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8 8
9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10 10
11 // a single header file is required 11 // a single header file is required
12 #include <ev.h> 12 #include <ev.h>
13
14 #include <stdio.h> // for puts
13 15
14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct 16 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct
15 // with the name ev_TYPE 17 // with the name ev_TYPE
16 ev_io stdin_watcher; 18 ev_io stdin_watcher;
17 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 19 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
24 puts ("stdin ready"); 26 puts ("stdin ready");
25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher 27 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
26 // with its corresponding stop function. 28 // with its corresponding stop function.
27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 29 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
28 30
29 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating 31 // this causes all nested ev_run's to stop iterating
30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); 32 ev_break (EV_A_ EVBREAK_ALL);
31 } 33 }
32 34
33 // another callback, this time for a time-out 35 // another callback, this time for a time-out
34 static void 36 static void
35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 37 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
36 { 38 {
37 puts ("timeout"); 39 puts ("timeout");
38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating 40 // this causes the innermost ev_run to stop iterating
39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); 41 ev_break (EV_A_ EVBREAK_ONE);
40 } 42 }
41 43
42 int 44 int
43 main (void) 45 main (void)
44 { 46 {
45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs 47 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
46 ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 48 struct ev_loop *loop = EV_DEFAULT;
47 49
48 // initialise an io watcher, then start it 50 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable 51 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
50 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 52 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 53 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
54 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout 56 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
55 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 57 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
56 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 58 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
57 59
58 // now wait for events to arrive 60 // now wait for events to arrive
59 ev_loop (loop, 0); 61 ev_run (loop, 0);
60 62
61 // unloop was called, so exit 63 // unloop was called, so exit
62 return 0; 64 return 0;
63 } 65 }
64 66
65=head1 DESCRIPTION 67=head1 ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
68
69This document documents the libev software package.
66 70
67The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted 71The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted
68web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first 72web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
69time: L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod>. 73time: L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod>.
74
75While this document tries to be as complete as possible in documenting
76libev, its usage and the rationale behind its design, it is not a tutorial
77on event-based programming, nor will it introduce event-based programming
78with libev.
79
80Familiarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed
81throughout this document.
82
83=head1 WHAT TO READ WHEN IN A HURRY
84
85This manual tries to be very detailed, but unfortunately, this also makes
86it very long. If you just want to know the basics of libev, I suggest
87reading L<ANATOMY OF A WATCHER>, then the L<EXAMPLE PROGRAM> above and
88look up the missing functions in L<GLOBAL FUNCTIONS> and the C<ev_io> and
89C<ev_timer> sections in L<WATCHER TYPES>.
90
91=head1 ABOUT LIBEV
70 92
71Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 93Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
72file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage 94file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
73these event sources and provide your program with events. 95these event sources and provide your program with events.
74 96
84=head2 FEATURES 106=head2 FEATURES
85 107
86Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the 108Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
87BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms 109BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
88for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface 110for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
89(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers 111(for C<ev_stat>), Linux eventfd/signalfd (for faster and cleaner
90with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals 112inter-thread wakeup (C<ev_async>)/signal handling (C<ev_signal>)) relative
91(C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and event 113timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers with customised rescheduling
92watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>, 114(C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals (C<ev_signal>), process status
93C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as 115change events (C<ev_child>), and event watchers dealing with the event
94file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events 116loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>, C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and
95(C<ev_fork>). 117C<ev_check> watchers) as well as file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even
118limited support for fork events (C<ev_fork>).
96 119
97It also is quite fast (see this 120It also is quite fast (see this
98L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent 121L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
99for example). 122for example).
100 123
103Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common) 126Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
104configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For 127configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
105more info about various configuration options please have a look at 128more info about various configuration options please have a look at
106B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support 129B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
107for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of 130for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of
108name C<loop> (which is always of type C<ev_loop *>) will not have 131name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have
109this argument. 132this argument.
110 133
111=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION 134=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
112 135
113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 136Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing
114(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 137the (fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (in practice
115the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 138somewhere near the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't
116called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 139ask). This type is called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use
117to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 140too. It usually aliases to the C<double> type in C. When you need to do
118it, you should treat it as some floating point value. Unlike the name 141any calculations on it, you should treat it as some floating point value.
142
119component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences 143Unlike the name component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for
120throughout libev. 144time differences (e.g. delays) throughout libev.
121 145
122=head1 ERROR HANDLING 146=head1 ERROR HANDLING
123 147
124Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors 148Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors
125and internal errors (bugs). 149and internal errors (bugs).
149 173
150=item ev_tstamp ev_time () 174=item ev_tstamp ev_time ()
151 175
152Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 176Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
153C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp 177C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
154you actually want to know. 178you actually want to know. Also interesting is the combination of
179C<ev_update_now> and C<ev_now>.
155 180
156=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 181=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
157 182
158Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 183Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
159either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 184either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
176as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 201as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
177compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 202compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
178not a problem. 203not a problem.
179 204
180Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 205Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
181version. 206version (note, however, that this will not detect other ABI mismatches,
207such as LFS or reentrancy).
182 208
183 assert (("libev version mismatch", 209 assert (("libev version mismatch",
184 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 210 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
185 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 211 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
186 212
197 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 223 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
198 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 224 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
199 225
200=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 226=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
201 227
202Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also 228Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and
203recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one 229also recommended for this platform, meaning it will work for most file
230descriptor types. This set is often smaller than the one returned by
204returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on 231C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on most BSDs
205most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it 232and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it (assuming
206(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that 233you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that libev will
207libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 234probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
208 235
209=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 236=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
210 237
211Returns the set of backends that are embeddable in other event loops. This 238Returns the set of backends that are embeddable in other event loops. This
212is the theoretical, all-platform, value. To find which backends 239value is platform-specific but can include backends not available on the
213might be supported on the current system, you would need to look at 240current system. To find which embeddable backends might be supported on
214C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 241the current system, you would need to look at C<ev_embeddable_backends ()
215recommended ones. 242& ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for recommended ones.
216 243
217See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 244See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
218 245
219=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT] 246=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT]
220 247
274 ... 301 ...
275 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error); 302 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error);
276 303
277=back 304=back
278 305
279=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 306=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING EVENT LOOPS
280 307
281An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> 308An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> is
282is I<not> optional in this case, as there is also an C<ev_loop> 309I<not> optional in this case unless libev 3 compatibility is disabled, as
283I<function>). 310libev 3 had an C<ev_loop> function colliding with the struct name).
284 311
285The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which 312The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
286supports signals and child events, and dynamically created loops which do 313supports child process events, and dynamically created event loops which
287not. 314do not.
288 315
289=over 4 316=over 4
290 317
291=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 318=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
292 319
293This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised 320This returns the "default" event loop object, which is what you should
294yet and return it. If the default loop could not be initialised, returns 321normally use when you just need "the event loop". Event loop objects and
295false. If it already was initialised it simply returns it (and ignores the 322the C<flags> parameter are described in more detail in the entry for
296flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 323C<ev_loop_new>.
324
325If the default loop is already initialised then this function simply
326returns it (and ignores the flags. If that is troubling you, check
327C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). Otherwise it will create it with the given
328flags, which should almost always be C<0>, unless the caller is also the
329one calling C<ev_run> or otherwise qualifies as "the main program".
297 330
298If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 331If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
299function. 332function (or via the C<EV_DEFAULT> macro).
300 333
301Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it 334Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
302from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely, 335from multiple threads, you have to employ some kind of mutex (note also
303as loops cannot be shared easily between threads anyway). 336that this case is unlikely, as loops cannot be shared easily between
337threads anyway).
304 338
305The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and 339The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_child> watchers,
306C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler 340and to do this, it always registers a handler for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is
307for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either 341a problem for your application you can either create a dynamic loop with
308create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you 342C<ev_loop_new> which doesn't do that, or you can simply overwrite the
309can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling 343C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling C<ev_default_init>.
310C<ev_default_init>. 344
345Example: This is the most typical usage.
346
347 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
348 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
349
350Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
351environment settings to be taken into account:
352
353 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
354
355=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
356
357This will create and initialise a new event loop object. If the loop
358could not be initialised, returns false.
359
360Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and one common way to use
361libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
362default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
311 363
312The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 364The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
313backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). 365backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
314 366
315The following flags are supported: 367The following flags are supported:
330useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 382useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
331around bugs. 383around bugs.
332 384
333=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK> 385=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
334 386
335Instead of calling C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork> manually after 387Instead of calling C<ev_loop_fork> manually after a fork, you can also
336a fork, you can also make libev check for a fork in each iteration by 388make libev check for a fork in each iteration by enabling this flag.
337enabling this flag.
338 389
339This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 390This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
340and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop 391and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
341iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 392iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
342GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence 393GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
348flag. 399flag.
349 400
350This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> 401This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
351environment variable. 402environment variable.
352 403
404=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY>
405
406When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the
407I<inotify> API for it's C<ev_stat> watchers. Apart from debugging and
408testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as
409otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle.
410
411=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD>
412
413When this flag is specified, then libev will attempt to use the
414I<signalfd> API for it's C<ev_signal> (and C<ev_child>) watchers. This API
415delivers signals synchronously, which makes it both faster and might make
416it possible to get the queued signal data. It can also simplify signal
417handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your
418threads that are not interested in handling them.
419
420Signalfd will not be used by default as this changes your signal mask, and
421there are a lot of shoddy libraries and programs (glib's threadpool for
422example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks.
423
353=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 424=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
354 425
355This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 426This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
356libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 427libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
357but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 428but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
381This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and 452This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and
382C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>. 453C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>.
383 454
384=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 455=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
385 456
457Use the linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9
458kernels).
459
386For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 460For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
387but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 461but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
388like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), 462like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
389epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). 463epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
390 464
391The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned 465The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
392of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently 466of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
393dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file 467dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
394descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup and 468descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup,
469returning before the timeout value requiring additional iterations and so
395so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program forks then 470on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program forks then
396I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll set, which can 471I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll set, which can
397take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) and is of course 472take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) and is of course
398hard to detect. 473hard to detect.
399 474
400Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but 475Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but
401of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally 476of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally
402I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot 477I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot
403even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially 478even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially
404on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by 479on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by
405employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the 480employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the
406events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. 481events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. Last
482not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work
483perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...).
407 484
408While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 485While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
409will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such 486will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
410incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different 487incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different
411I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed 488I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
417i.e. keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. Stopping and 494i.e. keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. Stopping and
418starting a watcher (without re-setting it) also usually doesn't cause 495starting a watcher (without re-setting it) also usually doesn't cause
419extra overhead. A fork can both result in spurious notifications as well 496extra overhead. A fork can both result in spurious notifications as well
420as in libev having to destroy and recreate the epoll object, which can 497as in libev having to destroy and recreate the epoll object, which can
421take considerable time and thus should be avoided. 498take considerable time and thus should be avoided.
499
500All this means that, in practice, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> can be as fast or
501faster than epoll for maybe up to a hundred file descriptors, depending on
502the usage. So sad.
422 503
423While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in 504While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
424all kernel versions tested so far. 505all kernel versions tested so far.
425 506
426This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as 507This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
454 535
455While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work 536While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
456everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken 537everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
457almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets 538almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets
458(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop 539(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop
459(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and, did I mention it, 540(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (but C<poll> is of course
460using it only for sockets. 541also broken on OS X)) and, did I mention it, using it only for sockets.
461 542
462This backend maps C<EV_READ> into an C<EVFILT_READ> kevent with 543This backend maps C<EV_READ> into an C<EVFILT_READ> kevent with
463C<NOTE_EOF>, and C<EV_WRITE> into an C<EVFILT_WRITE> kevent with 544C<NOTE_EOF>, and C<EV_WRITE> into an C<EVFILT_WRITE> kevent with
464C<NOTE_EOF>. 545C<NOTE_EOF>.
465 546
500 581
501It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 582It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
502 583
503=back 584=back
504 585
505If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these 586If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value,
506backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are 587then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed
507specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried. 588here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends
508 589()> will be tried.
509Example: This is the most typical usage.
510
511 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
512 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
513
514Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
515environment settings to be taken into account:
516
517 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
518
519Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
520used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
521private event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of
522fds):
523
524 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
525
526=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
527
528Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
529always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
530handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
531undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
532
533Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and the recommended way to use
534libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
535default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
536 590
537Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 591Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
538 592
539 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 593 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
540 if (!epoller) 594 if (!epoller)
541 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 595 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
542 596
597Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
598used if available.
