w.set (&f);
3512 4152
3530Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 4170Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
3531do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 4171do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
3532 4172
3533=item w->set ([arguments]) 4173=item w->set ([arguments])
3534 4174
3535Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Either this 4175Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set> (except for C<ev::embed> watchers>),
3536method or a suitable start method must be called at least once. Unlike the 4176with the same arguments. Either this method or a suitable start method
3537C counterpart, an active watcher gets automatically stopped and restarted 4177must be called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher
3538when reconfiguring it with this method. 4178gets automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
4179method.
4180
4181For C<ev::embed> watchers this method is called C<set_embed>, to avoid
4182clashing with the C<set (loop)> method.
3539 4183
3540=item w->start () 4184=item w->start ()
3541 4185
3542Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the 4186Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
3543constructor already stores the event loop. 4187constructor already stores the event loop.
3573watchers in the constructor. 4217watchers in the constructor.
3574 4218
3575 class myclass 4219 class myclass
3576 { 4220 {
3577 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 4221 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3578 ev::io2 io2 ; void io2_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 4222 ev::io io2 ; void io2_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3579 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 4223 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
3580 4224
3581 myclass (int fd) 4225 myclass (int fd)
3582 { 4226 {
3583 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 4227 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
3634L<http://hackage.haskell.org/cgi-bin/hackage-scripts/package/hlibev>. 4278L<http://hackage.haskell.org/cgi-bin/hackage-scripts/package/hlibev>.
3635 4279
3636=item D 4280=item D
3637 4281
3638Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to 4282Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
3639be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>. 4283be found at L<http://www.llucax.com.ar/proj/ev.d/index.html>.
3640 4284
3641=item Ocaml 4285=item Ocaml
3642 4286
3643Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at 4287Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
3644L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>. 4288L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
3647 4291
3648Brian Maher has written a partial interface to libev for lua (at the 4292Brian Maher has written a partial interface to libev for lua (at the
3649time of this writing, only C<ev_io> and C<ev_timer>), to be found at 4293time of this writing, only C<ev_io> and C<ev_timer>), to be found at
3650L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>. 4294L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>.
3651 4295
4296=item Javascript
4297
4298Node.js (L<http://nodejs.org>) uses libev as the underlying event library.
4299
4300=item Others
4301
4302There are others, and I stopped counting.
4303
3652=back 4304=back
3653 4305
3654 4306
3655=head1 MACRO MAGIC 4307=head1 MACRO MAGIC
3656 4308
3692suitable for use with C<EV_A>. 4344suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
3693 4345
3694=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 4346=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
3695 4347
3696Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 4348Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
3697loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 4349loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). The default loop
4350will be initialised if it isn't already initialised.
4351
4352For non-multiplicity builds, these macros do nothing, so you always have
4353to initialise the loop somewhere.
3698 4354
3699=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_> 4355=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_>
3700 4356
3701Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the 4357Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the
3702default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour 4358default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour
3769 ev_vars.h 4425 ev_vars.h
3770 ev_wrap.h 4426 ev_wrap.h
3771 4427
3772 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 4428 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
3773 4429
3774 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default) 4430 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled
3775 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 4431 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled
3776 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 4432 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled
3777 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 4433 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled
3778 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 4434 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled
3779 4435
3780F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need 4436F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
3781to compile this single file. 4437to compile this single file.
3782 4438
3783=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 4439=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
3847supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in 4503supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in
3848F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 4504F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
3849 4505
3850In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the 4506In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the
3851configuration, but has to be more conservative. 4507configuration, but has to be more conservative.
4508
4509=item EV_USE_FLOOR
4510
4511If defined to be C<1>, libev will use the C<floor ()> function for its
4512periodic reschedule calculations, otherwise libev will fall back on a
4513portable (slower) implementation. If you enable this, you usually have to
4514link against libm or something equivalent. Enabling this when the C<floor>
4515function is not available will fail, so the safe default is to not enable
4516this.
3852 4517
3853=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 4518=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
3854 4519
3855If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 4520If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
3856monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no 4521monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no
3941 4606
3942If programs implement their own fd to handle mapping on win32, then this 4607If programs implement their own fd to handle mapping on win32, then this
3943macro can be used to override the C<close> function, useful to unregister 4608macro can be used to override the C<close> function, useful to unregister
3944file descriptors again. Note that the replacement function has to close 4609file descriptors again. Note that the replacement function has to close
3945the underlying OS handle. 4610the underlying OS handle.
4611
4612=item EV_USE_WSASOCKET
4613
4614If defined to be C<1>, libev will use C<WSASocket> to create its internal
4615communication socket, which works better in some environments. Otherwise,
4616the normal C<socket> function will be used, which works better in other
4617environments.
