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Revision 1.337 by root, Sun Oct 31 20:20:20 2010 UTC

…		…
26	puts ("stdin ready");	26	puts ("stdin ready");
27	// for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher	27	// for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
28	// with its corresponding stop function.	28	// with its corresponding stop function.
29	ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);	29	ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
30		30
31	// this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating	31	// this causes all nested ev_run's to stop iterating
32	ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL);	32	ev_break (EV_A_ EVBREAK_ALL);
33	}	33	}
34		34
35	// another callback, this time for a time-out	35	// another callback, this time for a time-out
36	static void	36	static void
37	timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)	37	timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
38	{	38	{
39	puts ("timeout");	39	puts ("timeout");
40	// this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating	40	// this causes the innermost ev_run to stop iterating
41	ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE);	41	ev_break (EV_A_ EVBREAK_ONE);
42	}	42	}
43		43
44	int	44	int
45	main (void)	45	main (void)
46	{	46	{
47	// use the default event loop unless you have special needs	47	// use the default event loop unless you have special needs
48	struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);	48	struct ev_loop *loop = EV_DEFAULT;
49		49
50	// initialise an io watcher, then start it	50	// initialise an io watcher, then start it
51	// this one will watch for stdin to become readable	51	// this one will watch for stdin to become readable
52	ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);	52	ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
53	ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);	53	ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
…		…
56	// simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout	56	// simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
57	ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);	57	ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
58	ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);	58	ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
59		59
60	// now wait for events to arrive	60	// now wait for events to arrive
61	ev_loop (loop, 0);	61	ev_run (loop, 0);
62		62
63	// unloop was called, so exit	63	// unloop was called, so exit
64	return 0;	64	return 0;
65	}	65	}
66		66
…		…
75	While this document tries to be as complete as possible in documenting	75	While this document tries to be as complete as possible in documenting
76	libev, its usage and the rationale behind its design, it is not a tutorial	76	libev, its usage and the rationale behind its design, it is not a tutorial
77	on event-based programming, nor will it introduce event-based programming	77	on event-based programming, nor will it introduce event-based programming
78	with libev.	78	with libev.
79		79
80	Familarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed	80	Familiarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed
81	throughout this document.	81	throughout this document.
		82
		83	=head1 WHAT TO READ WHEN IN A HURRY
		84
		85	This manual tries to be very detailed, but unfortunately, this also makes
		86	it very long. If you just want to know the basics of libev, I suggest
		87	reading L<ANATOMY OF A WATCHER>, then the L<EXAMPLE PROGRAM> above and
		88	look up the missing functions in L<GLOBAL FUNCTIONS> and the C<ev_io> and
		89	C<ev_timer> sections in L<WATCHER TYPES>.
82		90
83	=head1 ABOUT LIBEV	91	=head1 ABOUT LIBEV
84		92
85	Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a	93	Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
86	file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage	94	file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
…		…
98	=head2 FEATURES	106	=head2 FEATURES
99		107
100	Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the	108	Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
101	BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms	109	BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
102	for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface	110	for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
103	(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers	111	(for C<ev_stat>), Linux eventfd/signalfd (for faster and cleaner
104	with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals	112	inter-thread wakeup (C<ev_async>)/signal handling (C<ev_signal>)) relative
105	(C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and event	113	timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers with customised rescheduling
106	watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>,	114	(C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals (C<ev_signal>), process status
107	C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as	115	change events (C<ev_child>), and event watchers dealing with the event
108	file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events	116	loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>, C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and
109	(C<ev_fork>).	117	C<ev_check> watchers) as well as file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even
		118	limited support for fork events (C<ev_fork>).
110		119
111	It also is quite fast (see this	120	It also is quite fast (see this
112	L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent	121	L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
113	for example).	122	for example).
114		123
…		…
117	Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)	126	Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
118	configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For	127	configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
119	more info about various configuration options please have a look at	128	more info about various configuration options please have a look at
120	B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support	129	B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
121	for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of	130	for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of
122	name C<loop> (which is always of type C<ev_loop *>) will not have	131	name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have
123	this argument.	132	this argument.
124		133
125	=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION	134	=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
126		135
127	Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing	136	Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing
128	the (fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere	137	the (fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (in practice
129	near the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This	138	somewhere near the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't
130	type is called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually	139	ask). This type is called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use
131	aliases to the C<double> type in C. When you need to do any calculations	140	too. It usually aliases to the C<double> type in C. When you need to do
132	on it, you should treat it as some floating point value. Unlike the name	141	any calculations on it, you should treat it as some floating point value.
		142
133	component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences	143	Unlike the name component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for
134	throughout libev.	144	time differences (e.g. delays) throughout libev.
135		145
136	=head1 ERROR HANDLING	146	=head1 ERROR HANDLING
137		147
138	Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors	148	Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors
139	and internal errors (bugs).	149	and internal errors (bugs).
…		…
163		173
164	=item ev_tstamp ev_time ()	174	=item ev_tstamp ev_time ()
165		175
166	Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the	176	Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
167	C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp	177	C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
168	you actually want to know.	178	you actually want to know. Also interesting is the combination of
		179	C<ev_update_now> and C<ev_now>.
169		180
170	=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)	181	=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
171		182
172	Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until	183	Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
173	either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically	184	either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
…		…
190	as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually	201	as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
191	compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually	202	compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
192	not a problem.	203	not a problem.
193		204
194	Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong	205	Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
195	version.	206	version (note, however, that this will not detect other ABI mismatches,
		207	such as LFS or reentrancy).
196		208
197	assert (("libev version mismatch",	209	assert (("libev version mismatch",
198	ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR	210	ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
199	&& ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));	211	&& ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
200		212
…		…
211	assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",	223	assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
212	ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));	224	ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
213		225
214	=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()	226	=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
215		227
216	Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also	228	Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and
217	recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one	229	also recommended for this platform, meaning it will work for most file
		230	descriptor types. This set is often smaller than the one returned by
218	returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on	231	C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on most BSDs
219	most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it	232	and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it (assuming
220	(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that	233	you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that libev will
221	libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.	234	probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
222		235
223	=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()	236	=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
224		237
225	Returns the set of backends that are embeddable in other event loops. This	238	Returns the set of backends that are embeddable in other event loops. This
226	is the theoretical, all-platform, value. To find which backends	239	value is platform-specific but can include backends not available on the
227	might be supported on the current system, you would need to look at	240	current system. To find which embeddable backends might be supported on
228	C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for	241	the current system, you would need to look at C<ev_embeddable_backends ()
229	recommended ones.	242	& ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for recommended ones.
230		243
231	See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.	244	See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
232		245
233	=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]
234		247
…		…
288	...	301	...
289	ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error);	302	ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error);
290		303
291	=back	304	=back
292		305
293	=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP	306	=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING EVENT LOOPS
294		307
295	An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct>	308	An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> is
296	is I<not> optional in this case, as there is also an C<ev_loop>	309	I<not> optional in this case unless libev 3 compatibility is disabled, as
297	I<function>).	310	libev 3 had an C<ev_loop> function colliding with the struct name).
298		311
299	The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which	312	The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
300	supports signals and child events, and dynamically created loops which do	313	supports child process events, and dynamically created event loops which
301	not.	314	do not.
302		315
303	=over 4	316	=over 4
304		317
305	=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)	318	=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
306		319
307	This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised	320	This returns the "default" event loop object, which is what you should
308	yet and return it. If the default loop could not be initialised, returns	321	normally use when you just need "the event loop". Event loop objects and
309	false. If it already was initialised it simply returns it (and ignores the	322	the C<flags> parameter are described in more detail in the entry for
310	flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards).	323	C<ev_loop_new>.
		324
		325	If the default loop is already initialised then this function simply
		326	returns it (and ignores the flags. If that is troubling you, check
		327	C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). Otherwise it will create it with the given
		328	flags, which should almost always be C<0>, unless the caller is also the
		329	one calling C<ev_run> or otherwise qualifies as "the main program".
311		330
312	If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this	331	If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
313	function.	332	function (or via the C<EV_DEFAULT> macro).
314		333
315	Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it	334	Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
316	from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely,	335	from multiple threads, you have to employ some kind of mutex (note also
317	as loops cannot be shared easily between threads anyway).	336	that this case is unlikely, as loops cannot be shared easily between
		337	threads anyway).
318		338
319	The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and	339	The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_child> watchers,
320	C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler	340	and to do this, it always registers a handler for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is
321	for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either	341	a problem for your application you can either create a dynamic loop with
322	create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you	342	C<ev_loop_new> which doesn't do that, or you can simply overwrite the
323	can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling	343	C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling C<ev_default_init>.
324	C<ev_default_init>.	344
		345	Example: 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
		350	Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
		351	environment 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
		357	This will create and initialise a new event loop object. If the loop
		358	could not be initialised, returns false.
		359
		360	Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and one common way to use
		361	libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
		362	default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
325		363
326	The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific	364	The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
327	backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).	365	backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
328		366
329	The following flags are supported:	367	The following flags are supported:
…		…
344	useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work	382	useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
345	around bugs.	383	around bugs.
346		384
347	=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>	385	=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
348		386
349	Instead of calling C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork> manually after	387	Instead of calling C<ev_loop_fork> manually after a fork, you can also
350	a fork, you can also make libev check for a fork in each iteration by	388	make libev check for a fork in each iteration by enabling this flag.
351	enabling this flag.
352		389
353	This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,	390	This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
354	and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop	391	and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
355	iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my	392	iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
356	GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence	393	GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
…		…
362	flag.	399	flag.
363		400
364	This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>	401	This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
365	environment variable.	402	environment variable.
366		403
		404	=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY>
		405
		406	When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the
		407	I<inotify> API for it's C<ev_stat> watchers. Apart from debugging and
		408	testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as
		409	otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle.
		410
		411	=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD>
		412
		413	When this flag is specified, then libev will attempt to use the
		414	I<signalfd> API for it's C<ev_signal> (and C<ev_child>) watchers. This API
		415	delivers signals synchronously, which makes it both faster and might make
		416	it possible to get the queued signal data. It can also simplify signal
		417	handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your
		418	threads that are not interested in handling them.
		419
		420	Signalfd will not be used by default as this changes your signal mask, and
		421	there are a lot of shoddy libraries and programs (glib's threadpool for
		422	example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks.
		423
367	=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)	424	=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
368		425
369	This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as	426	This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
370	libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,	427	libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
371	but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when	428	but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
…		…
395	This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and	452	This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and
396	C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>.	453	C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>.
397		454
398	=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)	455	=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
399		456
		457	Use the linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9
		458	kernels).
		459
400	For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,	460	For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
401	but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale	461	but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
402	like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),	462	like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
403	epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).	463	epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
404		464
405	The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned	465	The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
406	of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently	466	of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
407	dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file	467	dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
408	descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup and	468	descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup,
		469	returning before the timeout value requiring additional iterations and so
409	so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program forks then	470	on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program forks then
410	I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll set, which can	471	I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll set, which can
411	take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) and is of course	472	take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) and is of course
412	hard to detect.	473	hard to detect.