599
600 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_loop_new (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
601
543=item ev_default_destroy () 602=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
544 603
545Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 604Destroys an event loop object (frees all memory and kernel state
546etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 605etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
547sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 606sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
548responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before> 607responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
549calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 608calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
550the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 609the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
552 611
553Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal 612Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
554handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such 613handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
555as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually. 614as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
556 615
557In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 616This function is normally used on loop objects allocated by
558rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling 617C<ev_loop_new>, but it can also be used on the default loop returned by
618C<ev_default_loop>, in which case it is not thread-safe.
619
620Note that it is not advisable to call this function on the default loop
621except in the rare occasion where you really need to free it's resources.
559pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use 622If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use C<ev_loop_new>
560C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>). 623and C<ev_loop_destroy>.
561 624
562=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 625=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
563 626
564Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
565earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
566
567=item ev_default_fork ()
568
569This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_loop> iterations 627This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations to
570to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the 628reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
571name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in 629name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in
572the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little 630the child process. You I<must> call it (or use C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>) in the
573sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev 631child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>.
574functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration. 632
633Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after
634a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is
635because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things
636during fork.
575 637
576On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child 638On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
577process if and only if you want to use the event library in the child. If 639process if and only if you want to use the event loop in the child. If
578you just fork+exec, you don't have to call it at all. 640you just fork+exec or create a new loop in the child, you don't have to
641call it at all (in fact, C<epoll> is so badly broken that it makes a
642difference, but libev will usually detect this case on its own and do a
643costly reset of the backend).
579 644
580The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 645The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
581it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 646it just in case after a fork.
582quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
583 647
648Example: Automate calling C<ev_loop_fork> on the default loop when
649using pthreads.
650
651 static void
652 post_fork_child (void)
653 {
654 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
655 }
656
657 ...
584 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 658 pthread_atfork (0, 0, post_fork_child);
585
586=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
587
588Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
589C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
590after fork that you want to re-use in the child, and how you do this is
591entirely your own problem.
592 659
593=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop) 660=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
594 661
595Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false 662Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
596otherwise. 663otherwise.
597 664
598=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop) 665=item unsigned int ev_iteration (loop)
599 666
600Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to 667Returns the current iteration count for the event loop, which is identical
601the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and 668to the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0>
602happily wraps around with enough iterations. 669and happily wraps around with enough iterations.
603 670
604This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it 671This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
605"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with 672"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
606C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls. 673C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls - and is incremented between the
674prepare and check phases.
675
676=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop)
677
678Returns the number of times C<ev_run> was entered minus the number of
679times C<ev_run> was exited, in other words, the recursion depth.
680
681Outside C<ev_run>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is
682C<1>, unless C<ev_run> was invoked recursively (or from another thread),
683in which case it is higher.
684
685Leaving C<ev_run> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread
686etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this as a hint to avoid such
687ungentleman-like behaviour unless it's really convenient.
607 688
608=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 689=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
609 690
610Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 691Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
611use. 692use.
620 701
621=item ev_now_update (loop) 702=item ev_now_update (loop)
622 703
623Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time 704Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
624returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and 705returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
625is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>. 706is usually done automatically within C<ev_run ()>.
626 707
627This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a 708This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
628very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of 709very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
629the current time is a good idea. 710the current time is a good idea.
630 711
631See also "The special problem of time updates" in the C<ev_timer> section. 712See also L<The special problem of time updates> in the C<ev_timer> section.
632 713
714=item ev_suspend (loop)
715
716=item ev_resume (loop)
717
718These two functions suspend and resume an event loop, for use when the
719loop is not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed.
720
721A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When
722the user presses C<^Z> to suspend the game and resumes it an hour later it
723would be best to handle timeouts as if no time had actually passed while
724the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<ev_suspend>
725in your C<SIGTSTP> handler, sending yourself a C<SIGSTOP> and calling
726C<ev_resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing.
727
728Effectively, all C<ev_timer> watchers will be delayed by the time spend
729between C<ev_suspend> and C<ev_resume>, and all C<ev_periodic> watchers
730will be rescheduled (that is, they will lose any events that would have
731occurred while suspended).
732
733After calling C<ev_suspend> you B<must not> call I<any> function on the
734given loop other than C<ev_resume>, and you B<must not> call C<ev_resume>
735without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>.
736
737Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the
738event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>).
739
633=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 740=item ev_run (loop, int flags)
634 741
635Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 742Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
636after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 743after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start
637events. 744handling events. It will ask the operating system for any new events, call
745the watcher callbacks, an then repeat the whole process indefinitely: This
746is why event loops are called I<loops>.
638 747
639If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until 748If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will keep handling events
640either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called. 749until either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_break> was
750called.
641 751
642Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than 752Please note that an explicit C<ev_break> is usually better than
643relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 753relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
644finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program 754finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
645that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue 755that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
646of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of 756of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
647beauty. 757beauty.
648 758
649A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 759A flags value of C<EVRUN_NOWAIT> will look for new events, will handle
650those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not block your 760those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not wait and
651process in case there are no events and will return after one iteration of 761block your process in case there are no events and will return after one
652the loop. 762iteration of the loop. This is sometimes useful to poll and handle new
763events while doing lengthy calculations, to keep the program responsive.
653 764
654A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 765A flags value of C<EVRUN_ONCE> will look for new events (waiting if
655necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It 766necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
656will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could 767will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could
657be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a 768be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a
658user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one 769user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
659iteration of the loop. 770iteration of the loop.
660 771
661This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction 772This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
662with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your 773with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
663own C<ev_loop>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 774own C<ev_run>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
664usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 775usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
665 776
666Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 777Here are the gory details of what C<ev_run> does:
667 778
779 - Increment loop depth.
780 - Reset the ev_break status.
668 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 781 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
782 LOOP:
669 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork. 783 - If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
670 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers. 784 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
671 - Queue and call all prepare watchers. 785 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
786 - If ev_break was called, goto FINISH.
672 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state 787 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
673 as to not disturb the other process. 788 as to not disturb the other process.
674 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 789 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
675 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()). 790 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
676 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all 791 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
677 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having 792 (active idle watchers, EVRUN_NOWAIT or not having
678 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 793 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
679 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 794 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
795 - Increment loop iteration counter.
680 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 796 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
681 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 797 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
682 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments. 798 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
683 - Queue all expired timers. 799 - Queue all expired timers.
684 - Queue all expired periodics. 800 - Queue all expired periodics.
685 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 801 - Queue all idle watchers with priority higher than that of pending events.
686 - Queue all check watchers. 802 - Queue all check watchers.
687 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 803 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
688 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 804 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
689 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 805 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
690 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 806 - If ev_break has been called, or EVRUN_ONCE or EVRUN_NOWAIT
691 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise 807 were used, or there are no active watchers, goto FINISH, otherwise
692 continue with step *. 808 continue with step LOOP.
809 FINISH:
810 - Reset the ev_break status iff it was EVBREAK_ONE.
811 - Decrement the loop depth.
812 - Return.
693 813
694Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding 814Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
695anymore. 815anymore.
696 816
697 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 817 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
698 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 818 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
699 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 819 ev_run (my_loop, 0);
700 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah! 820 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
701 821
702=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 822=item ev_break (loop, how)
703 823
704Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 824Can be used to make a call to C<ev_run> return early (but only after it
705has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 825has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
706C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 826C<EVBREAK_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_run> call return, or
707C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 827C<EVBREAK_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_run> calls return.
708 828
709This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again. 829This "break state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_run> again.
710 830
711It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from otuside any C<ev_loop> calls. 831It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls, too.
712 832
713=item ev_ref (loop) 833=item ev_ref (loop)
714 834
715=item ev_unref (loop) 835=item ev_unref (loop)
716 836
717Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 837Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
718loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference 838loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
719count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. 839count is nonzero, C<ev_run> will not return on its own.
720 840
721If you have a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop> 841This is useful when you have a watcher that you never intend to
722from returning, call ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before 842unregister, but that nevertheless should not keep C<ev_run> from
843returning. In such a case, call C<ev_unref> after starting, and C<ev_ref>
723stopping it. 844before stopping it.
724 845
725As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is 846As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It
726not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting 847is not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_run> from
727if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 848exiting if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an
728way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 849excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within
729libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop> 850third-party libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref
730(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before, 851before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active
731respectively). 852before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself
853(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref>
854in the callback).
732 855
733Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 856Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_run>
734running when nothing else is active. 857running when nothing else is active.
735 858
736 ev_signal exitsig; 859 ev_signal exitsig;
737 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 860 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
738 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 861 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
765 888
766By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more 889By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
767time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration, 890time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
768at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and 891at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
769C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will 892C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
770introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. 893introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. The
894sleep time ensures that libev will not poll for I/O events more often then
895once per this interval, on average.
771 896
772Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev 897Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
773to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 898to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
774latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called 899latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
775later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null 900later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null
777 902
778Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect 903Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect
779interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for 904interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
780interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It 905interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
781usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>, 906usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
782as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems. 907as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems. Note that if
908you do transactions with the outside world and you can't increase the
909parallelity, then this setting will limit your transaction rate (if you
910need to poll once per transaction and the I/O collect interval is 0.01,
911then you can't do more than 100 transactions per second).
783 912
784Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for 913Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
785saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that 914saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
786are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of 915are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
787times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to 916times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
788reduce iterations/wake-ups is to use C<ev_periodic> watchers and make sure 917reduce iterations/wake-ups is to use C<ev_periodic> watchers and make sure
789they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only. 918they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.
790 919
920Example: we only need 0.1s timeout granularity, and we wish not to poll
921more often than 100 times per second:
922
923 ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.1);
924 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01);
925
926=item ev_invoke_pending (loop)
927
928This call will simply invoke all pending watchers while resetting their
929pending state. Normally, C<ev_run> does this automatically when required,
930but when overriding the invoke callback this call comes handy. This
931function can be invoked from a watcher - this can be useful for example
932when you want to do some lengthy calculation and want to pass further
933event handling to another thread (you still have to make sure only one
934thread executes within C<ev_invoke_pending> or C<ev_run> of course).
935
936=item int ev_pending_count (loop)
937
938Returns the number of pending watchers - zero indicates that no watchers
939are pending.
940
941=item ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (loop, void (*invoke_pending_cb)(EV_P))
942
943This overrides the invoke pending functionality of the loop: Instead of
944invoking all pending watchers when there are any, C<ev_run> will call
945this callback instead. This is useful, for example, when you want to
946invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.).
947
948If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new
949callback.
950
951=item ev_set_loop_release_cb (loop, void (*release)(EV_P), void (*acquire)(EV_P))
952
953Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This
954can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around
955each call to a libev function.
956
957However, C<ev_run> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible
958to wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the event
959loop via C<ev_break> and C<av_async_send>, another way is to set these
960I<release> and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop.
961
962When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is
963suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just
964afterwards.
965
966Ideally, C<release> will just call your mutex_unlock function, and
967C<acquire> will just call the mutex_lock function again.
968
969While event loop modifications are allowed between invocations of
970C<release> and C<acquire> (that's their only purpose after all), no
971modifications done will affect the event loop, i.e. adding watchers will
972have no effect on the set of file descriptors being watched, or the time
973waited. Use an C<ev_async> watcher to wake up C<ev_run> when you want it
974to take note of any changes you made.
975
976In theory, threads executing C<ev_run> will be async-cancel safe between
977invocations of C<release> and C<acquire>.
978
979See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this
980document.
981
982=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data)
983
984=item ev_userdata (loop)
985
986Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When
987C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns
988C<0.>
989
990These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop,
991and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and
992C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for
993any other purpose as well.
994
791=item ev_loop_verify (loop) 995=item ev_verify (loop)
792 996
793This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been 997This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
794compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go 998compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
795through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything 999through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
796is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard 1000is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
807 1011
808In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the 1012In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the
809watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer 1013watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer
810watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers. 1014watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
811 1015
812A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 1016A watcher is an opaque structure that you allocate and register to record
813interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 1017your interest in some event. To make a concrete example, imagine you want
814become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 1018to wait for STDIN to become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher
1019for that:
815 1020
816 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1021 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
817 { 1022 {
818 ev_io_stop (w); 1023 ev_io_stop (w);
819 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1024 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
820 } 1025 }
821 1026
822 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 1027 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
823 1028
824 ev_io stdin_watcher; 1029 ev_io stdin_watcher;
825 1030
826 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 1031 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
827 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1032 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
828 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 1033 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
829 1034
830 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1035 ev_run (loop, 0);
831 1036
832As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 1037As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
833watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the 1038watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
834stack). 1039stack).
835 1040
836Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE> 1041Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
837or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs). 1042or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
838 1043
839Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 1044Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init (watcher
840(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 1045*, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This callback is
841callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O 1046invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O watchers, each
842watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 1047time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given is readable
843is readable and/or writable). 1048and/or writable).
