ViewVC Help
View File | Revision Log | Show Annotations | Download File
/cvs/libev/ev.pod
(Generate patch)

Comparing libev/ev.pod (file contents):
Revision 1.337 by root, Sun Oct 31 20:20:20 2010 UTC vs.
Revision 1.445 by root, Fri Dec 21 06:54:30 2018 UTC

1=encoding utf-8
2
1=head1 NAME 3=head1 NAME
2 4
3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C 5libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C
4 6
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 7=head1 SYNOPSIS
58 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 60 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
59 61
60 // now wait for events to arrive 62 // now wait for events to arrive
61 ev_run (loop, 0); 63 ev_run (loop, 0);
62 64
63 // unloop was called, so exit 65 // break was called, so exit
64 return 0; 66 return 0;
65 } 67 }
66 68
67=head1 ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT 69=head1 ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
68 70
82 84
83=head1 WHAT TO READ WHEN IN A HURRY 85=head1 WHAT TO READ WHEN IN A HURRY
84 86
85This manual tries to be very detailed, but unfortunately, this also makes 87This manual tries to be very detailed, but unfortunately, this also makes
86it very long. If you just want to know the basics of libev, I suggest 88it very long. If you just want to know the basics of libev, I suggest
87reading L<ANATOMY OF A WATCHER>, then the L<EXAMPLE PROGRAM> above and 89reading L</ANATOMY OF A WATCHER>, then the L</EXAMPLE PROGRAM> above and
88look up the missing functions in L<GLOBAL FUNCTIONS> and the C<ev_io> and 90look up the missing functions in L</GLOBAL FUNCTIONS> and the C<ev_io> and
89C<ev_timer> sections in L<WATCHER TYPES>. 91C<ev_timer> sections in L</WATCHER TYPES>.
90 92
91=head1 ABOUT LIBEV 93=head1 ABOUT LIBEV
92 94
93Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 95Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
94file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage 96file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
174=item ev_tstamp ev_time () 176=item ev_tstamp ev_time ()
175 177
176Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 178Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
177C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp 179C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
178you actually want to know. Also interesting is the combination of 180you actually want to know. Also interesting is the combination of
179C<ev_update_now> and C<ev_now>. 181C<ev_now_update> and C<ev_now>.
180 182
181=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 183=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
182 184
183Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 185Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked
184either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 186until either it is interrupted or the given time interval has
187passed (approximately - it might return a bit earlier even if not
188interrupted). Returns immediately if C<< interval <= 0 >>.
189
185this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>. 190Basically this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>.
191
192The range of the C<interval> is limited - libev only guarantees to work
193with sleep times of up to one day (C<< interval <= 86400 >>).
186 194
187=item int ev_version_major () 195=item int ev_version_major ()
188 196
189=item int ev_version_minor () 197=item int ev_version_minor ()
190 198
241the current system, you would need to look at C<ev_embeddable_backends () 249the current system, you would need to look at C<ev_embeddable_backends ()
242& ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for recommended ones. 250& ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for recommended ones.
243 251
244See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 252See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
245 253
246=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT] 254=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size) throw ())
247 255
248Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 256Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
249semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is 257semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
250used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero 258used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
251when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort 259when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
277 } 285 }
278 286
279 ... 287 ...
280 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 288 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
281 289
282=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); [NOT REENTRANT] 290=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg) throw ())
283 291
284Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such 292Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
285as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 293as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
286indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 294indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
287callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no 295callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
299 } 307 }
300 308
301 ... 309 ...
302 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error); 310 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error);
303 311
312=item ev_feed_signal (int signum)
313
314This function can be used to "simulate" a signal receive. It is completely
315safe to call this function at any time, from any context, including signal
316handlers or random threads.
317
318Its main use is to customise signal handling in your process, especially
319in the presence of threads. For example, you could block signals
320by default in all threads (and specifying C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK> when
321creating any loops), and in one thread, use C<sigwait> or any other
322mechanism to wait for signals, then "deliver" them to libev by calling
323C<ev_feed_signal>.