413		474
414	Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but	475	Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but
415	of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally	476	of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally
416	I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot	477	I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot
417	even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially	478	even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially
418	on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by	479	on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by
419	employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the	480	employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the
420	events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required.	481	events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. Last
		482	not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work
		483	perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...).
421		484
422	While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration	485	While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
423	will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such	486	will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
424	incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different	487	incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different
425	I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed	488	I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
…		…
518		581
519	It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.	582	It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
520		583
521	=back	584	=back
522		585
523	If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these	586	If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value,
524	backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are	587	then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed
525	specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.	588	here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends
526		589	()> will be tried.
527	Example: This is the most typical usage.
528
529	if (!ev_default_loop (0))
530	fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
531
532	Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
533	environment settings to be taken into account:
534
535	ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
536
537	Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
538	used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
539	private event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of
540	fds):
541
542	ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
543
544	=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
545
546	Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
547	always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
548	handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
549	undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
550
551	Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and the recommended way to use
552	libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
553	default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
554		590
555	Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.	591	Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
556		592
557	struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);	593	struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
558	if (!epoller)	594	if (!epoller)
559	fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");	595	fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
560		596
		597	Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
		598	used if available.
		599
		600	struct ev_loop *loop = ev_loop_new (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
		601
561	=item ev_default_destroy ()	602	=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
562		603
563	Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state	604	Destroys an event loop object (frees all memory and kernel state
564	etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal	605	etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
565	sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your	606	sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
566	responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>	607	responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
567	calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually	608	calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
568	the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them	609	the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
…		…
570		611
571	Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal	612	Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
572	handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such	613	handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
573	as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.	614	as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
574		615
575	In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the	616	This function is normally used on loop objects allocated by
576	rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling	617	C<ev_loop_new>, but it can also be used on the default loop returned by
		618	C<ev_default_loop>, in which case it is not thread-safe.
		619
		620	Note that it is not advisable to call this function on the default loop
		621	except in the rare occasion where you really need to free it's resources.
577	pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use	622	If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use C<ev_loop_new>
578	C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).	623	and C<ev_loop_destroy>.
579		624
580	=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)	625	=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
581		626
582	Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
583	earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
584
585	=item ev_default_fork ()
586
587	This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_loop> iterations	627	This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations to
588	to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the	628	reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
589	name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in	629	name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in
590	the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little	630	the child process. You I<must> call it (or use C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>) in the
591	sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev	631	child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>.
592	functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration.	632
		633	Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after
		634	a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is
		635	because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things
		636	during fork.
593		637
594	On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child	638	On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
595	process if and only if you want to use the event library in the child. If	639	process if and only if you want to use the event loop in the child. If
596	you just fork+exec, you don't have to call it at all.	640	you just fork+exec or create a new loop in the child, you don't have to
		641	call it at all (in fact, C<epoll> is so badly broken that it makes a
		642	difference, but libev will usually detect this case on its own and do a
		643	costly reset of the backend).
597		644
598	The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call	645	The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
599	it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in	646	it just in case after a fork.
600	quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
601		647
		648	Example: Automate calling C<ev_loop_fork> on the default loop when
		649	using pthreads.
		650
		651	static void
		652	post_fork_child (void)
		653	{
		654	ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
		655	}
		656
		657	...
602	pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork);	658	pthread_atfork (0, 0, post_fork_child);
603
604	=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
605
606	Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
607	C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
608	after fork that you want to re-use in the child, and how you do this is
609	entirely your own problem.
610		659
611	=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)	660	=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
612		661
613	Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false	662	Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
614	otherwise.	663	otherwise.
615		664
616	=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)	665	=item unsigned int ev_iteration (loop)
617		666
618	Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to	667	Returns the current iteration count for the event loop, which is identical
619	the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and	668	to the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0>
620	happily wraps around with enough iterations.	669	and happily wraps around with enough iterations.
621		670
622	This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it	671	This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
623	"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with	672	"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
624	C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls.	673	C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls - and is incremented between the
		674	prepare and check phases.
		675
		676	=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop)
		677
		678	Returns the number of times C<ev_run> was entered minus the number of
		679	times C<ev_run> was exited, in other words, the recursion depth.
		680
		681	Outside C<ev_run>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is
		682	C<1>, unless C<ev_run> was invoked recursively (or from another thread),
		683	in which case it is higher.
		684
		685	Leaving C<ev_run> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread
		686	etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this as a hint to avoid such
		687	ungentleman-like behaviour unless it's really convenient.
625		688
626	=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)	689	=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
627		690
628	Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in	691	Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
629	use.	692	use.
…		…
638		701
639	=item ev_now_update (loop)	702	=item ev_now_update (loop)
640		703
641	Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time	704	Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
642	returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and	705	returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
643	is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>.	706	is usually done automatically within C<ev_run ()>.
644		707
645	This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a	708	This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
646	very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of	709	very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
647	the current time is a good idea.	710	the current time is a good idea.
648		711
…		…
650		713
651	=item ev_suspend (loop)	714	=item ev_suspend (loop)
652		715
653	=item ev_resume (loop)	716	=item ev_resume (loop)
654		717
655	These two functions suspend and resume a loop, for use when the loop is	718	These two functions suspend and resume an event loop, for use when the
656	not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed.	719	loop is not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed.
657		720
658	A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When	721	A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When
659	the user presses C<^Z> to suspend the game and resumes it an hour later it	722	the user presses C<^Z> to suspend the game and resumes it an hour later it
660	would be best to handle timeouts as if no time had actually passed while	723	would be best to handle timeouts as if no time had actually passed while
661	the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<ev_suspend>	724	the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<ev_suspend>
…		…
663	C<ev_resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing.	726	C<ev_resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing.
664		727
665	Effectively, all C<ev_timer> watchers will be delayed by the time spend	728	Effectively, all C<ev_timer> watchers will be delayed by the time spend
666	between C<ev_suspend> and C<ev_resume>, and all C<ev_periodic> watchers	729	between C<ev_suspend> and C<ev_resume>, and all C<ev_periodic> watchers
667	will be rescheduled (that is, they will lose any events that would have	730	will be rescheduled (that is, they will lose any events that would have
668	occured while suspended).	731	occurred while suspended).
669		732
670	After calling C<ev_suspend> you B<must not> call I<any> function on the	733	After calling C<ev_suspend> you B<must not> call I<any> function on the
671	given loop other than C<ev_resume>, and you B<must not> call C<ev_resume>	734	given loop other than C<ev_resume>, and you B<must not> call C<ev_resume>
672	without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>.	735	without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>.
673		736
674	Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the	737	Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the
675	event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>).	738	event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>).
676		739
677	=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)	740	=item ev_run (loop, int flags)
678		741
679	Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called	742	Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
680	after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling	743	after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start
681	events.	744	handling events. It will ask the operating system for any new events, call
		745	the watcher callbacks, an then repeat the whole process indefinitely: This
		746	is why event loops are called I<loops>.
682		747
683	If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until	748	If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will keep handling events
684	either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called.	749	until either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_break> was
		750	called.
685		751
686	Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than	752	Please note that an explicit C<ev_break> is usually better than
687	relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has	753	relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
688	finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program	754	finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
689	that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue	755	that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
690	of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of	756	of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
691	beauty.	757	beauty.
692		758
693	A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle	759	A flags value of C<EVRUN_NOWAIT> will look for new events, will handle
694	those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not block your	760	those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not wait and
695	process in case there are no events and will return after one iteration of	761	block your process in case there are no events and will return after one
696	the loop.	762	iteration of the loop. This is sometimes useful to poll and handle new
		763	events while doing lengthy calculations, to keep the program responsive.
697		764
698	A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if	765	A flags value of C<EVRUN_ONCE> will look for new events (waiting if
699	necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It	766	necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
700	will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could	767	will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could
701	be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a	768	be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a
702	user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one	769	user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
703	iteration of the loop.	770	iteration of the loop.
704		771
705	This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction	772	This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
706	with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your	773	with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
707	own C<ev_loop>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is	774	own C<ev_run>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
708	usually a better approach for this kind of thing.	775	usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
709		776
710	Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:	777	Here are the gory details of what C<ev_run> does:
711		778
		779	- Increment loop depth.
		780	- Reset the ev_break status.
712	- Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.	781	- Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
		782	LOOP:
713	* If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.	783	- If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
714	- 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.
715	- Queue and call all prepare watchers.	785	- Queue and call all prepare watchers.
		786	- If ev_break was called, goto FINISH.
716	- If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state	787	- If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
717	as to not disturb the other process.	788	as to not disturb the other process.
718	- Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.	789	- Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
719	- Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).	790	- Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
720	- Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all	791	- Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
721	(active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having	792	(active idle watchers, EVRUN_NOWAIT or not having
722	any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).	793	any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
723	- 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.
724	- Block the process, waiting for any events.	796	- Block the process, waiting for any events.
725	- Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.	797	- Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
726	- 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.
727	- Queue all expired timers.	799	- Queue all expired timers.
728	- Queue all expired periodics.	800	- Queue all expired periodics.
729	- Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.	801	- Queue all idle watchers with priority higher than that of pending events.
730	- Queue all check watchers.	802	- Queue all check watchers.
731	- 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).
732	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
733	be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.	805	be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
734	- 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
735	were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise	807	were used, or there are no active watchers, goto FINISH, otherwise
736	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.
737		813
738	Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding	814	Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
739	anymore.	815	anymore.
740		816
741	... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long	817	... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
742	... 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..)
743	ev_loop (my_loop, 0);	819	ev_run (my_loop, 0);
744	... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!	820	... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
745		821
746	=item ev_unloop (loop, how)	822	=item ev_break (loop, how)
747		823
748	Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it	824	Can be used to make a call to C<ev_run> return early (but only after it
749	has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either	825	has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
750	C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or	826	C<EVBREAK_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_run> call return, or
751	C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.	827	C<EVBREAK_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_run> calls return.
752		828
753	This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again.	829	This "break state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_run> again.
754		830
755	It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from otuside any C<ev_loop> calls.	831	It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls, too.
756		832
757	=item ev_ref (loop)	833	=item ev_ref (loop)
758		834
759	=item ev_unref (loop)	835	=item ev_unref (loop)
760		836
761	Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event	837	Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
762	loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference	838	loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
763	count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own.	839	count is nonzero, C<ev_run> will not return on its own.
764		840
765	If you have a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop>	841	This is useful when you have a watcher that you never intend to
766	from returning, call ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before	842	unregister, but that nevertheless should not keep C<ev_run> from
		843	returning. In such a case, call C<ev_unref> after starting, and C<ev_ref>
767	stopping it.	844	before stopping it.
768		845
769	As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It	846	As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It
770	is not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from	847	is not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_run> from
771	exiting if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an	848	exiting if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an
772	excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within	849	excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within
773	third-party libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref	850	third-party libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref
774	before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active	851	before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active
775	before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself	852	before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself
776	(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref>	853	(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref>
777	in the callback).	854	in the callback).
778		855
779	Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>	856	Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_run>
780	running when nothing else is active.	857	running when nothing else is active.