844 1049
845Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >> 1050Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
846macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There 1051macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
847is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< 1052is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
848ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 1053ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
871=item C<EV_WRITE> 1076=item C<EV_WRITE>
872 1077
873The file descriptor in the C<ev_io> watcher has become readable and/or 1078The file descriptor in the C<ev_io> watcher has become readable and/or
874writable. 1079writable.
875 1080
876=item C<EV_TIMEOUT> 1081=item C<EV_TIMER>
877 1082
878The C<ev_timer> watcher has timed out. 1083The C<ev_timer> watcher has timed out.
879 1084
880=item C<EV_PERIODIC> 1085=item C<EV_PERIODIC>
881 1086
899 1104
900=item C<EV_PREPARE> 1105=item C<EV_PREPARE>
901 1106
902=item C<EV_CHECK> 1107=item C<EV_CHECK>
903 1108
904All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_loop> starts 1109All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_run> starts
905to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after 1110to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after
906C<ev_loop> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any 1111C<ev_run> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any
907received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 1112received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as
908many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account 1113many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account
909(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep 1114(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep
910C<ev_loop> from blocking). 1115C<ev_run> from blocking).
911 1116
912=item C<EV_EMBED> 1117=item C<EV_EMBED>
913 1118
914The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention. 1119The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
915 1120
916=item C<EV_FORK> 1121=item C<EV_FORK>
917 1122
918The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see 1123The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
919C<ev_fork>). 1124C<ev_fork>).
920 1125
1126=item C<EV_CLEANUP>
1127
1128The event loop is about to be destroyed (see C<ev_cleanup>).
1129
921=item C<EV_ASYNC> 1130=item C<EV_ASYNC>
922 1131
923The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 1132The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
1133
1134=item C<EV_CUSTOM>
1135
1136Not ever sent (or otherwise used) by libev itself, but can be freely used
1137by libev users to signal watchers (e.g. via C<ev_feed_event>).
924 1138
925=item C<EV_ERROR> 1139=item C<EV_ERROR>
926 1140
927An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might 1141An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
928happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 1142happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
966 1180
967 ev_io w; 1181 ev_io w;
968 ev_init (&w, my_cb); 1182 ev_init (&w, my_cb);
969 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1183 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
970 1184
971=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args]) 1185=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *watcher, [args])
972 1186
973This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to 1187This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
974call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can 1188call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
975call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this 1189call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this
976macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a 1190macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a
989 1203
990Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step. 1204Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
991 1205
992 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1206 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
993 1207
994=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1208=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
995 1209
996Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 1210Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
997events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen. 1211events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
998 1212
999Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this 1213Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
1000whole section. 1214whole section.
1001 1215
1002 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w); 1216 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
1003 1217
1004=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1218=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1005 1219
1006Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether 1220Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
1007the watcher was active or not). 1221the watcher was active or not).
1008 1222
1009It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example, 1223It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
1034=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 1248=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1035 1249
1036Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 1250Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
1037(modulo threads). 1251(modulo threads).
1038 1252
1039=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority) 1253=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, int priority)
1040 1254
1041=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1255=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1042 1256
1043Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small 1257Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
1044integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI> 1258integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
1045(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked 1259(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
1046before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers 1260before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
1047from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers). 1261from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
1048 1262
1049This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
1050invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
1051example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
1052watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
1053
1054If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending 1263If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
1055you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality. 1264you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
1056 1265
1057You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or 1266You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
1058pending. 1267pending.
1059
1060The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
1061always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
1062 1268
1063Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is 1269Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
1064fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might 1270fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
1065or might not have been clamped to the valid range. 1271or might not have been clamped to the valid range.
1272
1273The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
1274always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
1275
1276See L<WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS>, below, for a more thorough treatment of
1277priorities.
1066 1278
1067=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents) 1279=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1068 1280
1069Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither 1281Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
1070C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback 1282C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
1078watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>. 1290watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
1079 1291
1080Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its 1292Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
1081callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function. 1293callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
1082 1294
1295=item ev_feed_event (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1296
1297Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
1298had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
1299initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). Obviously you must
1300not free the watcher as long as it has pending events.
1301
1302Stopping the watcher, letting libev invoke it, or calling
1303C<ev_clear_pending> will clear the pending event, even if the watcher was
1304not started in the first place.
1305
1306See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
1307functions that do not need a watcher.
1308
1083=back 1309=back
1084
1085 1310
1086=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1311=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
1087 1312
1088Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 1313Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
1089and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used 1314and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
1135 #include <stddef.h> 1360 #include <stddef.h>
1136 1361
1137 static void 1362 static void
1138 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1363 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1139 { 1364 {
1140 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1365 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1141 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1366 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
1142 } 1367 }
1143 1368
1144 static void 1369 static void
1145 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1370 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1146 { 1371 {
1147 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1372 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1148 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1373 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1149 } 1374 }
1375
1376=head2 WATCHER STATES
1377
1378There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual -
1379active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to
1380transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these
1381rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing".
1382
1383=over 4
1384
1385=item initialiased
1386
1387Before a watcher can be registered with the event looop it has to be
1388initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to
1389C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function.
1390
1391In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for use
1392in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at will.
1393
1394=item started/running/active
1395
1396Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes
1397property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in
1398this state it cannot be accessed (except in a few documented ways), moved,
1399freed or anything else - the only legal thing is to keep a pointer to it,
1400and call libev functions on it that are documented to work on active watchers.
1401
1402=item pending
1403
1404If a watcher is active and libev determines that an event it is interested
1405in has occurred (such as a timer expiring), it will become pending. It will
1406stay in this pending state until either it is stopped or its callback is
1407about to be invoked, so it is not normally pending inside the watcher
1408callback.
1409
1410The watcher might or might not be active while it is pending (for example,
1411an expired non-repeating timer can be pending but no longer active). If it
1412is stopped, it can be freely accessed (e.g. by calling C<ev_TYPE_set>),
1413but it is still property of the event loop at this time, so cannot be
1414moved, freed or reused. And if it is active the rules described in the
1415previous item still apply.
1416
1417It is also possible to feed an event on a watcher that is not active (e.g.
1418via C<ev_feed_event>), in which case it becomes pending without being
1419active.
1420
1421=item stopped
1422
1423A watcher can be stopped implicitly by libev (in which case it might still
1424be pending), or explicitly by calling its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. The
1425latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless
1426of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before
1427freeing it is often a good idea.
1428
1429While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the
1430initialised state, that is it can be reused, moved, modified in any way
1431you wish.
1432
1433=back
1434
1435=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS
1436
1437Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small
1438integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation
1439between watchers in some way, all else being equal.
1440
1441In libev, Watcher priorities can be set using C<ev_set_priority>. See its
1442description for the more technical details such as the actual priority
1443range.
1444
1445There are two common ways how these these priorities are being interpreted
1446by event loops:
1447
1448In the more common lock-out model, higher priorities "lock out" invocation
1449of lower priority watchers, which means as long as higher priority
1450watchers receive events, lower priority watchers are not being invoked.
1451
1452The less common only-for-ordering model uses priorities solely to order
1453callback invocation within a single event loop iteration: Higher priority
1454watchers are invoked before lower priority ones, but they all get invoked
1455before polling for new events.
1456
1457Libev uses the second (only-for-ordering) model for all its watchers
1458except for idle watchers (which use the lock-out model).
1459
1460The rationale behind this is that implementing the lock-out model for
1461watchers is not well supported by most kernel interfaces, and most event
1462libraries will just poll for the same events again and again as long as
1463their callbacks have not been executed, which is very inefficient in the
1464common case of one high-priority watcher locking out a mass of lower
1465priority ones.
1466
1467Static (ordering) priorities are most useful when you have two or more
1468watchers handling the same resource: a typical usage example is having an
1469C<ev_io> watcher to receive data, and an associated C<ev_timer> to handle
1470timeouts. Under load, data might be received while the program handles
1471other jobs, but since timers normally get invoked first, the timeout
1472handler will be executed before checking for data. In that case, giving
1473the timer a lower priority than the I/O watcher ensures that I/O will be
1474handled first even under adverse conditions (which is usually, but not
1475always, what you want).
1476
1477Since idle watchers use the "lock-out" model, meaning that idle watchers
1478will only be executed when no same or higher priority watchers have
1479received events, they can be used to implement the "lock-out" model when
1480required.
1481
1482For example, to emulate how many other event libraries handle priorities,
1483you can associate an C<ev_idle> watcher to each such watcher, and in
1484the normal watcher callback, you just start the idle watcher. The real
1485processing is done in the idle watcher callback. This causes libev to
1486continuously poll and process kernel event data for the watcher, but when
1487the lock-out case is known to be rare (which in turn is rare :), this is
1488workable.
1489
1490Usually, however, the lock-out model implemented that way will perform
1491miserably under the type of load it was designed to handle. In that case,
1492it might be preferable to stop the real watcher before starting the
1493idle watcher, so the kernel will not have to process the event in case
1494the actual processing will be delayed for considerable time.
1495
1496Here is an example of an I/O watcher that should run at a strictly lower
1497priority than the default, and which should only process data when no
1498other events are pending:
1499
1500 ev_idle idle; // actual processing watcher
1501 ev_io io; // actual event watcher
1502
1503 static void
1504 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1505 {
1506 // stop the I/O watcher, we received the event, but
1507 // are not yet ready to handle it.
1508 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
1509
1510 // start the idle watcher to handle the actual event.
1511 // it will not be executed as long as other watchers
1512 // with the default priority are receiving events.
1513 ev_idle_start (EV_A_ &idle);
1514 }
1515
1516 static void
1517 idle_cb (EV_P_ ev_idle *w, int revents)
1518 {
1519 // actual processing
1520 read (STDIN_FILENO, ...);
1521
1522 // have to start the I/O watcher again, as
1523 // we have handled the event
1524 ev_io_start (EV_P_ &io);
1525 }
1526
1527 // initialisation
1528 ev_idle_init (&idle, idle_cb);
1529 ev_io_init (&io, io_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1530 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &io);
1531
1532In the "real" world, it might also be beneficial to start a timer, so that
1533low-priority connections can not be locked out forever under load. This
1534enables your program to keep a lower latency for important connections
1535during short periods of high load, while not completely locking out less
1536important ones.
1150 1537
1151 1538
1152=head1 WATCHER TYPES 1539=head1 WATCHER TYPES
1153 1540
1154This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 1541This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
1180descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1567descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
1181required if you know what you are doing). 1568required if you know what you are doing).
1182 1569
1183If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a 1570If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a
1184known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only 1571known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
1185C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1572C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). The same applies to file
1573descriptors for which non-blocking operation makes no sense (such as
1574files) - libev doesn't guarantee any specific behaviour in that case.
1186 1575
1187Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1576Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1188receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might 1577receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1189be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1578be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
1190because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1579because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
1255 1644
1256So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you 1645So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1257ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon 1646ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1258somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue). 1647somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1259 1648
1649=head3 The special problem of accept()ing when you can't
1650
1651Many implementations of the POSIX C<accept> function (for example,
1652found in post-2004 Linux) have the peculiar behaviour of not removing a
1653connection from the pending queue in all error cases.
1654
1655For example, larger servers often run out of file descriptors (because
1656of resource limits), causing C<accept> to fail with C<ENFILE> but not
1657rejecting the connection, leading to libev signalling readiness on
1658the next iteration again (the connection still exists after all), and
1659typically causing the program to loop at 100% CPU usage.
1660
1661Unfortunately, the set of errors that cause this issue differs between
1662operating systems, there is usually little the app can do to remedy the
1663situation, and no known thread-safe method of removing the connection to
1664cope with overload is known (to me).
1665
1666One of the easiest ways to handle this situation is to just ignore it
1667- when the program encounters an overload, it will just loop until the
1668situation is over. While this is a form of busy waiting, no OS offers an
1669event-based way to handle this situation, so it's the best one can do.
1670
1671A better way to handle the situation is to log any errors other than
1672C<EAGAIN> and C<EWOULDBLOCK>, making sure not to flood the log with such
1673messages, and continue as usual, which at least gives the user an idea of
1674what could be wrong ("raise the ulimit!"). For extra points one could stop
1675the C<ev_io> watcher on the listening fd "for a while", which reduces CPU
1676usage.
1677
1678If your program is single-threaded, then you could also keep a dummy file
1679descriptor for overload situations (e.g. by opening F</dev/null>), and
1680when you run into C<ENFILE> or C<EMFILE>, close it, run C<accept>,
1681close that fd, and create a new dummy fd. This will gracefully refuse
1682clients under typical overload conditions.
1683
1684The last way to handle it is to simply log the error and C<exit>, as
1685is often done with C<malloc> failures, but this results in an easy
1686opportunity for a DoS attack.
1260 1687
1261=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions 1688=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1262 1689
1263=over 4 1690=over 4
1264 1691
1296 ... 1723 ...