324
304=back 325=back
305 326
306=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING EVENT LOOPS 327=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING EVENT LOOPS
307 328
308An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> is 329An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> is
355=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags) 376=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
356 377
357This will create and initialise a new event loop object. If the loop 378This will create and initialise a new event loop object. If the loop
358could not be initialised, returns false. 379could not be initialised, returns false.
359 380
360Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and one common way to use 381This function is thread-safe, and one common way to use libev with
361libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the 382threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the default
362default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread. 383loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
363 384
364The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 385The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
365backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). 386backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
366 387
367The following flags are supported: 388The following flags are supported:
377 398
378If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid 399If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid
379or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable 400or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
380C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 401C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
381override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 402override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
382useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 403useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, to work
383around bugs. 404around bugs, or to make libev threadsafe (accessing environment variables
405cannot be done in a threadsafe way, but usually it works if no other
406thread modifies them).
384 407
385=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK> 408=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
386 409
387Instead of calling C<ev_loop_fork> manually after a fork, you can also 410Instead of calling C<ev_loop_fork> manually after a fork, you can also
388make libev check for a fork in each iteration by enabling this flag. 411make libev check for a fork in each iteration by enabling this flag.
389 412
390This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 413This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
391and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop 414and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
392iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 415iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
393GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence 416GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn
394without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has 417sequence without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux
395C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). 418system also has C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). (Update: glibc
419versions 2.25 apparently removed the C<getpid> optimisation again).
396 420
397The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and 421The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
398forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this 422forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking, although you still
399flag. 423have to ignore C<SIGPIPE>) when you use this flag.
400 424
401This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> 425This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
402environment variable. 426environment variable.
403 427
404=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY> 428=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY>
405 429
406When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the 430When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the
407I<inotify> API for it's C<ev_stat> watchers. Apart from debugging and 431I<inotify> API for its C<ev_stat> watchers. Apart from debugging and
408testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as 432testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as
409otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle. 433otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle.
410 434
411=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD> 435=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD>
412 436
413When this flag is specified, then libev will attempt to use the 437When this flag is specified, then libev will attempt to use the
414I<signalfd> API for it's C<ev_signal> (and C<ev_child>) watchers. This API 438I<signalfd> API for its C<ev_signal> (and C<ev_child>) watchers. This API
415delivers signals synchronously, which makes it both faster and might make 439delivers signals synchronously, which makes it both faster and might make
416it possible to get the queued signal data. It can also simplify signal 440it possible to get the queued signal data. It can also simplify signal
417handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your 441handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your
418threads that are not interested in handling them. 442threads that are not interested in handling them.
419 443
420Signalfd will not be used by default as this changes your signal mask, and 444Signalfd will not be used by default as this changes your signal mask, and
421there are a lot of shoddy libraries and programs (glib's threadpool for 445there are a lot of shoddy libraries and programs (glib's threadpool for
422example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks. 446example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks.
447
448=item C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK>
449
450When this flag is specified, then libev will avoid to modify the signal
451mask. Specifically, this means you have to make sure signals are unblocked
452when you want to receive them.
453
454This behaviour is useful when you want to do your own signal handling, or
455want to handle signals only in specific threads and want to avoid libev
456unblocking the signals.
457
458It's also required by POSIX in a threaded program, as libev calls
459C<sigprocmask>, whose behaviour is officially unspecified.
460
461This flag's behaviour will become the default in future versions of libev.
423 462
424=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 463=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
425 464
426This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 465This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
427libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 466libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
455=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 494=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
456 495
457Use the linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9 496Use the linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9
458kernels). 497kernels).
459 498
460For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 499For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, but
461but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 500it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like
462like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), 501O(total_fds) where total_fds is the total number of fds (or the highest
463epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). 502fd), epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
464 503
465The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned 504The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
466of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently 505of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
467dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file 506dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
468descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup, 507descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup,
469returning before the timeout value requiring additional iterations and so 508returning before the timeout value, resulting in additional iterations
509(and only giving 5ms accuracy while select on the same platform gives
470on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program forks then 5100.1ms) and so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program
471I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll set, which can 511forks then I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll
472take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) and is of course 512set, which can take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor)
473hard to detect. 513and is of course hard to detect.