781		858
782	ev_signal exitsig;	859	ev_signal exitsig;
783	ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);	860	ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
784	ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);	861	ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
…		…
811		888
812	By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more	889	By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
813	time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,	890	time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
814	at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and	891	at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
815	C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will	892	C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
816	introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations.	893	introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. The
		894	sleep time ensures that libev will not poll for I/O events more often then
		895	once per this interval, on average.
817		896
818	Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev	897	Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
819	to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased	898	to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
820	latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called	899	latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
821	later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null	900	later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null
…		…
823		902
824	Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect	903	Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect
825	interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for	904	interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
826	interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It	905	interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
827	usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,	906	usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
828	as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems.	907	as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems. Note that if
		908	you do transactions with the outside world and you can't increase the
		909	parallelity, then this setting will limit your transaction rate (if you
		910	need to poll once per transaction and the I/O collect interval is 0.01,
		911	then you can't do more than 100 transactions per second).
829		912
830	Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for	913	Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
831	saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that	914	saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
832	are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of	915	are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
833	times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to	916	times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
834	reduce iterations/wake-ups is to use C<ev_periodic> watchers and make sure	917	reduce iterations/wake-ups is to use C<ev_periodic> watchers and make sure
835	they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.	918	they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.
836		919
		920	Example: we only need 0.1s timeout granularity, and we wish not to poll
		921	more 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
		928	This call will simply invoke all pending watchers while resetting their
		929	pending state. Normally, C<ev_run> does this automatically when required,
		930	but when overriding the invoke callback this call comes handy. This
		931	function can be invoked from a watcher - this can be useful for example
		932	when you want to do some lengthy calculation and want to pass further
		933	event handling to another thread (you still have to make sure only one
		934	thread executes within C<ev_invoke_pending> or C<ev_run> of course).
		935
		936	=item int ev_pending_count (loop)
		937
		938	Returns the number of pending watchers - zero indicates that no watchers
		939	are pending.
		940
		941	=item ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (loop, void (*invoke_pending_cb)(EV_P))
		942
		943	This overrides the invoke pending functionality of the loop: Instead of
		944	invoking all pending watchers when there are any, C<ev_run> will call
		945	this callback instead. This is useful, for example, when you want to
		946	invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.).
		947
		948	If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new
		949	callback.
		950
		951	=item ev_set_loop_release_cb (loop, void (*release)(EV_P), void (*acquire)(EV_P))
		952
		953	Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This
		954	can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around
		955	each call to a libev function.
		956
		957	However, C<ev_run> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible
		958	to wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the event
		959	loop via C<ev_break> and C<av_async_send>, another way is to set these
		960	I<release> and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop.
		961
		962	When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is
		963	suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just
		964	afterwards.
		965
		966	Ideally, C<release> will just call your mutex_unlock function, and
		967	C<acquire> will just call the mutex_lock function again.
		968
		969	While event loop modifications are allowed between invocations of
		970	C<release> and C<acquire> (that's their only purpose after all), no
		971	modifications done will affect the event loop, i.e. adding watchers will
		972	have no effect on the set of file descriptors being watched, or the time
		973	waited. Use an C<ev_async> watcher to wake up C<ev_run> when you want it
		974	to take note of any changes you made.
		975
		976	In theory, threads executing C<ev_run> will be async-cancel safe between
		977	invocations of C<release> and C<acquire>.
		978
		979	See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this
		980	document.
		981
		982	=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data)
		983
		984	=item ev_userdata (loop)
		985
		986	Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When
		987	C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns
		988	C<0.>
		989
		990	These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop,
		991	and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and
		992	C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for
		993	any other purpose as well.
		994
837	=item ev_loop_verify (loop)	995	=item ev_verify (loop)
838		996
839	This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been	997	This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
840	compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go	998	compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
841	through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything	999	through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
842	is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard	1000	is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
…		…
853		1011
854	In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the	1012	In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the
855	watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer	1013	watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer
856	watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.	1014	watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
857		1015
858	A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your	1016	A watcher is an opaque structure that you allocate and register to record
859	interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to	1017	your interest in some event. To make a concrete example, imagine you want
860	become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:	1018	to wait for STDIN to become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher
		1019	for that:
861		1020
862	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)
863	{	1022	{
864	ev_io_stop (w);	1023	ev_io_stop (w);
865	ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);	1024	ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
866	}	1025	}
867		1026
868	struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);	1027	struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
869		1028
870	ev_io stdin_watcher;	1029	ev_io stdin_watcher;
871		1030
872	ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);	1031	ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
873	ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);	1032	ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
874	ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);	1033	ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
875		1034
876	ev_loop (loop, 0);	1035	ev_run (loop, 0);
877		1036
878	As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your	1037	As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
879	watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the	1038	watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
880	stack).	1039	stack).
881		1040
882	Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>	1041	Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
883	or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).	1042	or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
884		1043
885	Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init	1044	Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init (watcher
886	(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This	1045	*, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This callback is
887	callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O	1046	invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O watchers, each
888	watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given	1047	time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given is readable
889	is readable and/or writable).	1048	and/or writable).
890		1049
891	Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>	1050	Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
892	macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There	1051	macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
893	is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<	1052	is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
894	ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.	1053	ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
…		…
917	=item C<EV_WRITE>	1076	=item C<EV_WRITE>
918		1077
919	The file descriptor in the C<ev_io> watcher has become readable and/or	1078	The file descriptor in the C<ev_io> watcher has become readable and/or
920	writable.	1079	writable.
921		1080
922	=item C<EV_TIMEOUT>	1081	=item C<EV_TIMER>
923		1082
924	The C<ev_timer> watcher has timed out.	1083	The C<ev_timer> watcher has timed out.
925		1084
926	=item C<EV_PERIODIC>	1085	=item C<EV_PERIODIC>
927		1086
…		…
945		1104
946	=item C<EV_PREPARE>	1105	=item C<EV_PREPARE>
947		1106
948	=item C<EV_CHECK>	1107	=item C<EV_CHECK>
949		1108
950	All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_loop> starts	1109	All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_run> starts
951	to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after	1110	to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after
952	C<ev_loop> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any	1111	C<ev_run> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any
953	received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as	1112	received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as
954	many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account	1113	many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account
955	(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
956	C<ev_loop> from blocking).	1115	C<ev_run> from blocking).
957		1116
958	=item C<EV_EMBED>	1117	=item C<EV_EMBED>
959		1118
960	The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.	1119	The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
961		1120
962	=item C<EV_FORK>	1121	=item C<EV_FORK>
963		1122
964	The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see	1123	The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
965	C<ev_fork>).	1124	C<ev_fork>).
		1125
		1126	=item C<EV_CLEANUP>
		1127
		1128	The event loop is about to be destroyed (see C<ev_cleanup>).
966		1129
967	=item C<EV_ASYNC>	1130	=item C<EV_ASYNC>
968		1131
969	The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).	1132	The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
970		1133
…		…
1017		1180
1018	ev_io w;	1181	ev_io w;
1019	ev_init (&w, my_cb);	1182	ev_init (&w, my_cb);
1020	ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);	1183	ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1021		1184
1022	=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args])	1185	=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *watcher, [args])
1023		1186
1024	This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to	1187	This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
1025	call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can	1188	call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
1026	call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this	1189	call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this
1027	macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a	1190	macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a
…		…
1040		1203
1041	Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.	1204	Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
1042		1205
1043	ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);	1206	ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1044		1207
1045	=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)	1208	=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1046		1209
1047	Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive	1210	Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
1048	events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.	1211	events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
1049		1212
1050	Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this	1213	Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
1051	whole section.	1214	whole section.
1052		1215
1053	ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);	1216	ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
1054		1217
1055	=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)	1218	=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1056		1219
1057	Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether	1220	Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
1058	the watcher was active or not).	1221	the watcher was active or not).
1059		1222
1060	It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,	1223	It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
…		…
1085	=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)	1248	=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1086		1249
1087	Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time	1250	Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
1088	(modulo threads).	1251	(modulo threads).
1089		1252
1090	=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority)	1253	=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, int priority)
1091		1254
1092	=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)	1255	=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1093		1256
1094	Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small	1257	Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
1095	integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>	1258	integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
…		…
1127	watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.	1290	watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
1128		1291
1129	Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its	1292	Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
1130	callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.	1293	callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
1131		1294
		1295	=item ev_feed_event (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
		1296
		1297	Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
		1298	had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
		1299	initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). Obviously you must
		1300	not free the watcher as long as it has pending events.
		1301
		1302	Stopping the watcher, letting libev invoke it, or calling
		1303	C<ev_clear_pending> will clear the pending event, even if the watcher was
		1304	not started in the first place.
		1305
		1306	See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
		1307	functions that do not need a watcher.
		1308
1132	=back	1309	=back
1133
1134		1310
1135	=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER	1311	=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
1136		1312
1137	Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change	1313	Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
1138	and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used	1314	and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
…		…
1184	#include <stddef.h>	1360	#include <stddef.h>
1185		1361
1186	static void	1362	static void
1187	t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)	1363	t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1188	{	1364	{
1189	struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *	1365	struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1190	(((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));	1366	(((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
1191	}	1367	}
1192		1368
1193	static void	1369	static void
1194	t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)	1370	t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1195	{	1371	{
1196	struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *	1372	struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1197	(((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));	1373	(((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1198	}	1374	}
		1375
		1376	=head2 WATCHER STATES
		1377
		1378	There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual -
		1379	active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to
		1380	transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these
		1381	rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing".
		1382
		1383	=over 4
		1384
		1385	=item initialiased
		1386
		1387	Before a watcher can be registered with the event looop it has to be
		1388	initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to
		1389	C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function.
		1390
		1391	In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for use
		1392	in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at will.
		1393
		1394	=item started/running/active
		1395
		1396	Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes
		1397	property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in
		1398	this state it cannot be accessed (except in a few documented ways), moved,
		1399	freed or anything else - the only legal thing is to keep a pointer to it,
		1400	and call libev functions on it that are documented to work on active watchers.
		1401
		1402	=item pending
		1403
		1404	If a watcher is active and libev determines that an event it is interested
		1405	in has occurred (such as a timer expiring), it will become pending. It will
		1406	stay in this pending state until either it is stopped or its callback is
		1407	about to be invoked, so it is not normally pending inside the watcher
		1408	callback.
		1409
		1410	The watcher might or might not be active while it is pending (for example,
		1411	an expired non-repeating timer can be pending but no longer active). If it
		1412	is stopped, it can be freely accessed (e.g. by calling C<ev_TYPE_set>),
		1413	but it is still property of the event loop at this time, so cannot be
		1414	moved, freed or reused. And if it is active the rules described in the
		1415	previous item still apply.
		1416
		1417	It is also possible to feed an event on a watcher that is not active (e.g.
		1418	via C<ev_feed_event>), in which case it becomes pending without being
		1419	active.
		1420
		1421	=item stopped
		1422
		1423	A watcher can be stopped implicitly by libev (in which case it might still
		1424	be pending), or explicitly by calling its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. The
		1425	latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless
		1426	of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before
		1427	freeing it is often a good idea.