3946 4618
3947=item EV_USE_POLL 4619=item EV_USE_POLL
3948 4620
3949If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2) 4621If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
3950backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 4622backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
3986If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 4658If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
3987interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will 4659interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
3988be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers 4660be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers
3989indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled. 4661indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
3990 4662
4663=item EV_NO_SMP
4664
4665If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that memory is always coherent
4666between threads, that is, threads can be used, but threads never run on
4667different cpus (or different cpu cores). This reduces dependencies
4668and makes libev faster.
4669
4670=item EV_NO_THREADS
4671
4672If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that it will never be called from
4673different threads (that includes signal handlers), which is a stronger
4674assumption than C<EV_NO_SMP>, above. This reduces dependencies and makes
4675libev faster.
4676
3991=item EV_ATOMIC_T 4677=item EV_ATOMIC_T
3992 4678
3993Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose 4679Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
3994access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such 4680access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No
3995type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type 4681such type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own
3996that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking" 4682type that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal
3997as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers. 4683handler "locking" as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async>
4684watchers.
3998 4685
3999In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 4686In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
4000(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms. 4687(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
4001 4688
4002=item EV_H (h) 4689=item EV_H (h)
4029will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 4716will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
4030additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 4717additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
4031for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 4718for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
4032argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 4719argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
4033 4720
4721Note that C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_> will no longer provide a
4722default loop when multiplicity is switched off - you always have to
4723initialise the loop manually in this case.
4724
4034=item EV_MINPRI 4725=item EV_MINPRI
4035 4726
4036=item EV_MAXPRI 4727=item EV_MAXPRI
4037 4728
4038The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to 4729The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
4074 #define EV_USE_POLL 1 4765 #define EV_USE_POLL 1
4075 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1 4766 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
4076 #define EV_ASYNC_ENABLE 1 4767 #define EV_ASYNC_ENABLE 1
4077 4768
4078The actual value is a bitset, it can be a combination of the following 4769The actual value is a bitset, it can be a combination of the following
4079values: 4770values (by default, all of these are enabled):
4080 4771
4081=over 4 4772=over 4
4082 4773
4083=item C<1> - faster/larger code 4774=item C<1> - faster/larger code
4084 4775
4088code size by roughly 30% on amd64). 4779code size by roughly 30% on amd64).
4089 4780
4090When optimising for size, use of compiler flags such as C<-Os> with 4781When 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 4782gcc is recommended, as well as C<-DNDEBUG>, as libev contains a number of
4092assertions. 4783assertions.
4784
4785The default is off when C<__OPTIMIZE_SIZE__> is defined by your compiler
4786(e.g. gcc with C<-Os>).
4093 4787
4094=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures 4788=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures
4095 4789
4096Replaces the small 2-heap for timer management by a faster 4-heap, larger 4790Replaces 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 4791hash 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 4792and can additionally have an effect on the size of data structures at
4099runtime. 4793runtime.
4100 4794
4795The default is off when C<__OPTIMIZE_SIZE__> is defined by your compiler
4796(e.g. gcc with C<-Os>).
4797
4101=item C<4> - full API configuration 4798=item C<4> - full API configuration
4102 4799
4103This enables priorities (sets C<EV_MAXPRI>=2 and C<EV_MINPRI>=-2), and 4800This enables priorities (sets C<EV_MAXPRI>=2 and C<EV_MINPRI>=-2), and
4104enables multiplicity (C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>=1). 4801enables multiplicity (C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>=1).
4105 4802
4135 4832
4136With an intelligent-enough linker (gcc+binutils are intelligent enough 4833With an intelligent-enough linker (gcc+binutils are intelligent enough
4137when you use C<-Wl,--gc-sections -ffunction-sections>) functions unused by 4834when 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 4835your program might be left out as well - a binary starting a timer and an
4139I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb. 4836I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb.
4837
4838=item EV_API_STATIC
4839
4840If this symbol is defined (by default it is not), then all identifiers
4841will have static linkage. This means that libev will not export any
4842identifiers, and you cannot link against libev anymore. This can be useful
4843when you embed libev, only want to use libev functions in a single file,
4844and do not want its identifiers to be visible.
4845
4846To use this, define C<EV_API_STATIC> and include F<ev.c> in the file that
4847wants to use libev.
4848
4849This option only works when libev is compiled with a C compiler, as C++
4850doesn't support the required declaration syntax.