474 514
475Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but 515Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work,
476of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally 516but of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for
477I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot 517totally I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so
478even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially 518one cannot even remove them from the set) than registered in the set
479on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by 519(especially on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious
480employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the 520notifications by employing an additional generation counter and comparing
481events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. Last 521that against the events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set
522when required. Epoll also erroneously rounds down timeouts, but gives you
523no way to know when and by how much, so sometimes you have to busy-wait
524because epoll returns immediately despite a nonzero timeout. And last
482not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work 525not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work
483perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...). 526perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...).
527
528Epoll is truly the train wreck among event poll mechanisms, a frankenpoll,
529cobbled together in a hurry, no thought to design or interaction with
530others. Oh, the pain, will it ever stop...
484 531
485While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 532While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
486will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such 533will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
487incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different 534incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different
488I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed 535I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
525 572
526It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 573It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
527kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 574kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
528course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 575course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
529cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to 576cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
530two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad (but 577two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad (you
531sane, unlike epoll) and it drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect 578might have to leak fd's on fork, but it's more sane than epoll) and it
532cases 579drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
533 580
534This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 581This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
535 582
536While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work 583While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
537everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken 584everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
554=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 601=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
555 602
556This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 603This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
557it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 604it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
558 605
559Please note that Solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
560notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
561blocking when no data (or space) is available.
562
563While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active 606While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
564file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 607file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
565descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend 608descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
566might perform better. 609might perform better.
567 610
568On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness 611On the positive side, this backend actually performed fully to
569notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification
570in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat among the 612specification in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat
571OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed hacks). 613among the OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed
614hacks).
615
616On the negative side, the interface is I<bizarre> - so bizarre that
617even sun itself gets it wrong in their code examples: The event polling
618function sometimes returns events to the caller even though an error
619occurred, but with no indication whether it has done so or not (yes, it's
620even documented that way) - deadly for edge-triggered interfaces where you
621absolutely have to know whether an event occurred or not because you have
622to re-arm the watcher.
623
624Fortunately libev seems to be able to work around these idiocies.
572 625
573This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as 626This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
574C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 627C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
575 628
576=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 629=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
577 630
578Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 631Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
579with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 632with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
580C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 633C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
581 634
582It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 635It is definitely not recommended to use this flag, use whatever
636C<ev_recommended_backends ()> returns, or simply do not specify a backend
637at all.
638
639=item C<EVBACKEND_MASK>
640
641Not a backend at all, but a mask to select all backend bits from a
642C<flags> value, in case you want to mask out any backends from a flags
643value (e.g. when modifying the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> environment variable).
583 644
584=back 645=back
585 646
586If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value, 647If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value,
587then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed 648then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed
616This function is normally used on loop objects allocated by 677This function is normally used on loop objects allocated by
617C<ev_loop_new>, but it can also be used on the default loop returned by 678C<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. 679C<ev_default_loop>, in which case it is not thread-safe.
619 680
620Note that it is not advisable to call this function on the default loop 681Note 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. 682except in the rare occasion where you really need to free its resources.
622If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use C<ev_loop_new> 683If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use C<ev_loop_new>
623and C<ev_loop_destroy>. 684and C<ev_loop_destroy>.
624 685
625=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 686=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
626 687
627This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations to 688This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations
628reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the 689to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite
629name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in 690the name, you can call it anytime you are allowed to start or stop
630the child process. You I<must> call it (or use C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>) in the 691watchers (except inside an C<ev_prepare> callback), but it makes most
692sense after forking, in the child process. You I<must> call it (or use
631child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>. 693C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>) in the child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>.
632 694
695In addition, if you want to reuse a loop (via this function or
696C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>), you I<also> have to ignore C<SIGPIPE>.