		1428
		1429	While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the
		1430	initialised state, that is it can be reused, moved, modified in any way
		1431	you wish.
		1432
		1433	=back
1199		1434
1200	=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS	1435	=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS
1201		1436
1202	Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small	1437	Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small
1203	integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation	1438	integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation
…		…
1246		1481
1247	For example, to emulate how many other event libraries handle priorities,	1482	For example, to emulate how many other event libraries handle priorities,
1248	you can associate an C<ev_idle> watcher to each such watcher, and in	1483	you can associate an C<ev_idle> watcher to each such watcher, and in
1249	the normal watcher callback, you just start the idle watcher. The real	1484	the normal watcher callback, you just start the idle watcher. The real
1250	processing is done in the idle watcher callback. This causes libev to	1485	processing is done in the idle watcher callback. This causes libev to
1251	continously poll and process kernel event data for the watcher, but when	1486	continuously poll and process kernel event data for the watcher, but when
1252	the lock-out case is known to be rare (which in turn is rare :), this is	1487	the lock-out case is known to be rare (which in turn is rare :), this is
1253	workable.	1488	workable.
1254		1489
1255	Usually, however, the lock-out model implemented that way will perform	1490	Usually, however, the lock-out model implemented that way will perform
1256	miserably under the type of load it was designed to handle. In that case,	1491	miserably under the type of load it was designed to handle. In that case,
…		…
1270	{	1505	{
1271	// stop the I/O watcher, we received the event, but	1506	// stop the I/O watcher, we received the event, but
1272	// are not yet ready to handle it.	1507	// are not yet ready to handle it.
1273	ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);	1508	ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
1274		1509
1275	// start the idle watcher to ahndle the actual event.	1510	// start the idle watcher to handle the actual event.
1276	// it will not be executed as long as other watchers	1511	// it will not be executed as long as other watchers
1277	// with the default priority are receiving events.	1512	// with the default priority are receiving events.
1278	ev_idle_start (EV_A_ &idle);	1513	ev_idle_start (EV_A_ &idle);
1279	}	1514	}
1280		1515
1281	static void	1516	static void
1282	idle-cb (EV_P_ ev_idle *w, int revents)	1517	idle_cb (EV_P_ ev_idle *w, int revents)
1283	{	1518	{
1284	// actual processing	1519	// actual processing
1285	read (STDIN_FILENO, ...);	1520	read (STDIN_FILENO, ...);
1286		1521
1287	// have to start the I/O watcher again, as	1522	// have to start the I/O watcher again, as
…		…
1334		1569
1335	If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a	1570	If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a
1336	known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only	1571	known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
1337	C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). The same applies to file	1572	C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). The same applies to file
1338	descriptors for which non-blocking operation makes no sense (such as	1573	descriptors for which non-blocking operation makes no sense (such as
1339	files) - libev doesn't guarentee any specific behaviour in that case.	1574	files) - libev doesn't guarantee any specific behaviour in that case.
1340		1575
1341	Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to	1576	Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1342	receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might	1577	receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1343	be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block	1578	be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
1344	because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a	1579	because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
…		…
1409		1644
1410	So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you	1645	So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1411	ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon	1646	ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1412	somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).	1647	somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1413		1648
		1649	=head3 The special problem of accept()ing when you can't
		1650
		1651	Many implementations of the POSIX C<accept> function (for example,
		1652	found in post-2004 Linux) have the peculiar behaviour of not removing a
		1653	connection from the pending queue in all error cases.
		1654
		1655	For example, larger servers often run out of file descriptors (because
		1656	of resource limits), causing C<accept> to fail with C<ENFILE> but not
		1657	rejecting the connection, leading to libev signalling readiness on
		1658	the next iteration again (the connection still exists after all), and
		1659	typically causing the program to loop at 100% CPU usage.
		1660
		1661	Unfortunately, the set of errors that cause this issue differs between
		1662	operating systems, there is usually little the app can do to remedy the
		1663	situation, and no known thread-safe method of removing the connection to
		1664	cope with overload is known (to me).
		1665
		1666	One 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
		1668	situation is over. While this is a form of busy waiting, no OS offers an
		1669	event-based way to handle this situation, so it's the best one can do.
		1670
		1671	A better way to handle the situation is to log any errors other than
		1672	C<EAGAIN> and C<EWOULDBLOCK>, making sure not to flood the log with such
		1673	messages, and continue as usual, which at least gives the user an idea of
		1674	what could be wrong ("raise the ulimit!"). For extra points one could stop
		1675	the C<ev_io> watcher on the listening fd "for a while", which reduces CPU
		1676	usage.
		1677
		1678	If your program is single-threaded, then you could also keep a dummy file
		1679	descriptor for overload situations (e.g. by opening F</dev/null>), and
		1680	when you run into C<ENFILE> or C<EMFILE>, close it, run C<accept>,
		1681	close that fd, and create a new dummy fd. This will gracefully refuse
		1682	clients under typical overload conditions.
		1683
		1684	The last way to handle it is to simply log the error and C<exit>, as
		1685	is often done with C<malloc> failures, but this results in an easy
		1686	opportunity for a DoS attack.
1414		1687
1415	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions	1688	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1416		1689
1417	=over 4	1690	=over 4
1418		1691
…		…
1450	...	1723	...
1451	struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);	1724	struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1452	ev_io stdin_readable;	1725	ev_io stdin_readable;
1453	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);
1454	ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);	1727	ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1455	ev_loop (loop, 0);	1728	ev_run (loop, 0);
1456		1729
1457		1730
1458	=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts	1731	=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1459		1732
1460	Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a	1733	Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
…		…
1468		1741
1469	The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has	1742	The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1470	passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this	1743	passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this
1471	might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the	1744	might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the
1472	same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked	1745	same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked
1473	before ones with later time-out values (but this is no longer true when a	1746	before ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is
1474	callback calls C<ev_loop> recursively).	1747	no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1475		1748
1476	=head3 Be smart about timeouts	1749	=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1477		1750
1478	Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error	1751	Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1479	recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,	1752	recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
…		…
1523	C<after> argument to C<ev_timer_set>, and only ever use the C<repeat>	1796	C<after> argument to C<ev_timer_set>, and only ever use the C<repeat>
1524	member and C<ev_timer_again>.	1797	member and C<ev_timer_again>.
1525		1798
1526	At start:	1799	At start:
1527		1800
1528	ev_timer_init (timer, callback);	1801	ev_init (timer, callback);
1529	timer->repeat = 60.;	1802	timer->repeat = 60.;
1530	ev_timer_again (loop, timer);	1803	ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1531		1804
1532	Each time there is some activity:	1805	Each time there is some activity:
1533		1806
…		…
1565	ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.;	1838	ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.;
1566		1839
1567	// 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
1568	if (timeout < now)	1841	if (timeout < now)
1569	{	1842	{
1570	// timeout occured, take action	1843	// timeout occurred, take action
1571	}	1844	}
1572	else	1845	else
1573	{	1846	{
1574	// callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm	1847	// callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm
1575	// the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is	1848	// the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is
…		…
1595		1868
1596	To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity>	1869	To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity>
1597	to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the	1870	to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the
1598	callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer:	1871	callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer:
1599		1872
1600	ev_timer_init (timer, callback);	1873	ev_init (timer, callback);
1601	last_activity = ev_now (loop);	1874	last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1602	callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMEOUT);	1875	callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMER);
1603		1876
1604	And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in	1877	And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1605	C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:	1878	C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1606		1879
1607	last_actiivty = ev_now (loop);	1880	last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1608		1881
1609	This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the	1882	This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1610	time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.	1883	time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1611		1884
1612	Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the	1885	Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
…		…
1650		1923
1651	=head3 The special problem of time updates	1924	=head3 The special problem of time updates
1652		1925
1653	Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at	1926	Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1654	least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current	1927	least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1655	time only before and after C<ev_loop> collects new events, which causes a	1928	time only before and after C<ev_run> collects new events, which causes a
1656	growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling	1929	growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1657	lots of events in one iteration.	1930	lots of events in one iteration.
1658		1931
1659	The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>	1932	The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1660	time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time	1933	time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
…		…
1666		1939
1667	If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an	1940	If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
1668	update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update	1941	update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
1669	()>.	1942	()>.
1670		1943
		1944	=head3 The special problems of suspended animation
		1945
		1946	When you leave the server world it is quite customary to hit machines that
		1947	can suspend/hibernate - what happens to the clocks during such a suspend?
		1948
		1949	Some quick tests made with a Linux 2.6.28 indicate that a suspend freezes
		1950	all processes, while the clocks (C<times>, C<CLOCK_MONOTONIC>) continue
		1951	to run until the system is suspended, but they will not advance while the
		1952	system is suspended. That means, on resume, it will be as if the program
		1953	was frozen for a few seconds, but the suspend time will not be counted
		1954	towards C<ev_timer> when a monotonic clock source is used. The real time
		1955	clock advanced as expected, but if it is used as sole clocksource, then a
		1956	long suspend would be detected as a time jump by libev, and timers would
		1957	be adjusted accordingly.
		1958
		1959	I would not be surprised to see different behaviour in different between
		1960	operating systems, OS versions or even different hardware.
		1961
		1962	The other form of suspend (job control, or sending a SIGSTOP) will see a
		1963	time jump in the monotonic clocks and the realtime clock. If the program
		1964	is suspended for a very long time, and monotonic clock sources are in use,
		1965	then you can expect C<ev_timer>s to expire as the full suspension time
		1966	will be counted towards the timers. When no monotonic clock source is in
		1967	use, then libev will again assume a timejump and adjust accordingly.
		1968
		1969	It might be beneficial for this latter case to call C<ev_suspend>
		1970	and C<ev_resume> in code that handles C<SIGTSTP>, to at least get
		1971	deterministic behaviour in this case (you can do nothing against
		1972	C<SIGSTOP>).
		1973
1671	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members	1974	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1672		1975
1673	=over 4	1976	=over 4
1674		1977
1675	=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)
…		…
1701	C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.	2004	C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1702		2005
1703	This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a	2006	This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a
1704	usage example.	2007	usage example.
1705		2008
		2009	=item ev_tstamp ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *)
		2010
		2011	Returns the remaining time until a timer fires. If the timer is active,
		2012	then this time is relative to the current event loop time, otherwise it's
		2013	the timeout value currently configured.
		2014
		2015	That is, after an C<ev_timer_set (w, 5, 7)>, C<ev_timer_remaining> returns
		2016	C<5>. When the timer is started and one second passes, C<ev_timer_remaining>
		2017	will return C<4>. When the timer expires and is restarted, it will return
		2018	roughly C<7> (likely slightly less as callback invocation takes some time,
		2019	too), and so on.