1297 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1724 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1298 ev_io stdin_readable; 1725 ev_io stdin_readable;
1299 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1726 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1300 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1727 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1301 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1728 ev_run (loop, 0);
1302 1729
1303 1730
1304=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1731=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1305 1732
1306Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1733Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1311year, it will still time out after (roughly) one hour. "Roughly" because 1738year, it will still time out after (roughly) one hour. "Roughly" because
1312detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1739detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1313monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1740monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1314 1741
1315The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has 1742The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1316passed, but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration 1743passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this
1317then order of execution is undefined. 1744might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the
1745same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked
1746before ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is
1747no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1318 1748
1319=head3 Be smart about timeouts 1749=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1320 1750
1321Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error 1751Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1322recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs, 1752recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1366C<after> argument to C<ev_timer_set>, and only ever use the C<repeat> 1796C<after> argument to C<ev_timer_set>, and only ever use the C<repeat>
1367member and C<ev_timer_again>. 1797member and C<ev_timer_again>.
1368 1798
1369At start: 1799At start:
1370 1800
1371 ev_timer_init (timer, callback); 1801 ev_init (timer, callback);
1372 timer->repeat = 60.; 1802 timer->repeat = 60.;
1373 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1803 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1374 1804
1375Each time there is some activity: 1805Each time there is some activity:
1376 1806
1408 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.; 1838 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.;
1409 1839
1410 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out 1840 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out
1411 if (timeout < now) 1841 if (timeout < now)
1412 { 1842 {
1413 // timeout occured, take action 1843 // timeout occurred, take action
1414 } 1844 }
1415 else 1845 else
1416 { 1846 {
1417 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm 1847 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm
1418 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is 1848 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is
1419 // guaranteed to be in the future, so "again" is positive: 1849 // guaranteed to be in the future, so "again" is positive:
1420 w->again = timeout - now; 1850 w->repeat = timeout - now;
1421 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ w); 1851 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ w);
1422 } 1852 }
1423 } 1853 }
1424 1854
1425To summarise the callback: first calculate the real timeout (defined 1855To summarise the callback: first calculate the real timeout (defined
1438 1868
1439To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity> 1869To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity>
1440to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the 1870to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the
1441callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer: 1871callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer:
1442 1872
1443 ev_timer_init (timer, callback); 1873 ev_init (timer, callback);
1444 last_activity = ev_now (loop); 1874 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1445 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMEOUT); 1875 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMER);
1446 1876
1447And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in 1877And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1448C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all: 1878C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1449 1879
1450 last_actiivty = ev_now (loop); 1880 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1451 1881
1452This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the 1882This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1453time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient. 1883time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1454 1884
1455Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the 1885Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1493 1923
1494=head3 The special problem of time updates 1924=head3 The special problem of time updates
1495 1925
1496Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at 1926Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1497least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current 1927least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1498time only before and after C<ev_loop> collects new events, which causes a 1928time only before and after C<ev_run> collects new events, which causes a
1499growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling 1929growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1500lots of events in one iteration. 1930lots of events in one iteration.
1501 1931
1502The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1932The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1503time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1933time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1509 1939
1510If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an 1940If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
1511update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update 1941update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
1512()>. 1942()>.
1513 1943
1944=head3 The special problems of suspended animation
1945
1946When you leave the server world it is quite customary to hit machines that
1947can suspend/hibernate - what happens to the clocks during such a suspend?
1948
1949Some quick tests made with a Linux 2.6.28 indicate that a suspend freezes
1950all processes, while the clocks (C<times>, C<CLOCK_MONOTONIC>) continue
1951to run until the system is suspended, but they will not advance while the
1952system is suspended. That means, on resume, it will be as if the program
1953was frozen for a few seconds, but the suspend time will not be counted
1954towards C<ev_timer> when a monotonic clock source is used. The real time
1955clock advanced as expected, but if it is used as sole clocksource, then a
1956long suspend would be detected as a time jump by libev, and timers would
1957be adjusted accordingly.
1958
1959I would not be surprised to see different behaviour in different between
1960operating systems, OS versions or even different hardware.
1961
1962The other form of suspend (job control, or sending a SIGSTOP) will see a
1963time jump in the monotonic clocks and the realtime clock. If the program
1964is suspended for a very long time, and monotonic clock sources are in use,
1965then you can expect C<ev_timer>s to expire as the full suspension time
1966will be counted towards the timers. When no monotonic clock source is in
1967use, then libev will again assume a timejump and adjust accordingly.
1968
1969It might be beneficial for this latter case to call C<ev_suspend>
1970and C<ev_resume> in code that handles C<SIGTSTP>, to at least get
1971deterministic behaviour in this case (you can do nothing against
1972C<SIGSTOP>).
1973
1514=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1974=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1515 1975
1516=over 4 1976=over 4
1517 1977
1518=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1978=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1541If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 2001If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1542 2002
1543If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 2003If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1544C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 2004C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1545 2005
1546This sounds a bit complicated, see "Be smart about timeouts", above, for a 2006This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a
1547usage example. 2007usage example.
2008
2009=item ev_tstamp ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *)
2010
2011Returns the remaining time until a timer fires. If the timer is active,
2012then this time is relative to the current event loop time, otherwise it's
2013the timeout value currently configured.
2014
2015That is, after an C<ev_timer_set (w, 5, 7)>, C<ev_timer_remaining> returns
2016C<5>. When the timer is started and one second passes, C<ev_timer_remaining>
2017will return C<4>. When the timer expires and is restarted, it will return
2018roughly C<7> (likely slightly less as callback invocation takes some time,
2019too), and so on.
1548 2020
1549=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 2021=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1550 2022
1551The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 2023The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1552or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any), 2024or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any),
1578 } 2050 }
1579 2051
1580 ev_timer mytimer; 2052 ev_timer mytimer;
1581 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 2053 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1582 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 2054 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1583 ev_loop (loop, 0); 2055 ev_run (loop, 0);
1584 2056
1585 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 2057 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1586 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 2058 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1587 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 2059 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1588 2060
1590=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron? 2062=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
1591 2063
1592Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 2064Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
1593(and unfortunately a bit complex). 2065(and unfortunately a bit complex).
1594 2066
1595Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 2067Unlike C<ev_timer>, periodic watchers are not based on real time (or
1596but on wall clock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 2068relative time, the physical time that passes) but on wall clock time
1597to trigger after some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 2069(absolute time, the thing you can read on your calender or clock). The
1598periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifying e.g. C<ev_now () 2070difference is that wall clock time can run faster or slower than real
1599+ 10.>, that is, an absolute time not a delay) and then reset your system 2071time, and time jumps are not uncommon (e.g. when you adjust your
1600clock to January of the previous year, then it will take more than year 2072wrist-watch).
1601to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger
1602roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout).
1603 2073
2074You can tell a periodic watcher to trigger after some specific point
2075in time: for example, if you tell a periodic watcher to trigger "in 10
2076seconds" (by specifying e.g. C<ev_now () + 10.>, that is, an absolute time
2077not a delay) and then reset your system clock to January of the previous
2078year, then it will take a year or more to trigger the event (unlike an
2079C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger roughly 10 seconds after starting
2080it, as it uses a relative timeout).
2081
1604C<ev_periodic>s can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, 2082C<ev_periodic> watchers can also be used to implement vastly more complex
1605such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or other 2083timers, such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or
1606complicated rules. 2084other complicated rules. This cannot be done with C<ev_timer> watchers, as
2085those cannot react to time jumps.
1607 2086
1608As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the 2087As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1609time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 2088point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple
1610during the same loop iteration, then order of execution is undefined. 2089timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with
2090earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values
2091(but this is no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1611 2092
1612=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2093=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1613 2094
1614=over 4 2095=over 4
1615 2096
1616=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 2097=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp offset, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1617 2098
1618=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 2099=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp offset, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1619 2100
1620Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 2101Lots of arguments, let's sort it out... There are basically three modes of
1621operation, and we will explain them from simplest to most complex: 2102operation, and we will explain them from simplest to most complex:
1622 2103
1623=over 4 2104=over 4
1624 2105
1625=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 2106=item * absolute timer (offset = absolute time, interval = 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1626 2107
1627In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock 2108In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock
1628time C<at> has passed. It will not repeat and will not adjust when a time 2109time C<offset> has passed. It will not repeat and will not adjust when a
1629jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will 2110time jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it
1630only run when the system clock reaches or surpasses this time. 2111will be stopped and invoked when the system clock reaches or surpasses
2112this point in time.
1631 2113
1632=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 2114=item * repeating interval timer (offset = offset within interval, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1633 2115
1634In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 2116In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1635C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative) 2117C<offset + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be
1636and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. 2118negative) and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. The C<offset>
2119argument is merely an offset into the C<interval> periods.
1637 2120
1638This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to the 2121This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to the
1639system clock, for example, here is a C<ev_periodic> that triggers each 2122system clock, for example, here is an C<ev_periodic> that triggers each
1640hour, on the hour: 2123hour, on the hour (with respect to UTC):
1641 2124
1642 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 2125 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1643 2126
1644This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers, 2127This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers,
1645but only that the callback will be called when the system time shows a 2128but only that the callback will be called when the system time shows a
1646full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible 2129full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
1647by 3600. 2130by 3600.
1648 2131
1649Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 2132Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1650C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 2133C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1651time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 2134time where C<time = offset (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1652 2135
1653For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near 2136For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<offset> value is near
1654C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for 2137C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1655this value, and in fact is often specified as zero. 2138this value, and in fact is often specified as zero.
1656 2139
1657Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU 2140Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
1658speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability 2141speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
1659will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one 2142will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
1660millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough). 2143millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
1661 2144
1662=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback) 2145=item * manual reschedule mode (offset ignored, interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1663 2146
1664In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 2147In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<offset> are both being
1665ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 2148ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1666reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 2149reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1667current time as second argument. 2150current time as second argument.
1668 2151
1669NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 2152NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, ever,
1670ever, or make ANY event loop modifications whatsoever>. 2153or make ANY other event loop modifications whatsoever, unless explicitly
2154allowed by documentation here>.
1671 2155
1672If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop 2156If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop
1673it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the 2157it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the
1674only event loop modification you are allowed to do). 2158only event loop modification you are allowed to do).
1675 2159
1705a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 2189a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1706program when the crontabs have changed). 2190program when the crontabs have changed).
1707 2191
1708=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *) 2192=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *)
1709 2193
1710When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to 2194When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed
1711trigger next. 2195to trigger next. This is not the same as the C<offset> argument to
2196C<ev_periodic_set>, but indeed works even in interval and manual
2197rescheduling modes.
1712 2198
1713=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write] 2199=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1714 2200
1715When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the 2201When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1716absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>). 2202absolute point in time (the C<offset> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>,
2203although libev might modify this value for better numerical stability).
1717 2204
1718Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic 2205Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1719timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 2206timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1720 2207
1721=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 2208=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1737Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 2224Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1738system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 2225system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1739potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability. 2226potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1740 2227
1741 static void 2228 static void
1742 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2229 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_periodic *w, int revents)
1743 { 2230 {
1744 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 2231 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1745 } 2232 }
1746 2233
1747 ev_periodic hourly_tick; 2234 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1773Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 2260Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1774signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 2261signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
1775will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 2262will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
1776normal event processing, like any other event. 2263normal event processing, like any other event.
1777 2264
1778If you want signals asynchronously, just use C<sigaction> as you would 2265If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use
1779do without libev and forget about sharing the signal. You can even use 2266C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing
1780C<ev_async> from a signal handler to synchronously wake up an event loop. 2267the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to
2268synchronously wake up an event loop.
1781 2269
1782You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the 2270You can configure as many watchers as you like for the same signal, but
2271only within the same loop, i.e. you can watch for C<SIGINT> in your
2272default loop and for C<SIGIO> in another loop, but you cannot watch for
2273C<SIGINT> in both the default loop and another loop at the same time. At
2274the moment, C<SIGCHLD> is permanently tied to the default loop.
2275
1783first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal handler 2276When the first watcher gets started will libev actually register something
1784with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as 2277with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as
1785you don't register any with libev for the same signal). Similarly, when 2278you don't register any with libev for the same signal).
1786the last signal watcher for a signal is stopped, libev will reset the
1787signal handler to SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1788 2279
1789If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with 2280If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1790C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly 2281C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should
1791interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by 2282not be unduly interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting
1792signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock 2283interrupted by signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher
1793them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher. 2284and unblock them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
2285
2286=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create
2287
2288Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition
2289(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after
2290stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal,
2291and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler.
2292
2293While this does not matter for the signal disposition (libev never
2294sets signals to C<SIG_IGN>, so handlers will be reset to C<SIG_DFL> on
2295C<execve>), this matters for the signal mask: many programs do not expect
2296certain signals to be blocked.