697
633Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after 698Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after
634a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is 699a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is
635because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things 700because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things
636during fork. 701during fork.
637 702
638On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child 703On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
674prepare and check phases. 739prepare and check phases.
675 740
676=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop) 741=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop)
677 742
678Returns the number of times C<ev_run> was entered minus the number of 743Returns the number of times C<ev_run> was entered minus the number of
679times C<ev_run> was exited, in other words, the recursion depth. 744times C<ev_run> was exited normally, in other words, the recursion depth.
680 745
681Outside C<ev_run>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is 746Outside C<ev_run>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is
682C<1>, unless C<ev_run> was invoked recursively (or from another thread), 747C<1>, unless C<ev_run> was invoked recursively (or from another thread),
683in which case it is higher. 748in which case it is higher.
684 749
685Leaving C<ev_run> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread 750Leaving C<ev_run> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread,
686etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this as a hint to avoid such 751throwing an exception etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this
687ungentleman-like behaviour unless it's really convenient. 752as a hint to avoid such ungentleman-like behaviour unless it's really
753convenient, in which case it is fully supported.
688 754
689=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 755=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
690 756
691Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 757Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
692use. 758use.
707 773
708This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a 774This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
709very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of 775very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
710the current time is a good idea. 776the current time is a good idea.
711 777
712See also L<The special problem of time updates> in the C<ev_timer> section. 778See also L</The special problem of time updates> in the C<ev_timer> section.
713 779
714=item ev_suspend (loop) 780=item ev_suspend (loop)
715 781
716=item ev_resume (loop) 782=item ev_resume (loop)
717 783
735without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>. 801without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>.
736 802
737Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the 803Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the
738event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>). 804event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>).
739 805
740=item ev_run (loop, int flags) 806=item bool ev_run (loop, int flags)
741 807
742Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 808Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
743after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start 809after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start
744handling events. It will ask the operating system for any new events, call 810handling events. It will ask the operating system for any new events, call
745the watcher callbacks, an then repeat the whole process indefinitely: This 811the watcher callbacks, and then repeat the whole process indefinitely: This
746is why event loops are called I<loops>. 812is why event loops are called I<loops>.
747 813
748If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will keep handling events 814If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will keep handling events
749until either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_break> was 815until either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_break> was
750called. 816called.
817
818The return value is false if there are no more active watchers (which
819usually means "all jobs done" or "deadlock"), and true in all other cases
820(which usually means " you should call C<ev_run> again").
751 821
752Please note that an explicit C<ev_break> is usually better than 822Please note that an explicit C<ev_break> is usually better than
753relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 823relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
754finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program 824finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
755that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue 825that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
756of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of 826of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
757beauty. 827beauty.
758 828
829This function is I<mostly> exception-safe - you can break out of a
830C<ev_run> call by calling C<longjmp> in a callback, throwing a C++
831exception and so on. This does not decrement the C<ev_depth> value, nor
832will it clear any outstanding C<EVBREAK_ONE> breaks.
833
759A flags value of C<EVRUN_NOWAIT> will look for new events, will handle 834A flags value of C<EVRUN_NOWAIT> will look for new events, will handle
760those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not wait and 835those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not wait and
761block your process in case there are no events and will return after one 836block your process in case there are no events and will return after one
762iteration of the loop. This is sometimes useful to poll and handle new 837iteration of the loop. This is sometimes useful to poll and handle new
763events while doing lengthy calculations, to keep the program responsive. 838events while doing lengthy calculations, to keep the program responsive.
772This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction 847This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
773with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your 848with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
774own C<ev_run>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 849own C<ev_run>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
775usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 850usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
776 851
777Here are the gory details of what C<ev_run> does: 852Here are the gory details of what C<ev_run> does (this is for your
853understanding, not a guarantee that things will work exactly like this in
854future versions):
778 855
779 - Increment loop depth. 856 - Increment loop depth.
780 - Reset the ev_break status. 857 - Reset the ev_break status.
781 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 858 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
782 LOOP: 859 LOOP:
815anymore. 892anymore.