		2020
1706	=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]	2021	=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1707		2022
1708	The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out	2023	The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1709	or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any),	2024	or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any),
1710	which is also when any modifications are taken into account.	2025	which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
…		…
1735	}	2050	}
1736		2051
1737	ev_timer mytimer;	2052	ev_timer mytimer;
1738	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 */
1739	ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */	2054	ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1740	ev_loop (loop, 0);	2055	ev_run (loop, 0);
1741		2056
1742	// 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":
1743	// reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds	2058	// reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1744	ev_timer_again (&mytimer);	2059	ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1745		2060
…		…
1771		2086
1772	As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the	2087	As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1773	point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple	2088	point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple
1774	timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with	2089	timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with
1775	earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values	2090	earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values
1776	(but this is no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_loop> recursively).	2091	(but this is no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1777		2092
1778	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members	2093	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1779		2094
1780	=over 4	2095	=over 4
1781		2096
…		…
1909	Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the	2224	Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1910	system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have	2225	system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1911	potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.	2226	potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1912		2227
1913	static void	2228	static void
1914	clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)	2229	clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_periodic *w, int revents)
1915	{	2230	{
1916	... 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)
1917	}	2232	}
1918		2233
1919	ev_periodic hourly_tick;	2234	ev_periodic hourly_tick;
…		…
1945	Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific	2260	Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1946	signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev	2261	signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
1947	will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the	2262	will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
1948	normal event processing, like any other event.	2263	normal event processing, like any other event.
1949		2264
1950	If you want signals asynchronously, just use C<sigaction> as you would	2265	If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use
1951	do without libev and forget about sharing the signal. You can even use	2266	C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing
1952	C<ev_async> from a signal handler to synchronously wake up an event loop.	2267	the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to
		2268	synchronously wake up an event loop.
1953		2269
1954	You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the	2270	You can configure as many watchers as you like for the same signal, but
		2271	only within the same loop, i.e. you can watch for C<SIGINT> in your
		2272	default loop and for C<SIGIO> in another loop, but you cannot watch for
		2273	C<SIGINT> in both the default loop and another loop at the same time. At
		2274	the moment, C<SIGCHLD> is permanently tied to the default loop.
		2275
1955	first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal handler	2276	When the first watcher gets started will libev actually register something
1956	with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as	2277	with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as
1957	you don't register any with libev for the same signal). Similarly, when	2278	you don't register any with libev for the same signal).
1958	the last signal watcher for a signal is stopped, libev will reset the
1959	signal handler to SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1960		2279
1961	If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with	2280	If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1962	C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly	2281	C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should
1963	interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by	2282	not be unduly interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting
1964	signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock	2283	interrupted by signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher
1965	them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.	2284	and unblock them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
		2285
		2286	=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create
		2287
		2288	Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition
		2289	(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after
		2290	stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal,
		2291	and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler.
		2292
		2293	While this does not matter for the signal disposition (libev never
		2294	sets signals to C<SIG_IGN>, so handlers will be reset to C<SIG_DFL> on
		2295	C<execve>), this matters for the signal mask: many programs do not expect
		2296	certain signals to be blocked.
		2297
		2298	This means that before calling C<exec> (from the child) you should reset
		2299	the signal mask to whatever "default" you expect (all clear is a good
		2300	choice usually).
		2301
		2302	The simplest way to ensure that the signal mask is reset in the child is
		2303	to install a fork handler with C<pthread_atfork> that resets it. That will
		2304	catch fork calls done by libraries (such as the libc) as well.
		2305
		2306	In current versions of libev, the signal will not be blocked indefinitely
		2307	unless you use the C<signalfd> API (C<EV_SIGNALFD>). While this reduces
		2308	the window of opportunity for problems, it will not go away, as libev
		2309	I<has> to modify the signal mask, at least temporarily.
		2310
		2311	So I can't stress this enough: I<If you do not reset your signal mask when
		2312	you expect it to be empty, you have a race condition in your code>. This
		2313	is not a libev-specific thing, this is true for most event libraries.
1966		2314
1967	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members	2315	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1968		2316
1969	=over 4	2317	=over 4
1970		2318
…		…
1986	Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.	2334	Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
1987		2335
1988	static void	2336	static void
1989	sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)	2337	sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
1990	{	2338	{
1991	ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);	2339	ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
1992	}	2340	}
1993		2341
1994	ev_signal signal_watcher;	2342	ev_signal signal_watcher;
1995	ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);	2343	ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1996	ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);	2344	ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
…		…
2002	some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies or	2350	some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies or
2003	exits). It is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child	2351	exits). It is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child
2004	has been forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long	2352	has been forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long
2005	as the event loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher), i.e.,	2353	as the event loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher), i.e.,
2006	forking and then immediately registering a watcher for the child is fine,	2354	forking and then immediately registering a watcher for the child is fine,
2007	but forking and registering a watcher a few event loop iterations later is	2355	but forking and registering a watcher a few event loop iterations later or
2008	not.	2356	in the next callback invocation is not.
2009		2357
2010	Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore	2358	Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
2011	you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.	2359	you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
2012		2360
		2361	Due to some design glitches inside libev, child watchers will always be
		2362	handled at maximum priority (their priority is set to C<EV_MAXPRI> by
		2363	libev)
		2364
2013	=head3 Process Interaction	2365	=head3 Process Interaction
2014		2366
2015	Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is	2367	Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
2016	initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if	2368	initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if the
2017	the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence	2369	first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
2018	of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done	2370	of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
2019	synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all	2371	synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
2020	children, even ones not watched.	2372	children, even ones not watched.
2021		2373
2022	=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing	2374	=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
…		…
2032	=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher	2384	=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
2033		2385
2034	Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the	2386	Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
2035	child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the	2387	child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
2036	callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically	2388	callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
2037	when a child exit is detected.	2389	when a child exit is detected (calling C<ev_child_stop> twice is not a
		2390	problem).
2038		2391
2039	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members	2392	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2040		2393
2041	=over 4	2394	=over 4
2042		2395
…		…
2368	// no longer anything immediate to do.	2721	// no longer anything immediate to do.
2369	}	2722	}
2370		2723
2371	ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle));	2724	ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle));
2372	ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);	2725	ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
2373	ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);	2726	ev_idle_start (loop, idle_watcher);
2374		2727
2375		2728
2376	=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!
2377		2730
2378	Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:	2731	Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
2379	prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers	2732	prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
2380	afterwards.	2733	afterwards.
2381		2734
2382	You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter	2735	You I<must not> call C<ev_run> or similar functions that enter
2383	the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>	2736	the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
2384	watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The	2737	watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The
2385	rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in	2738	rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in
2386	those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,	2739	those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,
2387	C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be	2740	C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
…		…
2471	struct pollfd fds [nfd];	2824	struct pollfd fds [nfd];
2472	// actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.	2825	// actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
2473	adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));	2826	adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
2474		2827
2475	/* 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 */
2476	ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);	2829	ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3, 0.);
2477	ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);	2830	ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
2478		2831
2479	// create one ev_io per pollfd	2832	// create one ev_io per pollfd
2480	for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)	2833	for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
2481	{	2834	{
…		…
2555		2908
2556	if (timeout >= 0)	2909	if (timeout >= 0)
2557	// create/start timer	2910	// create/start timer
2558		2911
2559	// poll	2912	// poll
2560	ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);	2913	ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
2561		2914
2562	// stop timer again	2915	// stop timer again
2563	if (timeout >= 0)	2916	if (timeout >= 0)
2564	ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);	2917	ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
2565		2918
…		…
2643	if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).	2996	if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
2644		2997
2645	=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)	2998	=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2646		2999
2647	Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works	3000	Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2648	similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most	3001	similarly to C<ev_run (embedded_loop, EVRUN_NOWAIT)>, but in the most
2649	appropriate way for embedded loops.	3002	appropriate way for embedded loops.
2650		3003
2651	=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]	3004	=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2652		3005
2653	The embedded event loop.	3006	The embedded event loop.
…		…
2713	C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork	3066	C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
2714	handlers will be invoked, too, of course.	3067	handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
2715		3068
2716	=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible?	3069	=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible?
2717		3070
2718	Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to ste	3071	Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to set
2719	up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This	3072	up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This
2720	sequence should be handled by libev without any problems.	3073	sequence should be handled by libev without any problems.
2721		3074
2722	This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling	3075	This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling
2723	in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the	3076	in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the
…		…
2739	disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support	3092	disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support
2740	signal watchers).	3093	signal watchers).
2741		3094
2742	When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for	3095	When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for
2743	other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call	3096	other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call
2744	C<ev_default_destroy ()> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>. Destroying	3097	C<ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT)> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>.
2745	the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered watchers, so you	3098	Destroying the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered
2746	have to be careful not to execute code that modifies those watchers. Note	3099	watchers, so you have to be careful not to execute code that modifies
2747	also that in that case, you have to re-register any signal watchers.	3100	those watchers. Note also that in that case, you have to re-register any
		3101	signal watchers.
2748		3102
2749	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members	3103	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2750		3104
2751	=over 4	3105	=over 4
2752		3106
2753	=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)	3107	=item ev_fork_init (ev_fork *, callback)
2754		3108
2755	Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any	3109	Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
2756	kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,	3110	kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2757	believe me.	3111	really.
2758		3112
2759	=back	3113	=back
2760		3114
2761		3115
		3116	=head2 C<ev_cleanup> - even the best things end
		3117
		3118	Cleanup watchers are called just before the event loop is being destroyed
		3119	by a call to C<ev_loop_destroy>.
		3120
		3121	While there is no guarantee that the event loop gets destroyed, cleanup
		3122	watchers provide a convenient method to install cleanup hooks for your
		3123	program, worker threads and so on - you just to make sure to destroy the
		3124	loop when you want them to be invoked.
		3125
		3126	Cleanup watchers are invoked in the same way as any other watcher. Unlike
		3127	all other watchers, they do not keep a reference to the event loop (which
		3128	makes a lot of sense if you think about it). Like all other watchers, you
		3129	can 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
		3137	Initialises and configures the cleanup watcher - it has no parameters of
		3138	any kind. There is a C<ev_cleanup_set> macro, but using it is utterly
		3139	pointless, I assure you.
		3140
		3141	=back
		3142
		3143	Example: Register an atexit handler to destroy the default loop, so any
		3144	cleanup 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
2762	=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up another event loop	3156	=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop
2763		3157
2764	In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other	3158	In general, you cannot use an C<ev_run> from multiple threads or other
2765	asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event	3159	asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
2766	loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).	3160	loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
2767		3161
2768	Sometimes, however, you need to wake up another event loop you do not	3162	Sometimes, however, you need to wake up an event loop you do not control,
2769	control, for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what	3163	for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what C<ev_async>
2770	C<ev_async> watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you	3164	watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you can signal
2771	can signal it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal	3165	it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe.
2772	safe.
2773		3166
2774	This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,	3167	This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
2775	too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed	3168	too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
2776	(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
2777	C<ev_async_sent> calls).	3170	C<ev_async_sent> calls).
…		…
2782	=head3 Queueing	3175	=head3 Queueing
2783		3176
2784	C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason	3177	C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
2785	is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a	3178	is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
2786	multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't	3179	multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2787	need elaborate support such as pthreads.	3180	need elaborate support such as pthreads or unportable memory access
		3181	semantics.