4140 4851
4141=item EV_AVOID_STDIO 4852=item EV_AVOID_STDIO
4142 4853
4143If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio 4854If 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 4855functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the code size
4288And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 4999And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
4289 5000
4290 #include "ev_cpp.h" 5001 #include "ev_cpp.h"
4291 #include "ev.c" 5002 #include "ev.c"
4292 5003
4293=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS OR LIBRARIES 5004=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS, LIBRARIES OR THE ENVIRONMENT
4294 5005
4295=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES 5006=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES
4296 5007
4297=head3 THREADS 5008=head3 THREADS
4298 5009
4349default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop 5060default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
4350watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal. 5061watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
4351 5062
4352=back 5063=back
4353 5064
4354=head4 THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE 5065See also L</THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE>.
4355
4356Here is a fictitious example of how to run an event loop in a different
4357thread than where callbacks are being invoked and watchers are
4358created/added/removed.
4359
4360For a real-world example, see the C<EV::Loop::Async> perl module,
4361which uses exactly this technique (which is suited for many high-level
4362languages).
4363
4364The example uses a pthread mutex to protect the loop data, a condition
4365variable to wait for callback invocations, an async watcher to notify the
4366event loop thread and an unspecified mechanism to wake up the main thread.
4367
4368First, you need to associate some data with the event loop:
4369
4370 typedef struct {
4371 mutex_t lock; /* global loop lock */
4372 ev_async async_w;
4373 thread_t tid;
4374 cond_t invoke_cv;
4375 } userdata;
4376
4377 void prepare_loop (EV_P)
4378 {
4379 // for simplicity, we use a static userdata struct.
4380 static userdata u;
4381
4382 ev_async_init (&u->async_w, async_cb);
4383 ev_async_start (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4384
4385 pthread_mutex_init (&u->lock, 0);
4386 pthread_cond_init (&u->invoke_cv, 0);
4387
4388 // now associate this with the loop
4389 ev_set_userdata (EV_A_ u);
4390 ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (EV_A_ l_invoke);
4391 ev_set_loop_release_cb (EV_A_ l_release, l_acquire);
4392
4393 // then create the thread running ev_loop
4394 pthread_create (&u->tid, 0, l_run, EV_A);
4395 }
4396
4397The callback for the C<ev_async> watcher does nothing: the watcher is used
4398solely to wake up the event loop so it takes notice of any new watchers
4399that might have been added:
4400
4401 static void
4402 async_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
4403 {
4404 // just used for the side effects
4405 }
4406
4407The C<l_release> and C<l_acquire> callbacks simply unlock/lock the mutex
4408protecting the loop data, respectively.
4409
4410 static void
4411 l_release (EV_P)
4412 {
4413 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4414 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4415 }
4416
4417 static void
4418 l_acquire (EV_P)
4419 {
4420 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4421 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4422 }
4423
4424The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
4425into C<ev_run>:
4426
4427 void *
4428 l_run (void *thr_arg)
4429 {
4430 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg;
4431
4432 l_acquire (EV_A);
4433 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0);
4434 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
4435 l_release (EV_A);
4436
4437 return 0;
4438 }
4439
4440Instead of invoking all pending watchers, the C<l_invoke> callback will
4441signal the main thread via some unspecified mechanism (signals? pipe
4442writes? C<Async::Interrupt>?) and then waits until all pending watchers
4443have been called (in a while loop because a) spurious wakeups are possible
4444and b) skipping inter-thread-communication when there are no pending
4445watchers is very beneficial):
4446
4447 static void
4448 l_invoke (EV_P)
4449 {
4450 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4451
4452 while (ev_pending_count (EV_A))
4453 {
4454 wake_up_other_thread_in_some_magic_or_not_so_magic_way ();
4455 pthread_cond_wait (&u->invoke_cv, &u->lock);
4456 }
4457 }
4458
4459Now, whenever the main thread gets told to invoke pending watchers, it
4460will grab the lock, call C<ev_invoke_pending> and then signal the loop
4461thread to continue:
4462
4463 static void
4464 real_invoke_pending (EV_P)
4465 {
4466 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4467
4468 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4469 ev_invoke_pending (EV_A);
4470 pthread_cond_signal (&u->invoke_cv);
4471 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4472 }
4473
4474Whenever you want to start/stop a watcher or do other modifications to an
4475event loop, you will now have to lock:
4476
4477 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
4478 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4479
4480 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
4481
4482 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4483 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ &timeout_watcher);
4484 ev_async_send (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4485 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4486
4487Note that sending the C<ev_async> watcher is required because otherwise
4488an event loop currently blocking in the kernel will have no knowledge
4489about the newly added timer. By waking up the loop it will pick up any new
4490watchers in the next event loop iteration.
4491 5066
4492=head3 COROUTINES 5067=head3 COROUTINES
4493 5068
4494Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 5069Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
4495libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different 5070libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
4660requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 5235requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
4661model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 5236model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
4662the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 5237the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
4663descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 5238descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
4664e.g. cygwin. Actually, it only applies to the microsofts own compilers, 5239e.g. cygwin. Actually, it only applies to the microsofts own compilers,
4665as every compielr comes with a slightly differently broken/incompatible 5240as every compiler comes with a slightly differently broken/incompatible
4666environment. 5241environment.
