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Revision 1.321 by sf-exg, Fri Oct 22 10:50:24 2010 UTC vs.
Revision 1.337 by root, Sun Oct 31 20:20:20 2010 UTC

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);
77on event-based programming, nor will it introduce event-based programming 77on event-based programming, nor will it introduce event-based programming
78with libev. 78with libev.
79 79
80Familiarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed 80Familiarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed
81throughout this document. 81throughout this document.
82
83=head1 WHAT TO READ WHEN IN A HURRY
84
85This manual tries to be very detailed, but unfortunately, this also makes
86it very long. If you just want to know the basics of libev, I suggest
87reading L<ANATOMY OF A WATCHER>, then the L<EXAMPLE PROGRAM> above and
88look up the missing functions in L<GLOBAL FUNCTIONS> and the C<ev_io> and
89C<ev_timer> sections in L<WATCHER TYPES>.
82 90
83=head1 ABOUT LIBEV 91=head1 ABOUT LIBEV
84 92
85Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 93Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
86file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage 94file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
293 ... 301 ...
294 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error); 302 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error);
295 303
296=back 304=back
297 305
298=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 306=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING EVENT LOOPS
299 307
300An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> is 308An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> is
301I<not> optional in this case unless libev 3 compatibility is disabled, as 309I<not> optional in this case unless libev 3 compatibility is disabled, as
302libev 3 had an C<ev_loop> function colliding with the struct name). 310libev 3 had an C<ev_loop> function colliding with the struct name).
303 311
304The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which 312The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
305supports signals and child events, and dynamically created event loops 313supports child process events, and dynamically created event loops which
306which do not. 314do not.
307 315
308=over 4 316=over 4
309 317
310=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 318=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
311 319
312This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised 320This returns the "default" event loop object, which is what you should
313yet and return it. If the default loop could not be initialised, returns 321normally use when you just need "the event loop". Event loop objects and
314false. If it already was initialised it simply returns it (and ignores the 322the C<flags> parameter are described in more detail in the entry for
315flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 323C<ev_loop_new>.
324
325If the default loop is already initialised then this function simply
326returns it (and ignores the flags. If that is troubling you, check
327C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). Otherwise it will create it with the given
328flags, which should almost always be C<0>, unless the caller is also the
329one calling C<ev_run> or otherwise qualifies as "the main program".
316 330
317If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 331If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
318function. 332function (or via the C<EV_DEFAULT> macro).
319 333
320Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it 334Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
321from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely, 335from multiple threads, you have to employ some kind of mutex (note also
322as loops cannot be shared easily between threads anyway). 336that this case is unlikely, as loops cannot be shared easily between
337threads anyway).
323 338
324The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and 339The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_child> watchers,
325C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler 340and to do this, it always registers a handler for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is
326for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either 341a problem for your application you can either create a dynamic loop with
327create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you 342C<ev_loop_new> which doesn't do that, or you can simply overwrite the
328can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling 343C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling C<ev_default_init>.
329C<ev_default_init>. 344
345Example: This is the most typical usage.
346
347 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
348 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
349
350Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
351environment settings to be taken into account:
352
353 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
354
355=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
356
357This will create and initialise a new event loop object. If the loop
358could not be initialised, returns false.
359
360Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and one common way to use
361libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
362default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
330 363
331The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 364The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
332backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). 365backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
333 366
334The following flags are supported: 367The following flags are supported:
430epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). 463epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
431 464
432The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned 465The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
433of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently 466of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
434dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file 467dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
435descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup and 468descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup,
469returning before the timeout value requiring additional iterations and so
436so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program forks then 470on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program forks then
437I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll set, which can 471I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll set, which can
438take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) and is of course 472take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) and is of course
439hard to detect. 473hard to detect.
440 474
441Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but 475Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but
552If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value, 586If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value,
553then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed 587then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed
554here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends 588here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends
555()> will be tried. 589()> will be tried.
556 590
557Example: This is the most typical usage.
558
559 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
560 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
561
562Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
563environment settings to be taken into account:
564
565 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
566
567Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
568used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
569private event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of
570fds):
571
572 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
573
574=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
575
576Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
577always distinct from the default loop.