816 893
817 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 894 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
818 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 895 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
819 ev_run (my_loop, 0); 896 ev_run (my_loop, 0);
820 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah! 897 ... jobs done or somebody called break. yeah!
821 898
822=item ev_break (loop, how) 899=item ev_break (loop, how)
823 900
824Can be used to make a call to C<ev_run> return early (but only after it 901Can be used to make a call to C<ev_run> return early (but only after it
825has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 902has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
826C<EVBREAK_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_run> call return, or 903C<EVBREAK_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_run> call return, or
827C<EVBREAK_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_run> calls return. 904C<EVBREAK_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_run> calls return.
828 905
829This "break state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_run> again. 906This "break state" will be cleared on the next call to C<ev_run>.
830 907
831It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls, too. 908It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls, too, in
909which case it will have no effect.
832 910
833=item ev_ref (loop) 911=item ev_ref (loop)
834 912
835=item ev_unref (loop) 913=item ev_unref (loop)
836 914
857running when nothing else is active. 935running when nothing else is active.
858 936
859 ev_signal exitsig; 937 ev_signal exitsig;
860 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 938 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
861 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 939 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
862 evf_unref (loop); 940 ev_unref (loop);
863 941
864Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 942Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
865 943
866 ev_ref (loop); 944 ev_ref (loop);
867 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 945 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
887overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once. 965overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
888 966
889By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more 967By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
890time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration, 968time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
891at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and 969at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
892C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will 970C<ev_timer>) will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
893introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. The 971introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. The
894sleep time ensures that libev will not poll for I/O events more often then 972sleep time ensures that libev will not poll for I/O events more often then
895once per this interval, on average. 973once per this interval, on average (as long as the host time resolution is
974good enough).
896 975
897Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev 976Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
898to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 977to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
899latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called 978latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
900later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null 979later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null
946invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.). 1025invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.).
947 1026
948If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new 1027If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new
949callback. 1028callback.
950 1029
951=item ev_set_loop_release_cb (loop, void (*release)(EV_P), void (*acquire)(EV_P)) 1030=item ev_set_loop_release_cb (loop, void (*release)(EV_P) throw (), void (*acquire)(EV_P) throw ())
952 1031
953Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This 1032Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This
954can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around 1033can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around
955each call to a libev function. 1034each call to a libev function.
956 1035
957However, C<ev_run> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible 1036However, C<ev_run> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible
958to wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the event 1037to wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the event
959loop via C<ev_break> and C<av_async_send>, another way is to set these 1038loop via C<ev_break> and C<ev_async_send>, another way is to set these
960I<release> and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop. 1039I<release> and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop.
961 1040
962When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is 1041When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is
963suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just 1042suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just
964afterwards. 1043afterwards.
979See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this 1058See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this
980document. 1059document.
981 1060
982=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data) 1061=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data)
983 1062
984=item ev_userdata (loop) 1063=item void *ev_userdata (loop)
985 1064
986Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When 1065Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When
987C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns 1066C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns
988C<0.> 1067C<0>.
989 1068
990These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop, 1069These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop,
991and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and 1070and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and
992C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for 1071C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for
993any other purpose as well. 1072any other purpose as well.
1104 1183
1105=item C<EV_PREPARE> 1184=item C<EV_PREPARE>
1106 1185
1107=item C<EV_CHECK> 1186=item C<EV_CHECK>
1108 1187
1109All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_run> starts 1188All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_run> starts to
1110to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after 1189gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are queued (not invoked)
1111C<ev_run> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any 1190just after C<ev_run> has gathered them, but before it queues any callbacks
1191for any received events. That means C<ev_prepare> watchers are the last
1192watchers invoked before the event loop sleeps or polls for new events, and
1193C<ev_check> watchers will be invoked before any other watchers of the same
1194or lower priority within an event loop iteration.
1195
1112received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 1196Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as many watchers as
1113many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account 1197they want, and all of them will be taken into account (for example, a
1114(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep 1198C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep C<ev_run> from
1115C<ev_run> from blocking). 1199blocking).