2788		3182
2789	That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own	3183	That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own
2790	queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your	3184	queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your
2791	queue:	3185	queue:
2792		3186
…		…
2931		3325
2932	If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be	3326	If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
2933	started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and	3327	started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
2934	repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout.	3328	repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout.
2935		3329
2936	The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets	3330	The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and is
2937	passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of	3331	passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
2938	C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>	3332	C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMER>) and the C<arg>
2939	value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both>	3333	value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both>
2940	a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io	3334	a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io
2941	events precedence.	3335	events precedence.
2942		3336
2943	Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO.	3337	Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO.
2944		3338
2945	static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)	3339	static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2946	{	3340	{
2947	if (revents & EV_READ)	3341	if (revents & EV_READ)
2948	/* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;	3342	/* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2949	else if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)	3343	else if (revents & EV_TIMER)
2950	/* doh, nothing entered */;	3344	/* doh, nothing entered */;
2951	}	3345	}
2952		3346
2953	ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);	3347	ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2954		3348
2955	=item ev_feed_event (struct ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2956
2957	Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
2958	had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
2959	initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).
2960
2961	=item ev_feed_fd_event (struct ev_loop *, int fd, int revents)	3349	=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents)
2962		3350
2963	Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected	3351	Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2964	the given events it.	3352	the given events it.
2965		3353
2966	=item ev_feed_signal_event (struct ev_loop *loop, int signum)	3354	=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum)
2967		3355
2968	Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default	3356	Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
2969	loop!).	3357	loop!).
2970		3358
2971	=back	3359	=back
…		…
3051		3439
3052	=over 4	3440	=over 4
3053		3441
3054	=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()	3442	=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
3055		3443
3056	=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)	3444	=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (loop)
3057		3445
3058	=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE	3446	=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
3059		3447
3060	The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher	3448	The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
3061	with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.	3449	with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
…		…
3094	myclass obj;	3482	myclass obj;
3095	ev::io iow;	3483	ev::io iow;
3096	iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);	3484	iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
3097		3485
3098	=item w->set (object *)	3486	=item w->set (object *)
3099
3100	This is an B<experimental> feature that might go away in a future version.
3101		3487
3102	This is a variation of a method callback - leaving out the method to call	3488	This is a variation of a method callback - leaving out the method to call
3103	will default the method to C<operator ()>, which makes it possible to use	3489	will default the method to C<operator ()>, which makes it possible to use
3104	functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all	3490	functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all
3105	the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument	3491	the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument
…		…
3138	Example: Use a plain function as callback.	3524	Example: Use a plain function as callback.
3139		3525
3140	static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }	3526	static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
3141	iow.set <io_cb> ();	3527	iow.set <io_cb> ();
3142		3528
3143	=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)	3529	=item w->set (loop)
3144		3530
3145	Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only	3531	Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
3146	do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).	3532	do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
3147		3533
3148	=item w->set ([arguments])	3534	=item w->set ([arguments])
3149		3535
3150	Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be	3536	Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Either this
3151	called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets	3537	method or a suitable start method must be called at least once. Unlike the
3152	automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this	3538	C counterpart, an active watcher gets automatically stopped and restarted
3153	method.	3539	when reconfiguring it with this method.
3154		3540
3155	=item w->start ()	3541	=item w->start ()
3156		3542
3157	Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the	3543	Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
3158	constructor already stores the event loop.	3544	constructor already stores the event loop.
3159		3545
		3546	=item w->start ([arguments])
		3547
		3548	Instead of calling C<set> and C<start> methods separately, it is often
		3549	convenient to wrap them in one call. Uses the same type of arguments as
		3550	the configure C<set> method of the watcher.
		3551
3160	=item w->stop ()	3552	=item w->stop ()
3161		3553
3162	Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.	3554	Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
3163		3555
3164	=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)	3556	=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
…		…
3176		3568
3177	=back	3569	=back
3178		3570
3179	=back	3571	=back
3180		3572
3181	Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in	3573	Example: Define a class with two I/O and idle watchers, start the I/O
3182	the constructor.	3574	watchers in the constructor.
3183		3575
3184	class myclass	3576	class myclass
3185	{	3577	{
3186	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);
3187	ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);	3580	ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
3188		3581
3189	myclass (int fd)	3582	myclass (int fd)
3190	{	3583	{
3191	io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);	3584	io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
		3585	io2 .set <myclass, &myclass::io2_cb > (this);
3192	idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);	3586	idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
3193		3587
3194	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
3195	}	3592	}
3196	};	3593	};
3197		3594
3198		3595
3199	=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS	3596	=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
…		…
3245	=item Ocaml	3642	=item Ocaml
3246		3643
3247	Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at	3644	Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
3248	L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.	3645	L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
3249		3646
		3647	=item Lua
		3648
		3649	Brian Maher has written a partial interface to libev for lua (at the
		3650	time of this writing, only C<ev_io> and C<ev_timer>), to be found at
		3651	L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>.
		3652
3250	=back	3653	=back
3251		3654
3252		3655
3253	=head1 MACRO MAGIC	3656	=head1 MACRO MAGIC
3254		3657
…		…
3267	loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,	3670	loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
3268	C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:	3671	C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
3269		3672
3270	ev_unref (EV_A);	3673	ev_unref (EV_A);
3271	ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);	3674	ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
3272	ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);	3675	ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
3273		3676
3274	It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,	3677	It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
3275	which is often provided by the following macro.	3678	which is often provided by the following macro.
3276		3679
3277	=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>	3680	=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
…		…
3317	}	3720	}
3318		3721
3319	ev_check check;	3722	ev_check check;
3320	ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);	3723	ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
3321	ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);	3724	ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
3322	ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);	3725	ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
3323		3726
3324	=head1 EMBEDDING	3727	=head1 EMBEDDING
3325		3728
3326	Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host	3729	Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
3327	applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra	3730	applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
…		…
3407	libev.m4	3810	libev.m4
3408		3811
3409	=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS	3812	=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
3410		3813
3411	Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to	3814	Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
3412	define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of	3815	define before including (or compiling) any of its files. The default in
3413	autoconf is documented for every option.	3816	the absence of autoconf is documented for every option.
		3817
		3818	Symbols marked with "(h)" do not change the ABI, and can have different
		3819	values when compiling libev vs. including F<ev.h>, so it is permissible
		3820	to redefine them before including F<ev.h> without breaking compatibility
		3821	to a compiled library. All other symbols change the ABI, which means all
		3822	users of libev and the libev code itself must be compiled with compatible
		3823	settings.
3414		3824
3415	=over 4	3825	=over 4
3416		3826
		3827	=item EV_COMPAT3 (h)
		3828
		3829	Backwards compatibility is a major concern for libev. This is why this
		3830	release of libev comes with wrappers for the functions and symbols that
		3831	have been renamed between libev version 3 and 4.
		3832
		3833	You can disable these wrappers (to test compatibility with future
		3834	versions) by defining C<EV_COMPAT3> to C<0> when compiling your
		3835	sources. This has the additional advantage that you can drop the C<struct>
		3836	from C<struct ev_loop> declarations, as libev will provide an C<ev_loop>
		3837	typedef in that case.
		3838
		3839	In some future version, the default for C<EV_COMPAT3> will become C<0>,
		3840	and in some even more future version the compatibility code will be
		3841	removed completely.
		3842
3417	=item EV_STANDALONE	3843	=item EV_STANDALONE (h)
3418		3844
3419	Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which	3845	Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which
3420	keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy	3846	keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy
3421	implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not	3847	implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not
3422	supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in	3848	supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in
3423	F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.	3849	F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
3424		3850
3425	In stanbdalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the	3851	In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the
3426	configuration, but has to be more conservative.	3852	configuration, but has to be more conservative.
3427		3853
3428	=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC	3854	=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
3429		3855
3430	If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the	3856	If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
…		…
3495	be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call	3921	be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call
3496	C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise,	3922	C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise,
3497	it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even	3923	it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
3498	on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.	3924	on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.
3499		3925
3500	=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE	3926	=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE(fd)
3501		3927
3502	If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map	3928	If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map
3503	file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the	3929	file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the
3504	default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually	3930	default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually
3505	correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management,	3931	correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management,
3506	in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles.	3932	in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles.
		3933
		3934	=item EV_WIN32_HANDLE_TO_FD(handle)
		3935
		3936	If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> then libev maps handles to file descriptors
		3937	using the standard C<_open_osfhandle> function. For programs implementing
		3938	their own fd to handle mapping, overwriting this function makes it easier
		3939	to do so. This can be done by defining this macro to an appropriate value.
		3940
		3941	=item EV_WIN32_CLOSE_FD(fd)
		3942
		3943	If programs implement their own fd to handle mapping on win32, then this
		3944	macro can be used to override the C<close> function, useful to unregister
		3945	file descriptors again. Note that the replacement function has to close
		3946	the underlying OS handle.
3507		3947
3508	=item EV_USE_POLL	3948	=item EV_USE_POLL
3509		3949
3510	If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)	3950	If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
3511	backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It	3951	backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
…		…
3558	as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.	3998	as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
3559		3999
3560	In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>	4000	In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
3561	(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.
3562		4002
3563	=item EV_H	4003	=item EV_H (h)
3564		4004
3565	The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if	4005	The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
3566	undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be	4006	undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be
3567	used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.	4007	used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
3568		4008
3569	=item EV_CONFIG_H	4009	=item EV_CONFIG_H (h)
3570		4010
3571	If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override	4011	If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
3572	F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to	4012	F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
3573	C<EV_H>, above.	4013	C<EV_H>, above.
3574		4014
3575	=item EV_EVENT_H	4015	=item EV_EVENT_H (h)
3576		4016
3577	Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea	4017	Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
3578	of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">.	4018	of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">.
3579		4019
3580	=item EV_PROTOTYPES	4020	=item EV_PROTOTYPES (h)
3581		4021
3582	If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function	4022	If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
3583	prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is	4023	prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
3584	occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions	4024	occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions
3585	around libev functions.	4025	around libev functions.
…		…
3607	fine.	4047	fine.
3608		4048
3609	If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these	4049	If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these
3610	both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU.	4050	both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
3611		4051
3612	=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE	4052	=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE, EV_IDLE_ENABLE, EV_EMBED_ENABLE, EV_STAT_ENABLE,
		4053	EV_PREPARE_ENABLE, EV_CHECK_ENABLE, EV_FORK_ENABLE, EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE,
		4054	EV_ASYNC_ENABLE, EV_CHILD_ENABLE.
3613		4055
3614	If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If	4056	If undefined or defined to be C<1> (and the platform supports it), then
3615	defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of	4057	the respective watcher type is supported. If defined to be C<0>, then it
3616	code.	4058	is not. Disabling watcher types mainly saves code size.
3617		4059
3618	=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE	4060	=item EV_FEATURES
3619
3620	If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
3621	defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
3622	code.
3623
3624	=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
3625
3626	If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
3627	defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Embed watchers rely on most other
3628	watcher types, which therefore must not be disabled.