578
579Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and one common way to use
580libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
581default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
582
583Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 591Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
584 592
585 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 593 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
586 if (!epoller) 594 if (!epoller)
587 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 595 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
588 596
597Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
598used if available.
599
600 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_loop_new (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
601
589=item ev_default_destroy () 602=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
590 603
591Destroys the default loop (frees all memory and kernel state etc.). None 604Destroys an event loop object (frees all memory and kernel state
592of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal sense, so 605etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
593e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your responsibility to 606sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
594either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before> calling this function, 607responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
595or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually the easiest thing, you 608calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
596can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them for example). 609the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
610for example).
597 611
598Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal 612Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
599handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such 613handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
600as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually. 614as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
601 615
602In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 616This function is normally used on loop objects allocated by
603rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling 617C<ev_loop_new>, but it can also be used on the default loop returned by
618C<ev_default_loop>, in which case it is not thread-safe.
619
620Note that it is not advisable to call this function on the default loop
621except in the rare occasion where you really need to free it's resources.
604pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use 622If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use C<ev_loop_new>
605C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>. 623and C<ev_loop_destroy>.
606 624
607=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 625=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
608 626
609Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
610earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
611
612=item ev_default_fork ()
613
614This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations 627This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations to
615to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the 628reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
616name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in 629name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in
617the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little 630the child process. You I<must> call it (or use C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>) in the
618sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev 631child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>.
619functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_run> iteration.
620 632
621Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after 633Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after
622a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is 634a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is
623because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things 635because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things
624during fork. 636during fork.
629call it at all (in fact, C<epoll> is so badly broken that it makes a 641call it at all (in fact, C<epoll> is so badly broken that it makes a
630difference, but libev will usually detect this case on its own and do a 642difference, but libev will usually detect this case on its own and do a
631costly reset of the backend). 643costly reset of the backend).
632 644
633The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 645The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
634it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 646it just in case after a fork.
635quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
636 647
648Example: Automate calling C<ev_loop_fork> on the default loop when
649using pthreads.
650
651 static void
652 post_fork_child (void)
653 {
654 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
655 }
656
657 ...
637 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 658 pthread_atfork (0, 0, post_fork_child);
638
639=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
640
641Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
642C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
643after fork that you want to re-use in the child, and how you keep track of
644them is entirely your own problem.
645 659
646=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop) 660=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
647 661
648Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false 662Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
649otherwise. 663otherwise.
810Can be used to make a call to C<ev_run> return early (but only after it 824Can be used to make a call to C<ev_run> return early (but only after it
811has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 825has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
812C<EVBREAK_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_run> call return, or 826C<EVBREAK_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_run> call return, or
813C<EVBREAK_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_run> calls return. 827C<EVBREAK_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_run> calls return.
814 828
815This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_run> again. 829This "break state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_run> again.
816 830
817It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls. ##TODO## 831It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls, too.
818 832
819=item ev_ref (loop) 833=item ev_ref (loop)
820 834
821=item ev_unref (loop) 835=item ev_unref (loop)
822 836
1107=item C<EV_FORK> 1121=item C<EV_FORK>
1108 1122
1109The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see 1123The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
1110C<ev_fork>). 1124C<ev_fork>).
1111 1125
1126=item C<EV_CLEANUP>
1127
1128The event loop is about to be destroyed (see C<ev_cleanup>).
1129
1112=item C<EV_ASYNC> 1130=item C<EV_ASYNC>
1113 1131
1114The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 1132The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
1115 1133
1116=item C<EV_CUSTOM> 1134=item C<EV_CUSTOM>
1137programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another 1155programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another
1138thing, so beware. 1156thing, so beware.
1139 1157
1140=back 1158=back
1141 1159
1142=head2 WATCHER STATES
1143
1144There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual -
1145active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to
1146transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these
1147rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing".
1148
1149=over 4
1150
1151=item initialiased
1152
1153Before a watcher can be registered with the event looop it has to be
1154initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to
1155C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function.
1156
1157In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for use
1158in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at will.
1159
1160=item started/running/active
1161
1162Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes
1163property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in
1164this state it cannot be accessed (except in a few documented ways), moved,
1165freed or anything else - the only legal thing is to keep a pointer to it,
1166and call libev functions on it that are documented to work on active watchers.