2297
2298This means that before calling C<exec> (from the child) you should reset
2299the signal mask to whatever "default" you expect (all clear is a good
2300choice usually).
2301
2302The simplest way to ensure that the signal mask is reset in the child is
2303to install a fork handler with C<pthread_atfork> that resets it. That will
2304catch fork calls done by libraries (such as the libc) as well.
2305
2306In current versions of libev, the signal will not be blocked indefinitely
2307unless you use the C<signalfd> API (C<EV_SIGNALFD>). While this reduces
2308the window of opportunity for problems, it will not go away, as libev
2309I<has> to modify the signal mask, at least temporarily.
2310
2311So I can't stress this enough: I<If you do not reset your signal mask when
2312you expect it to be empty, you have a race condition in your code>. This
2313is not a libev-specific thing, this is true for most event libraries.
1794 2314
1795=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2315=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1796 2316
1797=over 4 2317=over 4
1798 2318
1814Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT. 2334Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
1815 2335
1816 static void 2336 static void
1817 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents) 2337 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
1818 { 2338 {
1819 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 2339 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
1820 } 2340 }
1821 2341
1822 ev_signal signal_watcher; 2342 ev_signal signal_watcher;
1823 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 2343 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1824 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher); 2344 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
1830some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies or 2350some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies or
1831exits). It is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child 2351exits). It is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child
1832has been forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long 2352has been forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long
1833as the event loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher), i.e., 2353as the event loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher), i.e.,
1834forking and then immediately registering a watcher for the child is fine, 2354forking and then immediately registering a watcher for the child is fine,
1835but forking and registering a watcher a few event loop iterations later is 2355but forking and registering a watcher a few event loop iterations later or
1836not. 2356in the next callback invocation is not.
1837 2357
1838Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore 2358Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
1839you can only register child watchers in the default event loop. 2359you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
1840 2360
2361Due to some design glitches inside libev, child watchers will always be
2362handled at maximum priority (their priority is set to C<EV_MAXPRI> by
2363libev)
2364
1841=head3 Process Interaction 2365=head3 Process Interaction
1842 2366
1843Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is 2367Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
1844initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if 2368initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if the
1845the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence 2369first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
1846of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done 2370of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
1847synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all 2371synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
1848children, even ones not watched. 2372children, even ones not watched.
1849 2373
1850=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing 2374=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
1860=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher 2384=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
1861 2385
1862Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the 2386Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
1863child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the 2387child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
1864callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically 2388callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
1865when a child exit is detected. 2389when a child exit is detected (calling C<ev_child_stop> twice is not a
2390problem).
1866 2391
1867=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2392=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1868 2393
1869=over 4 2394=over 4
1870 2395
1932C<stat> on that path in regular intervals (or when the OS says it changed) 2457C<stat> on that path in regular intervals (or when the OS says it changed)
1933and sees if it changed compared to the last time, invoking the callback if 2458and sees if it changed compared to the last time, invoking the callback if
1934it did. 2459it did.
1935 2460
1936The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 2461The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1937not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 2462not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does not
1938not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is 2463exist" (or more correctly "path cannot be stat'ed") is signified by the
1939otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of 2464C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is otherwise always forced to be at
1940the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 2465least one) and all the other fields of the stat buffer having unspecified
2466contents.
1941 2467
1942The path I<must not> end in a slash or contain special components such as 2468The path I<must not> end in a slash or contain special components such as
1943C<.> or C<..>. The path I<should> be absolute: If it is relative and 2469C<.> or C<..>. The path I<should> be absolute: If it is relative and
1944your working directory changes, then the behaviour is undefined. 2470your working directory changes, then the behaviour is undefined.
1945 2471
1955This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 2481This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1956as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 2482as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1957resource-intensive. 2483resource-intensive.
1958 2484
1959At the time of this writing, the only OS-specific interface implemented 2485At the time of this writing, the only OS-specific interface implemented
1960is the Linux inotify interface (implementing kqueue support is left as 2486is the Linux inotify interface (implementing kqueue support is left as an
1961an exercise for the reader. Note, however, that the author sees no way 2487exercise for the reader. Note, however, that the author sees no way of
1962of implementing C<ev_stat> semantics with kqueue). 2488implementing C<ev_stat> semantics with kqueue, except as a hint).
1963 2489
1964=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support) 2490=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1965 2491
1966Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default 2492Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
1967compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file 2493compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file
1978to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the 2504to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the
1979default compilation environment. 2505default compilation environment.
1980 2506
1981=head3 Inotify and Kqueue 2507=head3 Inotify and Kqueue
1982 2508
1983When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally 2509When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev and present at
1984only available with Linux 2.6.25 or above due to bugs in earlier 2510runtime, it will be used to speed up change detection where possible. The
1985implementations) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up 2511inotify descriptor will be created lazily when the first C<ev_stat>
1986change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created 2512watcher is being started.
1987lazily when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1988 2513
1989Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers 2514Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1990except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid 2515except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1991making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support 2516making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support
1992there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling, 2517there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling,
1993but as long as the path exists, libev usually gets away without polling. 2518but as long as kernel 2.6.25 or newer is used (2.6.24 and older have too
2519many bugs), the path exists (i.e. stat succeeds), and the path resides on
2520a local filesystem (libev currently assumes only ext2/3, jfs, reiserfs and
2521xfs are fully working) libev usually gets away without polling.
1994 2522
1995There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to 2523There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1996implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file 2524implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1997descriptor open on the object at all times, and detecting renames, unlinks 2525descriptor open on the object at all times, and detecting renames, unlinks
1998etc. is difficult. 2526etc. is difficult.
2527
2528=head3 C<stat ()> is a synchronous operation
2529
2530Libev doesn't normally do any kind of I/O itself, and so is not blocking
2531the process. The exception are C<ev_stat> watchers - those call C<stat
2532()>, which is a synchronous operation.
2533
2534For local paths, this usually doesn't matter: unless the system is very
2535busy or the intervals between stat's are large, a stat call will be fast,
2536as the path data is usually in memory already (except when starting the
2537watcher).
2538
2539For networked file systems, calling C<stat ()> can block an indefinite
2540time due to network issues, and even under good conditions, a stat call
2541often takes multiple milliseconds.
2542
2543Therefore, it is best to avoid using C<ev_stat> watchers on networked
2544paths, although this is fully supported by libev.
1999 2545
2000=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution 2546=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
2001 2547
2002The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably, 2548The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably,
2003and even on systems where the resolution is higher, most file systems 2549and even on systems where the resolution is higher, most file systems
2152 2698
2153=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2699=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2154 2700
2155=over 4 2701=over 4
2156 2702
2157=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 2703=item ev_idle_init (ev_idle *, callback)
2158 2704
2159Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any 2705Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any
2160kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 2706kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2161believe me. 2707believe me.
2162 2708
2175 // no longer anything immediate to do. 2721 // no longer anything immediate to do.
2176 } 2722 }
2177 2723
2178 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle)); 2724 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle));
2179 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 2725 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
2180 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 2726 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_watcher);
2181 2727
2182 2728
2183=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 2729=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
2184 2730
2185Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs: 2731Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
2186prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2732prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
2187afterwards. 2733afterwards.
2188 2734
2189You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter 2735You I<must not> call C<ev_run> or similar functions that enter
2190the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 2736the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
2191watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The 2737watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The
2192rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in 2738rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in
2193those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking, 2739those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,
2194C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be 2740C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
2278 struct pollfd fds [nfd]; 2824 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
2279 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 2825 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
2280 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 2826 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
2281 2827
2282 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 2828 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
2283 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 2829 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3, 0.);
2284 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 2830 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
2285 2831
2286 // create one ev_io per pollfd 2832 // create one ev_io per pollfd
2287 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2833 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
2288 { 2834 {
2362 2908
2363 if (timeout >= 0) 2909 if (timeout >= 0)
2364 // create/start timer 2910 // create/start timer
2365 2911
2366 // poll 2912 // poll
2367 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2913 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
2368 2914
2369 // stop timer again 2915 // stop timer again
2370 if (timeout >= 0) 2916 if (timeout >= 0)
2371 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2917 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
2372 2918
2401some fds have to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency), 2947some fds have to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency),
2402and even priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In 2948and even priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In
2403this case you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all 2949this case you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all
2404the rest in a second one, and embed the second one in the first. 2950the rest in a second one, and embed the second one in the first.
2405 2951
2406As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every time 2952As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every
2407there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback must then 2953time there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback
2408call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single sweep and invoke 2954must then call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single
2409their callbacks (you could also start an idle watcher to give the embedded 2955sweep and invoke their callbacks (the callback doesn't need to invoke the
2410loop strictly lower priority for example). You can also set the callback 2956C<ev_embed_sweep> function directly, it could also start an idle watcher
2411to C<0>, in which case the embed watcher will automatically execute the 2957to give the embedded loop strictly lower priority for example).
2412embedded loop sweep.
2413 2958
2414As long as the watcher is started it will automatically handle events. The 2959You can also set the callback to C<0>, in which case the embed watcher
2415callback will be invoked whenever some events have been handled. You can 2960will automatically execute the embedded loop sweep whenever necessary.
2416set the callback to C<0> to avoid having to specify one if you are not
2417interested in that.
2418 2961
2419Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking: 2962Fork detection will be handled transparently while the C<ev_embed> watcher
2420when you fork, you not only have to call C<ev_loop_fork> on both loops, 2963is active, i.e., the embedded loop will automatically be forked when the
2421but you will also have to stop and restart any C<ev_embed> watchers 2964embedding loop forks. In other cases, the user is responsible for calling
2422yourself - but you can use a fork watcher to handle this automatically, 2965C<ev_loop_fork> on the embedded loop.
2423and future versions of libev might do just that.
2424 2966
2425Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable: only the ones returned by 2967Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable: only the ones returned by
2426C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any 2968C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any
2427portable one. 2969portable one.
2428 2970
2454if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 2996if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
2455 2997
2456=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 2998=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2457 2999
2458Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 3000Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2459similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 3001similarly to C<ev_run (embedded_loop, EVRUN_NOWAIT)>, but in the most
2460appropriate way for embedded loops. 3002appropriate way for embedded loops.
2461 3003
2462=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 3004=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2463 3005
2464The embedded event loop. 3006The embedded event loop.
2522event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 3064event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
2523and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling 3065and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
2524C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 3066C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
2525handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 3067handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
2526 3068
3069=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible?
3070
3071Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to set
3072up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This
3073sequence should be handled by libev without any problems.
3074
3075This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling
3076in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the
3077fork.
3078
3079The default mode of operation (for libev, with application help to detect
3080forks) is to duplicate all the state in the child, as would be expected
3081when I<either> the parent I<or> the child process continues.
3082
3083When both processes want to continue using libev, then this is usually the
3084wrong result. In that case, usually one process (typically the parent) is
3085supposed to continue with all watchers in place as before, while the other
3086process typically wants to start fresh, i.e. without any active watchers.
3087
3088The cleanest and most efficient way to achieve that with libev is to
3089simply create a new event loop, which of course will be "empty", and
3090use that for new watchers. This has the advantage of not touching more
3091memory than necessary, and thus avoiding the copy-on-write, and the
3092disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support
3093signal watchers).
3094
3095When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for
3096other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call
3097C<ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT)> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>.
3098Destroying the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered
3099watchers, so you have to be careful not to execute code that modifies
3100those watchers. Note also that in that case, you have to re-register any
3101signal watchers.
3102
2527=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 3103=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2528 3104
2529=over 4 3105=over 4
2530 3106
2531=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 3107=item ev_fork_init (ev_fork *, callback)
2532 3108
2533Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 3109Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
2534kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 3110kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2535believe me. 3111really.
2536 3112
2537=back 3113=back
2538 3114
2539 3115
3116=head2 C<ev_cleanup> - even the best things end
3117
3118Cleanup watchers are called just before the event loop is being destroyed
3119by a call to C<ev_loop_destroy>.
3120
3121While there is no guarantee that the event loop gets destroyed, cleanup
3122watchers provide a convenient method to install cleanup hooks for your
3123program, worker threads and so on - you just to make sure to destroy the
3124loop when you want them to be invoked.
3125
3126Cleanup watchers are invoked in the same way as any other watcher. Unlike
3127all other watchers, they do not keep a reference to the event loop (which
3128makes a lot of sense if you think about it). Like all other watchers, you
3129can call libev functions in the callback, except C<ev_cleanup_start>.
3130
3131=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
3132
3133=over 4
3134
3135=item ev_cleanup_init (ev_cleanup *, callback)
3136
3137Initialises and configures the cleanup watcher - it has no parameters of
3138any kind. There is a C<ev_cleanup_set> macro, but using it is utterly
3139pointless, I assure you.