3629
3630	=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
3631
3632	If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
3633	defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3634
3635	=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
3636
3637	If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
3638	defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3639
3640	=item EV_ASYNC_ENABLE
3641
3642	If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then async watchers are supported. If
3643	defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3644
3645	=item EV_MINIMAL
3646		4061
3647	If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some	4062	If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
3648	speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some	4063	speed (but with the full API), you can define this symbol to request
3649	inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a	4064	certain subsets of functionality. The default is to enable all features
3650	much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap.	4065	that can be enabled on the platform.
		4066
		4067	A typical way to use this symbol is to define it to C<0> (or to a bitset
		4068	with some broad features you want) and then selectively re-enable
		4069	additional parts you want, for example if you want everything minimal,
		4070	but multiple event loop support, async and child watchers and the poll
		4071	backend, 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
		4079	The actual value is a bitset, it can be a combination of the following
		4080	values:
		4081
		4082	=over 4
		4083
		4084	=item C<1> - faster/larger code
		4085
		4086	Use larger code to speed up some operations.
		4087
		4088	Currently this is used to override some inlining decisions (enlarging the
		4089	code size by roughly 30% on amd64).
		4090
		4091	When optimising for size, use of compiler flags such as C<-Os> with
		4092	gcc is recommended, as well as C<-DNDEBUG>, as libev contains a number of
		4093	assertions.
		4094
		4095	=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures
		4096
		4097	Replaces the small 2-heap for timer management by a faster 4-heap, larger
		4098	hash table sizes and so on. This will usually further increase code size
		4099	and can additionally have an effect on the size of data structures at
		4100	runtime.
		4101
		4102	=item C<4> - full API configuration
		4103
		4104	This enables priorities (sets C<EV_MAXPRI>=2 and C<EV_MINPRI>=-2), and
		4105	enables multiplicity (C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>=1).
		4106
		4107	=item C<8> - full API
		4108
		4109	This enables a lot of the "lesser used" API functions. See C<ev.h> for
		4110	details on which parts of the API are still available without this
		4111	feature, and do not complain if this subset changes over time.
		4112
		4113	=item C<16> - enable all optional watcher types
		4114
		4115	Enables all optional watcher types. If you want to selectively enable
		4116	only some watcher types other than I/O and timers (e.g. prepare,
		4117	embed, async, child...) you can enable them manually by defining
		4118	C<EV_watchertype_ENABLE> to C<1> instead.
		4119
		4120	=item C<32> - enable all backends
		4121
		4122	This enables all backends - without this feature, you need to enable at
		4123	least one backend manually (C<EV_USE_SELECT> is a good choice).
		4124
		4125	=item C<64> - enable OS-specific "helper" APIs
		4126
		4127	Enable inotify, eventfd, signalfd and similar OS-specific helper APIs by
		4128	default.
		4129
		4130	=back
		4131
		4132	Compiling with C<gcc -Os -DEV_STANDALONE -DEV_USE_EPOLL=1 -DEV_FEATURES=0>
		4133	reduces the compiled size of libev from 24.7Kb code/2.8Kb data to 6.5Kb
		4134	code/0.3Kb data on my GNU/Linux amd64 system, while still giving you I/O
		4135	watchers, timers and monotonic clock support.
		4136
		4137	With an intelligent-enough linker (gcc+binutils are intelligent enough
		4138	when you use C<-Wl,--gc-sections -ffunction-sections>) functions unused by
		4139	your program might be left out as well - a binary starting a timer and an
		4140	I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb.
		4141
		4142	=item EV_AVOID_STDIO
		4143
		4144	If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio
		4145	functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the code size
		4146	somewhat, but if your program doesn't otherwise depend on stdio and your
		4147	libc allows it, this avoids linking in the stdio library which is quite
		4148	big.
		4149
		4150	Note that error messages might become less precise when this option is
		4151	enabled.
		4152
		4153	=item EV_NSIG
		4154
		4155	The highest supported signal number, +1 (or, the number of
		4156	signals): Normally, libev tries to deduce the maximum number of signals
		4157	automatically, but sometimes this fails, in which case it can be
		4158	specified. Also, using a lower number than detected (C<32> should be
		4159	good for about any system in existence) can save some memory, as libev
		4160	statically allocates some 12-24 bytes per signal number.
3651		4161
3652	=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE	4162	=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
3653		4163
3654	C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by	4164	C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
3655	pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more	4165	pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_FEATURES> disabled),
3656	than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to	4166	usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you
3657	increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).	4167	might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
3658		4168
3659	=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE	4169	=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
3660		4170
3661	C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by	4171	C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
3662	inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),	4172	inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_FEATURES>
3663	usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>	4173	disabled), usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of
3664	watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of	4174	C<ev_stat> watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a
3665	two).	4175	power of two).
3666		4176
3667	=item EV_USE_4HEAP	4177	=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3668		4178
3669	Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the	4179	Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3670	timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined	4180	timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3671	to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably	4181	to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably
3672	faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.	4182	faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3673		4183
3674	The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>	4184	The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3675	(disabled).	4185	will be C<0>.
3676		4186
3677	=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT	4187	=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3678		4188
3679	Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the	4189	Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3680	timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within	4190	timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3681	the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),	4191	the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
3682	which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,	4192	which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
3683	but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance	4193	but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3684	noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers.	4194	noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3685		4195
3686	The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>	4196	The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3687	(disabled).	4197	will be C<0>.
3688		4198
3689	=item EV_VERIFY	4199	=item EV_VERIFY
3690		4200
3691	Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will	4201	Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_verify ()>) will
3692	be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled	4202	be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
3693	in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not	4203	in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
3694	called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be	4204	called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
3695	called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the	4205	called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
3696	verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down	4206	verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3697	libev considerably.	4207	libev considerably.
3698		4208
3699	The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be	4209	The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3700	C<0>.	4210	will be C<0>.
3701		4211
3702	=item EV_COMMON	4212	=item EV_COMMON
3703		4213
3704	By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining	4214	By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
3705	this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of	4215	this macro to something else you can include more and other types of
3706	members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,	4216	members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
3707	though, and it must be identical each time.	4217	though, and it must be identical each time.
3708		4218
3709	For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:	4219	For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
3710		4220
…		…
3763	file.	4273	file.
3764		4274
3765	The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file	4275	The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
3766	that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:	4276	that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
3767		4277
3768	#define EV_MINIMAL 1	4278	#define EV_FEATURES 8
3769	#define EV_USE_POLL 0	4279	#define EV_USE_SELECT 1
3770	#define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
3771	#define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0	4280	#define EV_PREPARE_ENABLE 1
		4281	#define EV_IDLE_ENABLE 1
3772	#define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0	4282	#define EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE 1
3773	#define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0	4283	#define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
		4284	#define EV_USE_STDEXCEPT 0
3774	#define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>	4285	#define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
3775	#define EV_MINPRI 0
3776	#define EV_MAXPRI 0
3777		4286
3778	#include "ev++.h"	4287	#include "ev++.h"
3779		4288
3780	And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:	4289	And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
3781		4290
…		…
3841	default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop	4350	default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
3842	watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.	4351	watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
3843		4352
3844	=back	4353	=back
3845		4354
		4355	=head4 THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE
		4356
		4357	Here is a fictitious example of how to run an event loop in a different
		4358	thread than where callbacks are being invoked and watchers are
		4359	created/added/removed.
		4360
		4361	For a real-world example, see the C<EV::Loop::Async> perl module,
		4362	which uses exactly this technique (which is suited for many high-level
		4363	languages).
		4364
		4365	The example uses a pthread mutex to protect the loop data, a condition
		4366	variable to wait for callback invocations, an async watcher to notify the
		4367	event loop thread and an unspecified mechanism to wake up the main thread.
		4368
		4369	First, 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
		4398	The callback for the C<ev_async> watcher does nothing: the watcher is used
		4399	solely to wake up the event loop so it takes notice of any new watchers
		4400	that 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
		4408	The C<l_release> and C<l_acquire> callbacks simply unlock/lock the mutex
		4409	protecting 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
		4425	The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
		4426	into 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
		4441	Instead of invoking all pending watchers, the C<l_invoke> callback will
		4442	signal the main thread via some unspecified mechanism (signals? pipe
		4443	writes? C<Async::Interrupt>?) and then waits until all pending watchers
		4444	have been called (in a while loop because a) spurious wakeups are possible
		4445	and b) skipping inter-thread-communication when there are no pending
		4446	watchers 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
		4460	Now, whenever the main thread gets told to invoke pending watchers, it
		4461	will grab the lock, call C<ev_invoke_pending> and then signal the loop
		4462	thread 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
		4475	Whenever you want to start/stop a watcher or do other modifications to an
		4476	event 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
		4488	Note that sending the C<ev_async> watcher is required because otherwise
		4489	an event loop currently blocking in the kernel will have no knowledge
		4490	about the newly added timer. By waking up the loop it will pick up any new
		4491	watchers in the next event loop iteration.
		4492
3846	=head3 COROUTINES	4493	=head3 COROUTINES
3847		4494
3848	Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):	4495	Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3849	libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different	4496	libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
3850	coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two	4497	coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_run> on the same loop from two
3851	different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running the	4498	different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running
3852	loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that	4499	the loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is
3853	you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.	4500	that you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3854		4501
3855	Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside	4502	Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside
3856	C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as	4503	C<ev_run>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
3857	they do not call any callbacks.	4504	they do not call any callbacks.
3858		4505
3859	=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS	4506	=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
3860		4507
3861	Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a	4508	Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
…		…
3872	maintainable.	4519	maintainable.
3873		4520
3874	And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply	4521	And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3875	wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message	4522	wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3876	seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some	4523	seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some
3877	warnings that resulted an extreme number of false positives. These have	4524	warnings that resulted in an extreme number of false positives. These have
3878	been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with	4525	been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with
3879	such buggy versions.	4526	such buggy versions.
3880		4527
3881	While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,	4528	While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
3882	"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
…		…
3918	I suggest using suppression lists.	4565	I suggest using suppression lists.
3919		4566
3920		4567
3921	=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES	4568	=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES
3922		4569
		4570	=head2 GNU/LINUX 32 BIT LIMITATIONS
		4571
		4572	GNU/Linux is the only common platform that supports 64 bit file/large file
		4573	interfaces but I<disables> them by default.
		4574
		4575	That means that libev compiled in the default environment doesn't support
		4576	files larger than 2GiB or so, which mainly affects C<ev_stat> watchers.
		4577
		4578	Unfortunately, many programs try to work around this GNU/Linux issue
		4579	by enabling the large file API, which makes them incompatible with the
		4580	standard libev compiled for their system.
		4581
		4582	Likewise, libev cannot enable the large file API itself as this would
		4583	suddenly make it incompatible to the default compile time environment,
		4584	i.e. all programs not using special compile switches.
		4585
		4586	=head2 OS/X AND DARWIN BUGS
		4587
		4588	The whole thing is a bug if you ask me - basically any system interface
		4589	you touch is broken, whether it is locales, poll, kqueue or even the
		4590	OpenGL drivers.
		4591
		4592	=head3 C<kqueue> is buggy
		4593
		4594	The kqueue syscall is broken in all known versions - most versions support
		4595	only sockets, many support pipes.