1116 1200
1117=item C<EV_EMBED> 1201=item C<EV_EMBED>
1118 1202
1119The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention. 1203The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
1120 1204
1243 1327
1244=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1328=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1245 1329
1246Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 1330Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
1247 1331
1248=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 1332=item ev_set_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1249 1333
1250Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 1334Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
1251(modulo threads). 1335(modulo threads).
1252 1336
1253=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, int priority) 1337=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, int priority)
1271or might not have been clamped to the valid range. 1355or might not have been clamped to the valid range.
1272 1356
1273The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is 1357The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
1274always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :). 1358always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
1275 1359
1276See L<WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS>, below, for a more thorough treatment of 1360See L</WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS>, below, for a more thorough treatment of
1277priorities. 1361priorities.
1278 1362
1279=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents) 1363=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1280 1364
1281Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither 1365Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
1306See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related 1390See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
1307functions that do not need a watcher. 1391functions that do not need a watcher.
1308 1392
1309=back 1393=back
1310 1394
1311=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1395See also the L</ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER> and L</BUILDING YOUR
1312 1396OWN COMPOSITE WATCHERS> idioms.
1313Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
1314and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
1315to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
1316don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data
1317member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
1318data:
1319
1320 struct my_io
1321 {
1322 ev_io io;
1323 int otherfd;
1324 void *somedata;
1325 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
1326 };
1327
1328 ...
1329 struct my_io w;
1330 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
1331
1332And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
1333can cast it back to your own type:
1334
1335 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
1336 {
1337 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
1338 ...
1339 }
1340
1341More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
1342instead have been omitted.
1343
1344Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
1345embedded watchers:
1346
1347 struct my_biggy
1348 {
1349 int some_data;
1350 ev_timer t1;
1351 ev_timer t2;
1352 }
1353
1354In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
1355complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct
1356in the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies), or you need to use
1357some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for real
1358programmers):
1359
1360 #include <stddef.h>
1361
1362 static void
1363 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1364 {
1365 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1366 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
1367 }
1368
1369 static void
1370 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1371 {
1372 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1373 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1374 }
1375 1397
1376=head2 WATCHER STATES 1398=head2 WATCHER STATES
1377 1399
1378There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual - 1400There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual -
1379active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to 1401active, 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 1402transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these
1381rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing". 1403rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing".
1382 1404
1383=over 4 1405=over 4
1384 1406
1385=item initialiased 1407=item initialised
1386 1408
1387Before a watcher can be registered with the event looop it has to be 1409Before a watcher can be registered with the event loop it has to be
1388initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to 1410initialised. 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. 1411C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function.
1390 1412
1391In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for use 1413In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for
1392in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at will. 1414use in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at
1415will - as long as you either keep the memory contents intact, or call
1416C<ev_TYPE_init> again.
1393 1417
1394=item started/running/active 1418=item started/running/active
1395 1419
1396Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes 1420Once 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 1421property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in
1425latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless 1449latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless
1426of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before 1450of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before
1427freeing it is often a good idea. 1451freeing it is often a good idea.
1428 1452
1429While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the 1453While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the
1430initialised state, that is it can be reused, moved, modified in any way 1454initialised state, that is, it can be reused, moved, modified in any way
1431you wish. 1455you wish (but when you trash the memory block, you need to C<ev_TYPE_init>
1456it again).
1432 1457
1433=back 1458=back
1434 1459
1435=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS 1460=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS
1436 1461
1565In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 1590In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
1566fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 1591fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
1567descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1592descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
1568required if you know what you are doing). 1593required if you know what you are doing).
1569 1594
1570If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a
1571known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
1572C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). The same applies to file
1573descriptors for which non-blocking operation makes no sense (such as
1574files) - libev doesn't guarantee any specific behaviour in that case.