3140
3141=back
3142
3143Example: Register an atexit handler to destroy the default loop, so any
3144cleanup functions are called.
3145
3146 static void
3147 program_exits (void)
3148 {
3149 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
3150 }
3151
3152 ...
3153 atexit (program_exits);
3154
3155
2540=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up another event loop 3156=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop
2541 3157
2542In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other 3158In general, you cannot use an C<ev_run> from multiple threads or other
2543asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event 3159asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
2544loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads). 3160loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
2545 3161
2546Sometimes, however, you need to wake up another event loop you do not 3162Sometimes, however, you need to wake up an event loop you do not control,
2547control, for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what 3163for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what C<ev_async>
2548C<ev_async> watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you 3164watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you can signal
2549can signal it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal 3165it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe.
2550safe.
2551 3166
2552This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals, 3167This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
2553too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed 3168too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
2554(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of 3169(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
2555C<ev_async_sent> calls). 3170C<ev_async_sent> calls).
2560=head3 Queueing 3175=head3 Queueing
2561 3176
2562C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason 3177C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
2563is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a 3178is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
2564multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't 3179multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2565need elaborate support such as pthreads. 3180need elaborate support such as pthreads or unportable memory access
3181semantics.
2566 3182
2567That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own 3183That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own
2568queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your 3184queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your
2569queue: 3185queue:
2570 3186
2659an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike 3275an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike
2660C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or 3276C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or
2661similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding 3277similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2662section below on what exactly this means). 3278section below on what exactly this means).
2663 3279
3280Note that, as with other watchers in libev, multiple events might get
3281compressed into a single callback invocation (another way to look at this
3282is that C<ev_async> watchers are level-triggered, set on C<ev_async_send>,
3283reset when the event loop detects that).
3284
2664This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per loop iteration, 3285This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per event loop
2665so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to repeated 3286iteration, so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to
2666calls to C<ev_async_send>. 3287repeated calls to C<ev_async_send> for the same event loop.
2667 3288
2668=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *) 3289=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
2669 3290
2670Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the 3291Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
2671watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the 3292watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
2674C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When 3295C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When
2675the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active, 3296the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active,
2676it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very 3297it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very
2677quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea. 3298quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
2678 3299
2679Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending, only 3300Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending,
2680whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending. 3301only whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending: there
3302is a time window between the event loop checking and resetting the async
3303notification, and the callback being invoked.
2681 3304
2682=back 3305=back
2683 3306
2684 3307
2685=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 3308=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
2702 3325
2703If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 3326If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
2704started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 3327started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
2705repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout. 3328repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout.
2706 3329
2707The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 3330The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and is
2708passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 3331passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
2709C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg> 3332C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMER>) and the C<arg>
2710value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both> 3333value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both>
2711a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io 3334a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io
2712events precedence. 3335events precedence.
2713 3336
2714Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO. 3337Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO.
2715 3338
2716 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 3339 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2717 { 3340 {
2718 if (revents & EV_READ) 3341 if (revents & EV_READ)
2719 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 3342 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2720 else if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 3343 else if (revents & EV_TIMER)
2721 /* doh, nothing entered */; 3344 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2722 } 3345 }
2723 3346
2724 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 3347 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2725 3348
2726=item ev_feed_event (struct ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2727
2728Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
2729had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
2730initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).
2731
2732=item ev_feed_fd_event (struct ev_loop *, int fd, int revents) 3349=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents)
2733 3350
2734Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 3351Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2735the given events it. 3352the given events it.
2736 3353
2737=item ev_feed_signal_event (struct ev_loop *loop, int signum) 3354=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum)
2738 3355
2739Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default 3356Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
2740loop!). 3357loop!).
2741 3358
2742=back 3359=back
2822 3439
2823=over 4 3440=over 4
2824 3441
2825=item ev::TYPE::TYPE () 3442=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
2826 3443
2827=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *) 3444=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (loop)
2828 3445
2829=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 3446=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
2830 3447
2831The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher 3448The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
2832with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>. 3449with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
2864 3481
2865 myclass obj; 3482 myclass obj;
2866 ev::io iow; 3483 ev::io iow;
2867 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 3484 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2868 3485
3486=item w->set (object *)
3487
3488This is a variation of a method callback - leaving out the method to call
3489will default the method to C<operator ()>, which makes it possible to use
3490functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all
3491the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument
3492list.
3493
3494The C<operator ()> method prototype must be C<void operator ()(watcher &w,
3495int revents)>.
3496
3497See the method-C<set> above for more details.
3498
3499Example: use a functor object as callback.
3500
3501 struct myfunctor
3502 {
3503 void operator() (ev::io &w, int revents)
3504 {
3505 ...
3506 }
3507 }
3508
3509 myfunctor f;
3510
3511 ev::io w;
3512 w.set (&f);
3513
2869=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0) 3514=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2870 3515
2871Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as 3516Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2872callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's 3517callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2873C<data> member and is free for you to use. 3518C<data> member and is free for you to use.
2879Example: Use a plain function as callback. 3524Example: Use a plain function as callback.
2880 3525
2881 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 3526 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2882 iow.set <io_cb> (); 3527 iow.set <io_cb> ();
2883 3528
2884=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 3529=item w->set (loop)
2885 3530
2886Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 3531Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
2887do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 3532do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
2888 3533
2889=item w->set ([arguments]) 3534=item w->set ([arguments])
2890 3535
2891Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be 3536Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Either this
2892called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 3537method or a suitable start method must be called at least once. Unlike the
2893automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 3538C counterpart, an active watcher gets automatically stopped and restarted
2894method. 3539when reconfiguring it with this method.
2895 3540
2896=item w->start () 3541=item w->start ()
2897 3542
2898Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the 3543Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
2899constructor already stores the event loop. 3544constructor already stores the event loop.
2900 3545
3546=item w->start ([arguments])
3547
3548Instead of calling C<set> and C<start> methods separately, it is often
3549convenient to wrap them in one call. Uses the same type of arguments as
3550the configure C<set> method of the watcher.
3551
2901=item w->stop () 3552=item w->stop ()
2902 3553
2903Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 3554Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
2904 3555
2905=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only) 3556=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
2917 3568
2918=back 3569=back
2919 3570
2920=back 3571=back
2921 3572
2922Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 3573Example: Define a class with two I/O and idle watchers, start the I/O
2923the constructor. 3574watchers in the constructor.
2924 3575
2925 class myclass 3576 class myclass
2926 { 3577 {
2927 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 3578 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3579 ev::io2 io2 ; void io2_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2928 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 3580 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2929 3581
2930 myclass (int fd) 3582 myclass (int fd)
2931 { 3583 {
2932 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 3584 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
3585 io2 .set <myclass, &myclass::io2_cb > (this);
2933 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 3586 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2934 3587
2935 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 3588 io.set (fd, ev::WRITE); // configure the watcher
3589 io.start (); // start it whenever convenient
3590
3591 io2.start (fd, ev::READ); // set + start in one call
2936 } 3592 }
2937 }; 3593 };
2938 3594
2939 3595
2940=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS 3596=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
2959L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>. 3615L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
2960 3616
2961=item Python 3617=item Python
2962 3618
2963Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It 3619Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It
2964seems to be quite complete and well-documented. Note, however, that the 3620seems to be quite complete and well-documented.
2965patch they require for libev is outright dangerous as it breaks the ABI
2966for everybody else, and therefore, should never be applied in an installed
2967libev (if python requires an incompatible ABI then it needs to embed
2968libev).
2969 3621
2970=item Ruby 3622=item Ruby
2971 3623
2972Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset 3624Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
2973of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and 3625of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and
2974more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at 3626more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
2975L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>. 3627L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
2976 3628
3629Roger Pack reports that using the link order C<-lws2_32 -lmsvcrt-ruby-190>
3630makes rev work even on mingw.
3631
3632=item Haskell
3633
3634A haskell binding to libev is available at
3635L<http://hackage.haskell.org/cgi-bin/hackage-scripts/package/hlibev>.
3636
2977=item D 3637=item D
2978 3638
2979Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to 3639Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
2980be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>. 3640be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>.
2981 3641
2982=item Ocaml 3642=item Ocaml
2983 3643
2984Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at 3644Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
2985L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>. 3645L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
3646
3647=item Lua
3648
3649Brian Maher has written a partial interface to libev for lua (at the
3650time of this writing, only C<ev_io> and C<ev_timer>), to be found at
3651L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>.
2986 3652
2987=back 3653=back
2988 3654
2989 3655
2990=head1 MACRO MAGIC 3656=head1 MACRO MAGIC
3004loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 3670loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
3005C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 3671C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
3006 3672
3007 ev_unref (EV_A); 3673 ev_unref (EV_A);
3008 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 3674 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
3009 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 3675 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
3010 3676
3011It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 3677It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
3012which is often provided by the following macro. 3678which is often provided by the following macro.
3013 3679
3014=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 3680=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
3054 } 3720 }
3055 3721
3056 ev_check check; 3722 ev_check check;
3057 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 3723 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
3058 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 3724 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
3059 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 3725 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
3060 3726
3061=head1 EMBEDDING 3727=head1 EMBEDDING
3062 3728
3063Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 3729Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
3064applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 3730applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
3144 libev.m4 3810 libev.m4
3145 3811
3146=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 3812=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
3147 3813
3148Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to 3814Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
3149define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of 3815define before including (or compiling) any of its files. The default in
3150autoconf is documented for every option. 3816the absence of autoconf is documented for every option.
3817
3818Symbols marked with "(h)" do not change the ABI, and can have different
3819values when compiling libev vs. including F<ev.h>, so it is permissible
3820to redefine them before including F<ev.h> without breaking compatibility
3821to a compiled library. All other symbols change the ABI, which means all
3822users of libev and the libev code itself must be compiled with compatible
3823settings.
3151 3824
3152=over 4 3825=over 4
3153 3826
3827=item EV_COMPAT3 (h)
3828
3829Backwards compatibility is a major concern for libev. This is why this
3830release of libev comes with wrappers for the functions and symbols that
3831have been renamed between libev version 3 and 4.
3832
3833You can disable these wrappers (to test compatibility with future
3834versions) by defining C<EV_COMPAT3> to C<0> when compiling your
3835sources. This has the additional advantage that you can drop the C<struct>
3836from C<struct ev_loop> declarations, as libev will provide an C<ev_loop>
3837typedef in that case.
3838
3839In some future version, the default for C<EV_COMPAT3> will become C<0>,
3840and in some even more future version the compatibility code will be
3841removed completely.
3842
3154=item EV_STANDALONE 3843=item EV_STANDALONE (h)
3155 3844
3156Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which 3845Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which
3157keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy 3846keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy
3158implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not 3847implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not
3159supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in 3848supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in
3160F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 3849F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
3161 3850
3851In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the
3852configuration, but has to be more conservative.
3853
3162=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 3854=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
3163 3855
3164If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3856If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
3165monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no use 3857monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no
3166of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 3858use of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this,
3167usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 3859you usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it
3168the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have 3860when the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
3169to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 3861to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
3170function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 3862function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). See also C<EV_USE_CLOCK_SYSCALL>.
3171 3863
3172=item EV_USE_REALTIME 3864=item EV_USE_REALTIME
3173 3865
3174If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3866If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
3175real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability at 3867real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability
3176runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock option will 3868at runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock
3177be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 3869option will be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday>
3178(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the 3870by C<clock_get (CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect
3179note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 3871correctness. See the note about libraries in the description of
3872C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. Defaults to the opposite value of
3873C<EV_USE_CLOCK_SYSCALL>.
3874
3875=item EV_USE_CLOCK_SYSCALL
3876
3877If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to use a direct syscall instead
3878of calling the system-provided C<clock_gettime> function. This option
3879exists because on GNU/Linux, C<clock_gettime> is in C<librt>, but C<librt>
3880unconditionally pulls in C<libpthread>, slowing down single-threaded
3881programs needlessly. Using a direct syscall is slightly slower (in
3882theory), because no optimised vdso implementation can be used, but avoids
3883the pthread dependency. Defaults to C<1> on GNU/Linux with glibc 2.x or
3884higher, as it simplifies linking (no need for C<-lrt>).
3180 3885
3181=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP 3886=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
3182 3887
3183If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available 3888If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
3184and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>. 3889and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
3200 3905
3201=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET 3906=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
3202 3907
3203If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set> 3908If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set>
3204structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing 3909structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing
3205C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it mis-guesses the bitset layout on 3910C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it mis-guesses the bitset layout
3206exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some 3911on exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to
3207low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only 3912some low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket
3208allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might 3913only allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation,
3209influence the size of the C<fd_set> used. 3914configures the maximum size of the C<fd_set>.