		4596
		4597	Libev tries to work around this by not using C<kqueue> by default on this
		4598	rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating a
		4599	loop - embedding a socket-only kqueue loop into a select-based one is
		4600	probably going to work well.
		4601
		4602	=head3 C<poll> is buggy
		4603
		4604	Instead of fixing C<kqueue>, Apple replaced their (working) C<poll>
		4605	implementation by something calling C<kqueue> internally around the 10.5.6
		4606	release, so now C<kqueue> I<and> C<poll> are broken.
		4607
		4608	Libev tries to work around this by not using C<poll> by default on
		4609	this rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating
		4610	a loop.
		4611
		4612	=head3 C<select> is buggy
		4613
		4614	All that's left is C<select>, and of course Apple found a way to fuck this
		4615	one up as well: On OS/X, C<select> actively limits the number of file
		4616	descriptors you can pass in to 1024 - your program suddenly crashes when
		4617	you use more.
		4618
		4619	There is an undocumented "workaround" for this - defining
		4620	C<_DARWIN_UNLIMITED_SELECT>, which libev tries to use, so select I<should>
		4621	work on OS/X.
		4622
		4623	=head2 SOLARIS PROBLEMS AND WORKAROUNDS
		4624
		4625	=head3 C<errno> reentrancy
		4626
		4627	The default compile environment on Solaris is unfortunately so
		4628	thread-unsafe that you can't even use components/libraries compiled
		4629	without C<-D_REENTRANT> in a threaded program, which, of course, isn't
		4630	defined by default. A valid, if stupid, implementation choice.
		4631
		4632	If you want to use libev in threaded environments you have to make sure
		4633	it's compiled with C<_REENTRANT> defined.
		4634
		4635	=head3 Event port backend
		4636
		4637	The scalable event interface for Solaris is called "event
		4638	ports". Unfortunately, this mechanism is very buggy in all major
		4639	releases. If you run into high CPU usage, your program freezes or you get
		4640	a large number of spurious wakeups, make sure you have all the relevant
		4641	and latest kernel patches applied. No, I don't know which ones, but there
		4642	are multiple ones to apply, and afterwards, event ports actually work
		4643	great.
		4644
		4645	If you can't get it to work, you can try running the program by setting
		4646	the environment variable C<LIBEV_FLAGS=3> to only allow C<poll> and
		4647	C<select> backends.
		4648
		4649	=head2 AIX POLL BUG
		4650
		4651	AIX unfortunately has a broken C<poll.h> header. Libev works around
		4652	this by trying to avoid the poll backend altogether (i.e. it's not even
		4653	compiled in), which normally isn't a big problem as C<select> works fine
		4654	with large bitsets on AIX, and AIX is dead anyway.
		4655
3923	=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS	4656	=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
		4657
		4658	=head3 General issues
3924		4659
3925	Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev	4660	Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
3926	requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX	4661	requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
3927	model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in	4662	model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
3928	the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket	4663	the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
3929	descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using	4664	descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
3930	e.g. cygwin.	4665	e.g. cygwin. Actually, it only applies to the microsofts own compilers,
		4666	as every compielr comes with a slightly differently broken/incompatible
		4667	environment.
3931		4668
3932	Lifting these limitations would basically require the full	4669	Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
3933	re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of	4670	re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into this kind of thing,
3934	things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable	4671	then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable way (note
3935	way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).	4672	also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
3936		4673
3937	There is no supported compilation method available on windows except	4674	There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
3938	embedding it into other applications.	4675	embedding it into other applications.
		4676
		4677	Sensible signal handling is officially unsupported by Microsoft - libev
		4678	tries its best, but under most conditions, signals will simply not work.
3939		4679
3940	Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't	4680	Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
3941	accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will	4681	accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
3942	either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large,	4682	either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large,
3943	so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a	4683	so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a
…		…
3948	the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets	4688	the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
3949	is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use	4689	is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use
3950	more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally	4690	more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally
3951	different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness	4691	different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
3952	notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows	4692	notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
3953	(Microsoft monopoly games).	4693	(due to Microsoft monopoly games).
3954		4694
3955	A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding	4695	A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding
3956	section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead	4696	section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead
3957	of F<ev.h>:	4697	of F<ev.h>:
3958		4698
…		…
3965	you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!):	4705	you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!):
3966		4706
3967	#include "evwrap.h"	4707	#include "evwrap.h"
3968	#include "ev.c"	4708	#include "ev.c"
3969		4709
3970	=over 4
3971
3972	=item The winsocket select function	4710	=head3 The winsocket C<select> function
3973		4711
3974	The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it	4712	The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
3975	requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is	4713	requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
3976	also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also	4714	also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
3977	requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft	4715	requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
…		…
3986	#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 */
3987		4725
3988	Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a	4726	Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
3989	complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.	4727	complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
3990		4728
3991	=item Limited number of file descriptors	4729	=head3 Limited number of file descriptors
3992		4730
3993	Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.	4731	Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
3994		4732
3995	Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum	4733	Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
3996	of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels	4734	of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
3997	can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft	4735	can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft
3998	recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the	4736	recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
3999	previous thread in each. Great).	4737	previous thread in each. Sounds great!).
4000		4738
4001	Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>	4739	Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
4002	to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select	4740	to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
4003	call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own	4741	call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl and many
4004	select emulation on windows).	4742	other interpreters do their own select emulation on windows).
4005		4743
4006	Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime	4744	Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime
4007	libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish	4745	libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64>
4008	or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this by calling	4746	fetish or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this
4009	C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another	4747	by calling C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048>
4010	arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft runtime	4748	(another arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft
4011	libraries.
4012
4013	This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on	4749	runtime libraries. This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets
4014	windows 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,
4015	wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of	4751	you need to wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but
4016	calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.	4752	the cost of calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
4017
4018	=back
4019		4753
4020	=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS	4754	=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
4021		4755
4022	In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the	4756	In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the
4023	backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions:	4757	backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions:
…		…
4030	Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal	4764	Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
4031	structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also	4765	structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
4032	assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher	4766	assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
4033	callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev	4767	callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
4034	calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.	4768	calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
		4769
		4770	=item pointer accesses must be thread-atomic
		4771
		4772	Accessing a pointer value must be atomic, it must both be readable and
		4773	writable in one piece - this is the case on all current architectures.
4035		4774
4036	=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
4037		4776
4038	The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as	4777	The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
4039	C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different	4778	C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
…		…
4062	watchers.	4801	watchers.
4063		4802
4064	=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
4065		4804
4066	The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to	4805	The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
4067	have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good	4806	have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is
4068	enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by	4807	good enough for at least into the year 4000 with millisecond accuracy
		4808	(the design goal for libev). This requirement is overfulfilled by
4069	implementations implementing IEEE 754 (basically all existing ones).	4809	implementations using IEEE 754, which is basically all existing ones. With
		4810	IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least 2200.
4070		4811
4071	=back	4812	=back
4072		4813
4073	If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.	4814	If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
4074		4815
…		…
4142	involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.	4883	involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
4143		4884
4144	=back	4885	=back
4145		4886
4146		4887
		4888	=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X
		4889
		4890	The major version 4 introduced some incompatible changes to the API.
		4891
		4892	At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file provides compatibility definitions
		4893	for all changes, so most programs should still compile. The compatibility
		4894	layer might be removed in later versions of libev, so better update to the
		4895	new API early than late.
		4896
		4897	=over 4
		4898
		4899	=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
		4900
		4901	The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
		4902	C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L<PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L<EMBEDDING>
		4903	section.
		4904
		4905	=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed
		4906
		4907	These 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
		4914	A 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
		4931	Most functions working on C<struct ev_loop> objects don't have an
		4932	C<ev_loop_> prefix, so it was removed; C<ev_loop>, C<ev_unloop> and
		4933	associated constants have been renamed to not collide with the C<struct
		4934	ev_loop> anymore and C<EV_TIMER> now follows the same naming scheme
		4935	as all other watcher types. Note that C<ev_loop_fork> is still called
		4936	C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the C<ev_fork>
		4937	typedef.
		4938
		4939	=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES>
		4940
		4941	The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different
		4942	mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile
		4943	and work, but the library code will of course be larger.
		4944
		4945	=back
		4946
		4947
4147	=head1 GLOSSARY	4948	=head1 GLOSSARY
4148		4949
4149	=over 4	4950	=over 4
4150		4951
4151	=item active	4952	=item active
4152		4953
4153	A watcher is active as long as it has been started (has been attached to	4954	A watcher is active as long as it has been started and not yet stopped.
4154	an event loop) but not yet stopped (disassociated from the event loop).	4955	See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
4155		4956
4156	=item application	4957	=item application
4157		4958
4158	In this document, an application is whatever is using libev.	4959	In this document, an application is whatever is using libev.
		4960
		4961	=item backend
		4962
		4963	The part of the code dealing with the operating system interfaces.
4159		4964
4160	=item callback	4965	=item callback
4161		4966
4162	The address of a function that is called when some event has been	4967	The address of a function that is called when some event has been
4163	detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that	4968	detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that
4164	received the event, and the actual event bitset.	4969	received the event, and the actual event bitset.
4165		4970
4166	=item callback invocation	4971	=item callback/watcher invocation
4167		4972
4168	The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.	4973	The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4169		4974
4170	=item event	4975	=item event
4171		4976
4172	A change of state of some external event, such as data now being available	4977	A change of state of some external event, such as data now being available
4173	for reading on a file descriptor, time having passed or simply not having	4978	for reading on a file descriptor, time having passed or simply not having
4174	any other events happening anymore.	4979	any other events happening anymore.
4175		4980
4176	In libev, events are represented as single bits (such as C<EV_READ> or	4981	In libev, events are represented as single bits (such as C<EV_READ> or
4177	C<EV_TIMEOUT>).	4982	C<EV_TIMER>).
4178		4983
4179	=item event library	4984	=item event library
4180		4985
4181	A software package implementing an event model and loop.	4986	A software package implementing an event model and loop.
4182		4987
…		…
4190	The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes	4995	The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes
4191	watchers and events.	4996	watchers and events.
4192		4997
4193	=item pending	4998	=item pending
4194		4999
4195	A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been detected,	5000	A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been
4196	and stops being pending as soon as the watcher will be invoked or its	5001	detected. See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
4197	pending status is explicitly cleared by the application.
4198
4199	A watcher can be pending, but not active. Stopping a watcher also clears
4200	its pending status.
4201		5002
4202	=item real time	5003	=item real time
4203		5004
4204	The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)	5005	The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
4205		5006
…		…
4212	=item watcher	5013	=item watcher
4213		5014
4214	A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need	5015	A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need
4215	to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events.	5016	to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events.
4216		5017
4217	=item watcher invocation
4218
4219	The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4220
4221	=back	5018	=back
4222		5019
4223	=head1 AUTHOR	5020	=head1 AUTHOR
4224		5021
4225	Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson.	5022	Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael
		5023	Magnusson and Emanuele Giaquinta.
4226		5024

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