1575
1576Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1595Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1577receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might 1596receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is, your callback might
1578be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1597be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
1579because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1598because there is no data. It is very easy to get into this situation even
1580lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into 1599with a relatively standard program structure. Thus it is best to always
1581this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1600use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning C<EAGAIN> is far
1582it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
1583C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 1601preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
1584 1602
1585If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should 1603If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should
1586not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately 1604not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately
1587re-test whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good 1605re-test whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good
1588interface such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already 1606interface such as poll (fortunately in the case of Xlib, it already does
1589does this on its own, so its quite safe to use). Some people additionally 1607this on its own, so its quite safe to use). Some people additionally
1590use C<SIGALRM> and an interval timer, just to be sure you won't block 1608use C<SIGALRM> and an interval timer, just to be sure you won't block
1591indefinitely. 1609indefinitely.
1592 1610
1593But really, best use non-blocking mode. 1611But really, best use non-blocking mode.
1594 1612
1622 1640
1623There is no workaround possible except not registering events 1641There is no workaround possible except not registering events
1624for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to 1642for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to
1625C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 1643C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1626 1644
1645=head3 The special problem of files
1646
1647Many people try to use C<select> (or libev) on file descriptors
1648representing files, and expect it to become ready when their program
1649doesn't block on disk accesses (which can take a long time on their own).
1650
1651However, this cannot ever work in the "expected" way - you get a readiness
1652notification as soon as the kernel knows whether and how much data is
1653there, and in the case of open files, that's always the case, so you
1654always get a readiness notification instantly, and your read (or possibly
1655write) will still block on the disk I/O.
1656
1657Another way to view it is that in the case of sockets, pipes, character
1658devices and so on, there is another party (the sender) that delivers data
1659on its own, but in the case of files, there is no such thing: the disk
1660will not send data on its own, simply because it doesn't know what you
1661wish to read - you would first have to request some data.
1662
1663Since files are typically not-so-well supported by advanced notification
1664mechanism, libev tries hard to emulate POSIX behaviour with respect
1665to files, even though you should not use it. The reason for this is
1666convenience: sometimes you want to watch STDIN or STDOUT, which is
1667usually a tty, often a pipe, but also sometimes files or special devices
1668(for example, C<epoll> on Linux works with F</dev/random> but not with
1669F</dev/urandom>), and even though the file might better be served with
1670asynchronous I/O instead of with non-blocking I/O, it is still useful when
1671it "just works" instead of freezing.
1672
1673So avoid file descriptors pointing to files when you know it (e.g. use
1674libeio), but use them when it is convenient, e.g. for STDIN/STDOUT, or
1675when you rarely read from a file instead of from a socket, and want to
1676reuse the same code path.
1677
1627=head3 The special problem of fork 1678=head3 The special problem of fork
1628 1679
1629Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit 1680Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit
1630useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about 1681useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about
1631it in the child. 1682it in the child if you want to continue to use it in the child.
1632 1683
1633To support fork in your programs, you either have to call 1684To support fork in your child processes, you have to call C<ev_loop_fork
1634C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child, 1685()> after a fork in the child, enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to
1635enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or 1686C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1636C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1637 1687
1638=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE 1688=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1639 1689
1640While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about C<SIGPIPE>: 1690While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about C<SIGPIPE>:
1641when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets 1691when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets
1739detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1789detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1740monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1790monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1741 1791
1742The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has 1792The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1743passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this 1793passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this
1744might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the 1794might introduce a small delay, see "the special problem of being too
1795early", below). If multiple timers become ready during the same loop
1745same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked 1796iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked before
1746before ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is 1797ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is no
1747no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively). 1798longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1748 1799
1749=head3 Be smart about timeouts 1800=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1750 1801
1751Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error 1802Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1752recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs, 1803recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1827 1878
1828In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone, 1879In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone,
1829but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only 1880but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only
1830within the callback: 1881within the callback:
1831 1882
1883 ev_tstamp timeout = 60.;
1832 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity 1884 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity
1885 ev_timer timer;
1833 1886
1834 static void 1887 static void
1835 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1888 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1836 { 1889 {
1837 ev_tstamp now = ev_now (EV_A); 1890 // calculate when the timeout would happen
1838 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.; 1891 ev_tstamp after = last_activity - ev_now (EV_A) + timeout;
1839 1892
1840 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out 1893 // if negative, it means we the timeout already occurred
1841 if (timeout < now) 1894 if (after < 0.)