3210 3915
3211=item EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 3916=item EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET
3212 3917
3213When defined to C<1>, the select backend will assume that 3918When defined to C<1>, the select backend will assume that
3214select/socket/connect etc. don't understand file descriptors but 3919select/socket/connect etc. don't understand file descriptors but
3216be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call 3921be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call
3217C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise, 3922C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise,
3218it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even 3923it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
3219on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms. 3924on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.
3220 3925
3221=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE 3926=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE(fd)
3222 3927
3223If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map 3928If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map
3224file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the 3929file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the
3225default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually 3930default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually
3226correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management, 3931correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management,
3227in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles. 3932in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles.
3933
3934=item EV_WIN32_HANDLE_TO_FD(handle)
3935
3936If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> then libev maps handles to file descriptors
3937using the standard C<_open_osfhandle> function. For programs implementing
3938their own fd to handle mapping, overwriting this function makes it easier
3939to do so. This can be done by defining this macro to an appropriate value.
3940
3941=item EV_WIN32_CLOSE_FD(fd)
3942
3943If programs implement their own fd to handle mapping on win32, then this
3944macro can be used to override the C<close> function, useful to unregister
3945file descriptors again. Note that the replacement function has to close
3946the underlying OS handle.
3228 3947
3229=item EV_USE_POLL 3948=item EV_USE_POLL
3230 3949
3231If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2) 3950If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
3232backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 3951backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
3279as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers. 3998as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
3280 3999
3281In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 4000In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
3282(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms. 4001(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
3283 4002
3284=item EV_H 4003=item EV_H (h)
3285 4004
3286The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 4005The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
3287undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be 4006undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be
3288used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 4007used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
3289 4008
3290=item EV_CONFIG_H 4009=item EV_CONFIG_H (h)
3291 4010
3292If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override 4011If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
3293F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to 4012F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
3294C<EV_H>, above. 4013C<EV_H>, above.
3295 4014
3296=item EV_EVENT_H 4015=item EV_EVENT_H (h)
3297 4016
3298Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea 4017Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
3299of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">. 4018of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">.
3300 4019
3301=item EV_PROTOTYPES 4020=item EV_PROTOTYPES (h)
3302 4021
3303If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function 4022If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
3304prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is 4023prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
3305occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions 4024occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions
3306around libev functions. 4025around libev functions.
3328fine. 4047fine.
3329 4048
3330If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these 4049If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these
3331both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU. 4050both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
3332 4051
3333=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 4052=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE, EV_IDLE_ENABLE, EV_EMBED_ENABLE, EV_STAT_ENABLE,
4053EV_PREPARE_ENABLE, EV_CHECK_ENABLE, EV_FORK_ENABLE, EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE,
4054EV_ASYNC_ENABLE, EV_CHILD_ENABLE.
3334 4055
3335If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 4056If undefined or defined to be C<1> (and the platform supports it), then
3336defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 4057the respective watcher type is supported. If defined to be C<0>, then it
3337code. 4058is not. Disabling watcher types mainly saves code size.
3338 4059
3339=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE 4060=item EV_FEATURES
3340
3341If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
3342defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
3343code.
3344
3345=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
3346
3347If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
3348defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Embed watchers rely on most other
3349watcher types, which therefore must not be disabled.
3350
3351=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
3352
3353If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
3354defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3355
3356=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
3357
3358If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
3359defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3360
3361=item EV_ASYNC_ENABLE
3362
3363If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then async watchers are supported. If
3364defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3365
3366=item EV_MINIMAL
3367 4061
3368If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 4062If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
3369speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some 4063speed (but with the full API), you can define this symbol to request
3370inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a 4064certain subsets of functionality. The default is to enable all features
3371much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap. 4065that can be enabled on the platform.
4066
4067A typical way to use this symbol is to define it to C<0> (or to a bitset
4068with some broad features you want) and then selectively re-enable
4069additional parts you want, for example if you want everything minimal,
4070but multiple event loop support, async and child watchers and the poll
4071backend, use this:
4072
4073 #define EV_FEATURES 0
4074 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 1
4075 #define EV_USE_POLL 1
4076 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
4077 #define EV_ASYNC_ENABLE 1
4078
4079The actual value is a bitset, it can be a combination of the following
4080values:
4081
4082=over 4
4083
4084=item C<1> - faster/larger code
4085
4086Use larger code to speed up some operations.
4087
4088Currently this is used to override some inlining decisions (enlarging the
4089code size by roughly 30% on amd64).
4090
4091When optimising for size, use of compiler flags such as C<-Os> with
4092gcc is recommended, as well as C<-DNDEBUG>, as libev contains a number of
4093assertions.
4094
4095=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures
4096
4097Replaces the small 2-heap for timer management by a faster 4-heap, larger
4098hash table sizes and so on. This will usually further increase code size
4099and can additionally have an effect on the size of data structures at
4100runtime.
4101
4102=item C<4> - full API configuration
4103
4104This enables priorities (sets C<EV_MAXPRI>=2 and C<EV_MINPRI>=-2), and
4105enables multiplicity (C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>=1).
4106
4107=item C<8> - full API
4108
4109This enables a lot of the "lesser used" API functions. See C<ev.h> for
4110details on which parts of the API are still available without this
4111feature, and do not complain if this subset changes over time.
4112
4113=item C<16> - enable all optional watcher types
4114
4115Enables all optional watcher types. If you want to selectively enable
4116only some watcher types other than I/O and timers (e.g. prepare,
4117embed, async, child...) you can enable them manually by defining
4118C<EV_watchertype_ENABLE> to C<1> instead.
4119
4120=item C<32> - enable all backends
4121
4122This enables all backends - without this feature, you need to enable at
4123least one backend manually (C<EV_USE_SELECT> is a good choice).
4124
4125=item C<64> - enable OS-specific "helper" APIs
4126
4127Enable inotify, eventfd, signalfd and similar OS-specific helper APIs by
4128default.
4129
4130=back
4131
4132Compiling with C<gcc -Os -DEV_STANDALONE -DEV_USE_EPOLL=1 -DEV_FEATURES=0>
4133reduces the compiled size of libev from 24.7Kb code/2.8Kb data to 6.5Kb
4134code/0.3Kb data on my GNU/Linux amd64 system, while still giving you I/O
4135watchers, timers and monotonic clock support.
4136
4137With an intelligent-enough linker (gcc+binutils are intelligent enough
4138when you use C<-Wl,--gc-sections -ffunction-sections>) functions unused by
4139your program might be left out as well - a binary starting a timer and an
4140I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb.
4141
4142=item EV_AVOID_STDIO
4143
4144If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio
4145functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the code size
4146somewhat, but if your program doesn't otherwise depend on stdio and your
4147libc allows it, this avoids linking in the stdio library which is quite
4148big.
4149
4150Note that error messages might become less precise when this option is
4151enabled.
4152
4153=item EV_NSIG
4154
4155The highest supported signal number, +1 (or, the number of
4156signals): Normally, libev tries to deduce the maximum number of signals
4157automatically, but sometimes this fails, in which case it can be
4158specified. Also, using a lower number than detected (C<32> should be
4159good for about any system in existence) can save some memory, as libev
4160statically allocates some 12-24 bytes per signal number.
3372 4161
3373=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 4162=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
3374 4163
3375C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 4164C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
3376pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 4165pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_FEATURES> disabled),
3377than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to 4166usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you
3378increase this value (I<must> be a power of two). 4167might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
3379 4168
3380=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE 4169=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
3381 4170
3382C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 4171C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
3383inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), 4172inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_FEATURES>
3384usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat> 4173disabled), usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of
3385watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of 4174C<ev_stat> watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a
3386two). 4175power of two).
3387 4176
3388=item EV_USE_4HEAP 4177=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3389 4178
3390Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 4179Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3391timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined 4180timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3392to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably 4181to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably
3393faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers. 4182faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3394 4183
3395The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 4184The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3396(disabled). 4185will be C<0>.
3397 4186
3398=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT 4187=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3399 4188
3400Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 4189Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3401timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within 4190timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3402the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>), 4191the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
3403which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code, 4192which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
3404but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance 4193but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3405noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers. 4194noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3406 4195
3407The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 4196The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3408(disabled). 4197will be C<0>.
3409 4198
3410=item EV_VERIFY 4199=item EV_VERIFY
3411 4200
3412Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will 4201Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_verify ()>) will
3413be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled 4202be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
3414in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not 4203in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
3415called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be 4204called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
3416called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the 4205called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
3417verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down 4206verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3418libev considerably. 4207libev considerably.
3419 4208
3420The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be 4209The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3421C<0>. 4210will be C<0>.
3422 4211
3423=item EV_COMMON 4212=item EV_COMMON
3424 4213
3425By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 4214By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
3426this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 4215this macro to something else you can include more and other types of
3427members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files, 4216members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
3428though, and it must be identical each time. 4217though, and it must be identical each time.
3429 4218
3430For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 4219For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
3431 4220
3484file. 4273file.
3485 4274
3486The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 4275The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
3487that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 4276that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
3488 4277
3489 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 4278 #define EV_FEATURES 8
3490 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 4279 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
3491 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
3492 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 4280 #define EV_PREPARE_ENABLE 1
4281 #define EV_IDLE_ENABLE 1
3493 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 4282 #define EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE 1
3494 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 4283 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
4284 #define EV_USE_STDEXCEPT 0
3495 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 4285 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
3496 #define EV_MINPRI 0
3497 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
3498 4286
3499 #include "ev++.h" 4287 #include "ev++.h"
3500 4288
3501And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 4289And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
3502 4290
3562default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop 4350default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
3563watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal. 4351watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
3564 4352
3565=back 4353=back
3566 4354
4355=head4 THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE
4356
4357Here is a fictitious example of how to run an event loop in a different
4358thread than where callbacks are being invoked and watchers are
4359created/added/removed.
4360
4361For a real-world example, see the C<EV::Loop::Async> perl module,
4362which uses exactly this technique (which is suited for many high-level
4363languages).
4364
4365The example uses a pthread mutex to protect the loop data, a condition
4366variable to wait for callback invocations, an async watcher to notify the
4367event loop thread and an unspecified mechanism to wake up the main thread.
4368
4369First, you need to associate some data with the event loop:
4370
4371 typedef struct {
4372 mutex_t lock; /* global loop lock */
4373 ev_async async_w;
4374 thread_t tid;
4375 cond_t invoke_cv;
4376 } userdata;
4377
4378 void prepare_loop (EV_P)
4379 {
4380 // for simplicity, we use a static userdata struct.
4381 static userdata u;
4382
4383 ev_async_init (&u->async_w, async_cb);
4384 ev_async_start (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4385
4386 pthread_mutex_init (&u->lock, 0);
4387 pthread_cond_init (&u->invoke_cv, 0);
4388
4389 // now associate this with the loop
4390 ev_set_userdata (EV_A_ u);
4391 ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (EV_A_ l_invoke);
4392 ev_set_loop_release_cb (EV_A_ l_release, l_acquire);
4393
4394 // then create the thread running ev_loop
4395 pthread_create (&u->tid, 0, l_run, EV_A);
4396 }
4397
4398The callback for the C<ev_async> watcher does nothing: the watcher is used
4399solely to wake up the event loop so it takes notice of any new watchers
4400that might have been added:
4401
4402 static void
4403 async_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
4404 {
4405 // just used for the side effects
4406 }
4407
4408The C<l_release> and C<l_acquire> callbacks simply unlock/lock the mutex
4409protecting the loop data, respectively.
4410
4411 static void
4412 l_release (EV_P)
4413 {
4414 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4415 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4416 }
4417
4418 static void
4419 l_acquire (EV_P)
4420 {
4421 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4422 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4423 }
4424
4425The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
4426into C<ev_run>:
4427
4428 void *
4429 l_run (void *thr_arg)
4430 {
4431 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg;
4432
4433 l_acquire (EV_A);
4434 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0);
4435 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
4436 l_release (EV_A);
4437
4438 return 0;
4439 }
4440
4441Instead of invoking all pending watchers, the C<l_invoke> callback will
4442signal the main thread via some unspecified mechanism (signals? pipe
4443writes? C<Async::Interrupt>?) and then waits until all pending watchers
4444have been called (in a while loop because a) spurious wakeups are possible
4445and b) skipping inter-thread-communication when there are no pending
4446watchers is very beneficial):
4447
4448 static void
4449 l_invoke (EV_P)
4450 {
4451 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4452
4453 while (ev_pending_count (EV_A))
4454 {
4455 wake_up_other_thread_in_some_magic_or_not_so_magic_way ();
4456 pthread_cond_wait (&u->invoke_cv, &u->lock);
4457 }
4458 }
4459
4460Now, whenever the main thread gets told to invoke pending watchers, it
4461will grab the lock, call C<ev_invoke_pending> and then signal the loop
4462thread to continue:
4463
4464 static void
4465 real_invoke_pending (EV_P)
4466 {
4467 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4468
4469 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4470 ev_invoke_pending (EV_A);
4471 pthread_cond_signal (&u->invoke_cv);
4472 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4473 }
4474
4475Whenever you want to start/stop a watcher or do other modifications to an
4476event loop, you will now have to lock:
4477
4478 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
4479 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4480
4481 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
4482
4483 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4484 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ &timeout_watcher);
4485 ev_async_send (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4486 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4487
4488Note that sending the C<ev_async> watcher is required because otherwise
4489an event loop currently blocking in the kernel will have no knowledge
4490about the newly added timer. By waking up the loop it will pick up any new
4491watchers in the next event loop iteration.