1167
1168=item pending
1169
1170If a watcher is active and libev determines that an event it is interested
1171in has occurred (such as a timer expiring), it will become pending. It will
1172stay in this pending state until either it is stopped or its callback is
1173about to be invoked, so it is not normally pending inside the watcher
1174callback.
1175
1176The watcher might or might not be active while it is pending (for example,
1177an expired non-repeating timer can be pending but no longer active). If it
1178is stopped, it can be freely accessed (e.g. by calling C<ev_TYPE_set>),
1179but it is still property of the event loop at this time, so cannot be
1180moved, freed or reused. And if it is active the rules described in the
1181previous item still apply.
1182
1183It is also possible to feed an event on a watcher that is not active (e.g.
1184via C<ev_feed_event>), in which case it becomes pending without being
1185active.
1186
1187=item stopped
1188
1189A watcher can be stopped implicitly by libev (in which case it might still
1190be pending), or explicitly by calling its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. The
1191latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless
1192of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before
1193freeing it is often a good idea.
1194
1195While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the
1196initialised state, that is it can be reused, moved, modified in any way
1197you wish.
1198
1199=back
1200
1201=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 1160=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
1202 1161
1203=over 4 1162=over 4
1204 1163
1205=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 1164=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1346 1305
1347See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related 1306See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
1348functions that do not need a watcher. 1307functions that do not need a watcher.
1349 1308
1350=back 1309=back
1351
1352 1310
1353=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1311=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
1354 1312
1355Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 1313Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
1356and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used 1314and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
1412 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1370 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1413 { 1371 {
1414 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *) 1372 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1415 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1373 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1416 } 1374 }
1375
1376=head2 WATCHER STATES
1377
1378There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual -
1379active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to
1380transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these
1381rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing".
1382
1383=over 4
1384
1385=item initialiased
1386
1387Before a watcher can be registered with the event looop it has to be
1388initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to
1389C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function.
1390
1391In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for use
1392in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at will.
1393
1394=item started/running/active
1395
1396Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes
1397property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in
1398this state it cannot be accessed (except in a few documented ways), moved,
1399freed or anything else - the only legal thing is to keep a pointer to it,
1400and call libev functions on it that are documented to work on active watchers.
1401
1402=item pending
1403
1404If a watcher is active and libev determines that an event it is interested
1405in has occurred (such as a timer expiring), it will become pending. It will
1406stay in this pending state until either it is stopped or its callback is
1407about to be invoked, so it is not normally pending inside the watcher
1408callback.
1409
1410The watcher might or might not be active while it is pending (for example,
1411an expired non-repeating timer can be pending but no longer active). If it
1412is stopped, it can be freely accessed (e.g. by calling C<ev_TYPE_set>),
1413but it is still property of the event loop at this time, so cannot be
1414moved, freed or reused. And if it is active the rules described in the
1415previous item still apply.
1416
1417It is also possible to feed an event on a watcher that is not active (e.g.
1418via C<ev_feed_event>), in which case it becomes pending without being
1419active.
1420
1421=item stopped
1422
1423A watcher can be stopped implicitly by libev (in which case it might still
1424be pending), or explicitly by calling its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. The
1425latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless
1426of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before
1427freeing it is often a good idea.
1428
1429While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the
1430initialised state, that is it can be reused, moved, modified in any way
1431you wish.
1432
1433=back
1417 1434
1418=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS 1435=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS
1419 1436
1420Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small 1437Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small
1421integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation 1438integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation
3075disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support 3092disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support
3076signal watchers). 3093signal watchers).
3077 3094
3078When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for 3095When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for
3079other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call 3096other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call
3080C<ev_default_destroy ()> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>. Destroying 3097C<ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT)> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>.
3081the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered watchers, so you 3098Destroying the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered
3082have to be careful not to execute code that modifies those watchers. Note 3099watchers, so you have to be careful not to execute code that modifies
3083also that in that case, you have to re-register any signal watchers. 3100those watchers. Note also that in that case, you have to re-register any
3101signal watchers.