4667 5242
4668Lifting these limitations would basically require the full 5243Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
4669re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into this kind of thing, 5244re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into this kind of thing,
4670then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable way (note 5245then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable way (note
4764structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also 5339structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
4765assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher 5340assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
4766callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev 5341callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
4767calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally. 5342calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
4768 5343
5344=item null pointers and integer zero are represented by 0 bytes
5345
5346Libev uses C<memset> to initialise structs and arrays to C<0> bytes, and
5347relies on this setting pointers and integers to null.
5348
4769=item pointer accesses must be thread-atomic 5349=item pointer accesses must be thread-atomic
4770 5350
4771Accessing a pointer value must be atomic, it must both be readable and 5351Accessing a pointer value must be atomic, it must both be readable and
4772writable in one piece - this is the case on all current architectures. 5352writable in one piece - this is the case on all current architectures.
4773 5353
4786thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would 5366thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would
4787be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and 5367be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and
4788C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however. 5368C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however.
4789 5369
4790The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads 5370The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads
4791except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as 5371except the initial one, and run the signal handling loop in the initial
4792well. 5372thread as well.
4793 5373
4794=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes 5374=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
4795 5375
4796To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally 5376To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally
4797instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX 5377instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX
4803 5383
4804The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to 5384The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
4805have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is 5385have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is
4806good enough for at least into the year 4000 with millisecond accuracy 5386good enough for at least into the year 4000 with millisecond accuracy
4807(the design goal for libev). This requirement is overfulfilled by 5387(the design goal for libev). This requirement is overfulfilled by
4808implementations using IEEE 754, which is basically all existing ones. With 5388implementations using IEEE 754, which is basically all existing ones.
5389
4809IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least 2200. 5390With IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least the
5391year 2255 (and millisecond accuracy till the year 287396 - by then, libev
5392is either obsolete or somebody patched it to use C<long double> or
5393something like that, just kidding).
4810 5394
4811=back 5395=back
4812 5396
4813If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 5397If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
4814 5398
4876=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers) 5460=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
4877 5461
4878=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number) 5462=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
4879 5463
4880Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send> 5464Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
4881calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events 5465calls in the current loop iteration and the loop is currently
5466blocked. Checking for async and signal events involves iterating over all
4882involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers. 5467running async watchers or all signal numbers.
4883 5468
4884=back 5469=back
4885 5470
4886 5471
4887=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X 5472=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X
4896=over 4 5481=over 4
4897 5482
4898=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism 5483=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
4899 5484
4900The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by 5485The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
4901C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L<PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L<EMBEDDING> 5486C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L</"PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS"> in the L</EMBEDDING>
4902section. 5487section.
4903 5488
4904=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed 5489=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed
4905 5490
4906These calls can be replaced easily by their C<ev_loop_xxx> counterparts: 5491These calls can be replaced easily by their C<ev_loop_xxx> counterparts:
4949=over 4 5534=over 4
4950 5535
4951=item active 5536=item active
4952 5537
4953A watcher is active as long as it has been started and not yet stopped. 5538A watcher is active as long as it has been started and not yet stopped.
4954See L<WATCHER STATES> for details. 5539See L</WATCHER STATES> for details.
4955 5540
4956=item application 5541=item application
4957 5542
4958In this document, an application is whatever is using libev. 5543In this document, an application is whatever is using libev.
4959 5544
4995watchers and events. 5580watchers and events.
4996 5581
4997=item pending 5582=item pending
4998 5583
4999A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been 5584A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been
5000detected. See L<WATCHER STATES> for details. 5585detected. See L</WATCHER STATES> for details.
5001 5586
5002=item real time 5587=item real time
5003 5588
5004The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :) 5589The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
5005 5590
5006=item wall-clock time 5591=item wall-clock time
5007 5592
5008The time and date as shown on clocks. Unlike real time, it can actually 5593The time and date as shown on clocks. Unlike real time, it can actually
5009be wrong and jump forwards and backwards, e.g. when the you adjust your 5594be wrong and jump forwards and backwards, e.g. when you adjust your
5010clock. 5595clock.
5011 5596
5012=item watcher 5597=item watcher
5013 5598
5014A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need 5599A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need
5017=back 5602=back
5018 5603
5019=head1 AUTHOR 5604=head1 AUTHOR
5020 5605
5021Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael 5606Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael
5022Magnusson and Emanuele Giaquinta. 5607Magnusson and Emanuele Giaquinta, and minor corrections by many others.
5023 5608

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