4492
3567=head3 COROUTINES 4493=head3 COROUTINES
3568 4494
3569Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 4495Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3570libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different 4496libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
3571coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two 4497coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_run> on the same loop from two
3572different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running the 4498different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running
3573loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that 4499the loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is
3574you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks. 4500that you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3575 4501
3576Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside 4502Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside
3577C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as 4503C<ev_run>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
3578they do not call any callbacks. 4504they do not call any callbacks.
3579 4505
3580=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS 4506=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
3581 4507
3582Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a 4508Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3593maintainable. 4519maintainable.
3594 4520
3595And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply 4521And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3596wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message 4522wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3597seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some 4523seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some
3598warnings that resulted an extreme number of false positives. These have 4524warnings that resulted in an extreme number of false positives. These have
3599been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with 4525been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with
3600such buggy versions. 4526such buggy versions.
3601 4527
3602While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible, 4528While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
3603"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev 4529"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
3639I suggest using suppression lists. 4565I suggest using suppression lists.
3640 4566
3641 4567
3642=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES 4568=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES
3643 4569
4570=head2 GNU/LINUX 32 BIT LIMITATIONS
4571
4572GNU/Linux is the only common platform that supports 64 bit file/large file
4573interfaces but I<disables> them by default.
4574
4575That means that libev compiled in the default environment doesn't support
4576files larger than 2GiB or so, which mainly affects C<ev_stat> watchers.
4577
4578Unfortunately, many programs try to work around this GNU/Linux issue
4579by enabling the large file API, which makes them incompatible with the
4580standard libev compiled for their system.
4581
4582Likewise, libev cannot enable the large file API itself as this would
4583suddenly make it incompatible to the default compile time environment,
4584i.e. all programs not using special compile switches.
4585
4586=head2 OS/X AND DARWIN BUGS
4587
4588The whole thing is a bug if you ask me - basically any system interface
4589you touch is broken, whether it is locales, poll, kqueue or even the
4590OpenGL drivers.
4591
4592=head3 C<kqueue> is buggy
4593
4594The kqueue syscall is broken in all known versions - most versions support
4595only sockets, many support pipes.
4596
4597Libev tries to work around this by not using C<kqueue> by default on this
4598rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating a
4599loop - embedding a socket-only kqueue loop into a select-based one is
4600probably going to work well.
4601
4602=head3 C<poll> is buggy
4603
4604Instead of fixing C<kqueue>, Apple replaced their (working) C<poll>
4605implementation by something calling C<kqueue> internally around the 10.5.6
4606release, so now C<kqueue> I<and> C<poll> are broken.
4607
4608Libev tries to work around this by not using C<poll> by default on
4609this rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating
4610a loop.
4611
4612=head3 C<select> is buggy
4613
4614All that's left is C<select>, and of course Apple found a way to fuck this
4615one up as well: On OS/X, C<select> actively limits the number of file
4616descriptors you can pass in to 1024 - your program suddenly crashes when
4617you use more.
4618
4619There is an undocumented "workaround" for this - defining
4620C<_DARWIN_UNLIMITED_SELECT>, which libev tries to use, so select I<should>
4621work on OS/X.
4622
4623=head2 SOLARIS PROBLEMS AND WORKAROUNDS
4624
4625=head3 C<errno> reentrancy
4626
4627The default compile environment on Solaris is unfortunately so
4628thread-unsafe that you can't even use components/libraries compiled
4629without C<-D_REENTRANT> in a threaded program, which, of course, isn't
4630defined by default. A valid, if stupid, implementation choice.
4631
4632If you want to use libev in threaded environments you have to make sure
4633it's compiled with C<_REENTRANT> defined.
4634
4635=head3 Event port backend
4636
4637The scalable event interface for Solaris is called "event
4638ports". Unfortunately, this mechanism is very buggy in all major
4639releases. If you run into high CPU usage, your program freezes or you get
4640a large number of spurious wakeups, make sure you have all the relevant
4641and latest kernel patches applied. No, I don't know which ones, but there
4642are multiple ones to apply, and afterwards, event ports actually work
4643great.
4644
4645If you can't get it to work, you can try running the program by setting
4646the environment variable C<LIBEV_FLAGS=3> to only allow C<poll> and
4647C<select> backends.
4648
4649=head2 AIX POLL BUG
4650
4651AIX unfortunately has a broken C<poll.h> header. Libev works around
4652this by trying to avoid the poll backend altogether (i.e. it's not even
4653compiled in), which normally isn't a big problem as C<select> works fine
4654with large bitsets on AIX, and AIX is dead anyway.
4655
3644=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS 4656=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
4657
4658=head3 General issues
3645 4659
3646Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 4660Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
3647requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 4661requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
3648model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 4662model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
3649the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 4663the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
3650descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 4664descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
3651e.g. cygwin. 4665e.g. cygwin. Actually, it only applies to the microsofts own compilers,
4666as every compielr comes with a slightly differently broken/incompatible
4667environment.
3652 4668
3653Lifting these limitations would basically require the full 4669Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
3654re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of 4670re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into this kind of thing,
3655things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable 4671then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable way (note
3656way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man). 4672also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
3657 4673
3658There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 4674There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
3659embedding it into other applications. 4675embedding it into other applications.
4676
4677Sensible signal handling is officially unsupported by Microsoft - libev
4678tries its best, but under most conditions, signals will simply not work.
3660 4679
3661Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't 4680Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
3662accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will 4681accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
3663either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large, 4682either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large,
3664so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a 4683so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a
3669the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets 4688the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
3670is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use 4689is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use
3671more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally 4690more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally
3672different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness 4691different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
3673notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows 4692notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
3674(Microsoft monopoly games). 4693(due to Microsoft monopoly games).
3675 4694
3676A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding 4695A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding
3677section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead 4696section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead
3678of F<ev.h>: 4697of F<ev.h>:
3679 4698
3686you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!): 4705you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!):
3687 4706
3688 #include "evwrap.h" 4707 #include "evwrap.h"
3689 #include "ev.c" 4708 #include "ev.c"
3690 4709
3691=over 4
3692
3693=item The winsocket select function 4710=head3 The winsocket C<select> function
3694 4711
3695The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it 4712The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
3696requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is 4713requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
3697also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also 4714also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
3698requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft 4715requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
3707 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */ 4724 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
3708 4725
3709Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a 4726Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
3710complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 4727complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
3711 4728
3712=item Limited number of file descriptors 4729=head3 Limited number of file descriptors
3713 4730
3714Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. 4731Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
3715 4732
3716Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum 4733Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
3717of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels 4734of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
3718can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft 4735can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft
3719recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the 4736recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
3720previous thread in each. Great). 4737previous thread in each. Sounds great!).
3721 4738
3722Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE> 4739Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
3723to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select 4740to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
3724call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own 4741call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl and many
3725select emulation on windows). 4742other interpreters do their own select emulation on windows).
3726 4743
3727Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime 4744Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime
3728libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish 4745libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64>
3729or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this by calling 4746fetish or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this
3730C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another 4747by calling C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048>
3731arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft runtime 4748(another arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft
3732libraries.
3733
3734This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on 4749runtime libraries. This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets
3735windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to 4750(depending on windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more,
3736wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of 4751you need to wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but
3737calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 4752the cost of calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
3738
3739=back
3740 4753
3741=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS 4754=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
3742 4755
3743In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the 4756In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the
3744backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions: 4757backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions:
3751Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal 4764Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
3752structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also 4765structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
3753assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher 4766assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
3754callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev 4767callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
3755calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally. 4768calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
4769
4770=item pointer accesses must be thread-atomic
4771
4772Accessing a pointer value must be atomic, it must both be readable and
4773writable in one piece - this is the case on all current architectures.
3756 4774
3757=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well 4775=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
3758 4776
3759The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as 4777The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
3760C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different 4778C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
3783watchers. 4801watchers.
3784 4802
3785=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy 4803=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
3786 4804
3787The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to 4805The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
3788have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good 4806have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is
3789enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by 4807good enough for at least into the year 4000 with millisecond accuracy
4808(the design goal for libev). This requirement is overfulfilled by
3790implementations implementing IEEE 754 (basically all existing ones). 4809implementations using IEEE 754, which is basically all existing ones. With
4810IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least 2200.
3791 4811
3792=back 4812=back
3793 4813
3794If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 4814If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
3795 4815
3863involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers. 4883involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
3864 4884
3865=back 4885=back
3866 4886
3867 4887
4888=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X
4889
4890The major version 4 introduced some incompatible changes to the API.
4891
4892At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file provides compatibility definitions
4893for all changes, so most programs should still compile. The compatibility
4894layer might be removed in later versions of libev, so better update to the
4895new API early than late.
4896
4897=over 4
4898
4899=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
4900
4901The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
4902C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L<PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L<EMBEDDING>
4903section.
4904
4905=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed
4906
4907These calls can be replaced easily by their C<ev_loop_xxx> counterparts:
4908
4909 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
4910 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
4911
4912=item function/symbol renames
4913
4914A number of functions and symbols have been renamed:
4915
4916 ev_loop => ev_run
4917 EVLOOP_NONBLOCK => EVRUN_NOWAIT
4918 EVLOOP_ONESHOT => EVRUN_ONCE
4919
4920 ev_unloop => ev_break
4921 EVUNLOOP_CANCEL => EVBREAK_CANCEL
4922 EVUNLOOP_ONE => EVBREAK_ONE
4923 EVUNLOOP_ALL => EVBREAK_ALL
4924
4925 EV_TIMEOUT => EV_TIMER
4926
4927 ev_loop_count => ev_iteration
4928 ev_loop_depth => ev_depth
4929 ev_loop_verify => ev_verify
4930
4931Most functions working on C<struct ev_loop> objects don't have an
4932C<ev_loop_> prefix, so it was removed; C<ev_loop>, C<ev_unloop> and
4933associated constants have been renamed to not collide with the C<struct
4934ev_loop> anymore and C<EV_TIMER> now follows the same naming scheme
4935as all other watcher types. Note that C<ev_loop_fork> is still called
4936C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the C<ev_fork>
4937typedef.
4938
4939=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES>
4940
4941The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different
4942mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile
4943and work, but the library code will of course be larger.
4944
4945=back
4946
4947
4948=head1 GLOSSARY
4949
4950=over 4
4951
4952=item active
4953
4954A watcher is active as long as it has been started and not yet stopped.
4955See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
4956
4957=item application
4958
4959In this document, an application is whatever is using libev.
4960
4961=item backend
4962
4963The part of the code dealing with the operating system interfaces.
4964
4965=item callback
4966
4967The address of a function that is called when some event has been
4968detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that
4969received the event, and the actual event bitset.
4970
4971=item callback/watcher invocation
4972
4973The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4974
4975=item event
4976
4977A change of state of some external event, such as data now being available
4978for reading on a file descriptor, time having passed or simply not having
4979any other events happening anymore.
4980
4981In libev, events are represented as single bits (such as C<EV_READ> or
4982C<EV_TIMER>).
4983
4984=item event library
4985
4986A software package implementing an event model and loop.
4987
4988=item event loop
4989
4990An entity that handles and processes external events and converts them
4991into callback invocations.
4992
4993=item event model
4994
4995The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes
4996watchers and events.
4997
4998=item pending
4999
5000A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been
5001detected. See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
5002
5003=item real time
5004
5005The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
5006
5007=item wall-clock time
5008
5009The time and date as shown on clocks. Unlike real time, it can actually
5010be wrong and jump forwards and backwards, e.g. when the you adjust your
5011clock.
5012
5013=item watcher
5014
5015A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need
5016to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events.
5017
5018=back
5019
3868=head1 AUTHOR 5020=head1 AUTHOR
3869 5021
3870Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson. 5022Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael
5023Magnusson and Emanuele Giaquinta.
3871 5024

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