3084 3102
3085=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 3103=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
3086 3104
3087=over 4 3105=over 4
3088 3106
3089=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 3107=item ev_fork_init (ev_fork *, callback)
3090 3108
3091Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 3109Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
3092kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 3110kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
3093believe me. 3111really.
3094 3112
3095=back 3113=back
3114
3115
3116=head2 C<ev_cleanup> - even the best things end
3117
3118Cleanup watchers are called just before the event loop is being destroyed
3119by a call to C<ev_loop_destroy>.
3120
3121While there is no guarantee that the event loop gets destroyed, cleanup
3122watchers provide a convenient method to install cleanup hooks for your
3123program, worker threads and so on - you just to make sure to destroy the
3124loop when you want them to be invoked.
3125
3126Cleanup watchers are invoked in the same way as any other watcher. Unlike
3127all other watchers, they do not keep a reference to the event loop (which
3128makes a lot of sense if you think about it). Like all other watchers, you
3129can call libev functions in the callback, except C<ev_cleanup_start>.
3130
3131=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
3132
3133=over 4
3134
3135=item ev_cleanup_init (ev_cleanup *, callback)
3136
3137Initialises and configures the cleanup watcher - it has no parameters of
3138any kind. There is a C<ev_cleanup_set> macro, but using it is utterly
3139pointless, I assure you.
3140
3141=back
3142
3143Example: Register an atexit handler to destroy the default loop, so any
3144cleanup functions are called.
3145
3146 static void
3147 program_exits (void)
3148 {
3149 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
3150 }
3151
3152 ...
3153 atexit (program_exits);
3096 3154
3097 3155
3098=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop 3156=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop
3099 3157
3100In general, you cannot use an C<ev_run> from multiple threads or other 3158In general, you cannot use an C<ev_run> from multiple threads or other
4707structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also 4765structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
4708assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher 4766assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
4709callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev 4767callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
4710calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally. 4768calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
4711 4769
4770=item pointer accesses must be thread-atomic
4771
4772Accessing a pointer value must be atomic, it must both be readable and
4773writable in one piece - this is the case on all current architectures.
4774
4712=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
4713 4776
4714The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as 4777The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
4715C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different 4778C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
4716threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is 4779threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
4822=back 4885=back
4823 4886
4824 4887
4825=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X 4888=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X
4826 4889
4827The major version 4 introduced some minor incompatible changes to the API. 4890The major version 4 introduced some incompatible changes to the API.
4828 4891
4829At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file tries to implement superficial 4892At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file provides compatibility definitions
4830compatibility, so most programs should still compile. Those might be 4893for all changes, so most programs should still compile. The compatibility
4831removed in later versions of libev, so better update early than late. 4894layer might be removed in later versions of libev, so better update to the
4895new API early than late.
4832 4896
4833=over 4 4897=over 4
4898
4899=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
4900
4901The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
4902C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L<PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L<EMBEDDING>
4903section.
4904
4905=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed
4906
4907These calls can be replaced easily by their C<ev_loop_xxx> counterparts:
4908
4909 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
4910 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
4834 4911
4835=item function/symbol renames 4912=item function/symbol renames
4836 4913
4837A number of functions and symbols have been renamed: 4914A number of functions and symbols have been renamed:
4838 4915
4857ev_loop> anymore and C<EV_TIMER> now follows the same naming scheme 4934ev_loop> anymore and C<EV_TIMER> now follows the same naming scheme
4858as all other watcher types. Note that C<ev_loop_fork> is still called 4935as all other watcher types. Note that C<ev_loop_fork> is still called
4859C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the C<ev_fork> 4936C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the C<ev_fork>
4860typedef. 4937typedef.
4861 4938
4862=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
4863
4864The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
4865C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L<PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L<EMBEDDING>
4866section.
4867
4868=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES> 4939=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES>
4869 4940
4870The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different 4941The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different
4871mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile 4942mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile
4872and work, but the library code will of course be larger. 4943and work, but the library code will of course be larger.
4946 5017
4947=back 5018=back
4948 5019
4949=head1 AUTHOR 5020=head1 AUTHOR
4950 5021
4951Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson. 5022Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael
5023Magnusson and Emanuele Giaquinta.
4952 5024

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