1842 { 1895 {
1843 // timeout occurred, take action 1896 // timeout occurred, take action
1844 } 1897 }
1845 else 1898 else
1846 { 1899 {
1847 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm 1900 // callback was invoked, but there was some recent
1848 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is 1901 // activity. simply restart the timer to time out
1849 // guaranteed to be in the future, so "again" is positive: 1902 // after "after" seconds, which is the earliest time
1850 w->repeat = timeout - now; 1903 // the timeout can occur.
1904 ev_timer_set (w, after, 0.);
1851 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ w); 1905 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ w);
1852 } 1906 }
1853 } 1907 }
1854 1908
1855To summarise the callback: first calculate the real timeout (defined 1909To summarise the callback: first calculate in how many seconds the
1856as "60 seconds after the last activity"), then check if that time has 1910timeout will occur (by calculating the absolute time when it would occur,
1857been reached, which means something I<did>, in fact, time out. Otherwise 1911C<last_activity + timeout>, and subtracting the current time, C<ev_now
1858the callback was invoked too early (C<timeout> is in the future), so 1912(EV_A)> from that).
1859re-schedule the timer to fire at that future time, to see if maybe we have
1860a timeout then.
1861 1913
1862Note how C<ev_timer_again> is used, taking advantage of the 1914If this value is negative, then we are already past the timeout, i.e. we
1863C<ev_timer_again> optimisation when the timer is already running. 1915timed out, and need to do whatever is needed in this case.
1916
1917Otherwise, we now the earliest time at which the timeout would trigger,
1918and simply start the timer with this timeout value.
1919
1920In other words, each time the callback is invoked it will check whether
1921the timeout occurred. If not, it will simply reschedule itself to check
1922again at the earliest time it could time out. Rinse. Repeat.
1864 1923
1865This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds 1924This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds
1866minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to 1925minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to
1867libev to change the timeout. 1926libev to change the timeout.
1868 1927
1869To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity> 1928To start the machinery, simply initialise the watcher and set
1870to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the 1929C<last_activity> to the current time (meaning there was some activity just
1871callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer: 1930now), then call the callback, which will "do the right thing" and start
1931the timer:
1872 1932
1933 last_activity = ev_now (EV_A);
1873 ev_init (timer, callback); 1934 ev_init (&timer, callback);
1874 last_activity = ev_now (loop); 1935 callback (EV_A_ &timer, 0);
1875 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMER);
1876 1936
1877And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in 1937When there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1878C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all: 1938C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1879 1939
1940 if (activity detected)
1880 last_activity = ev_now (loop); 1941 last_activity = ev_now (EV_A);
1942
1943When your timeout value changes, then the timeout can be changed by simply
1944providing a new value, stopping the timer and calling the callback, which
1945will again do the right thing (for example, time out immediately :).
1946
1947 timeout = new_value;
1948 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &timer);
1949 callback (EV_A_ &timer, 0);
1881 1950
1882This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the 1951This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1883time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient. 1952time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1884
1885Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1886callback :) - just change the timeout and invoke the callback, which will
1887fix things for you.
1888 1953
1889=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts. 1954=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts.
1890 1955
1891If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all 1956If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all
1892employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can 1957employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can
1919Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is 1984Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is
1920rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays 1985rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays
1921off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually 1986off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually
1922overkill :) 1987overkill :)
1923 1988
1989=head3 The special problem of being too early
1990
1991If you ask a timer to call your callback after three seconds, then
1992you expect it to be invoked after three seconds - but of course, this
1993cannot be guaranteed to infinite precision. Less obviously, it cannot be
1994guaranteed to any precision by libev - imagine somebody suspending the
1995process with a STOP signal for a few hours for example.
1996
1997So, libev tries to invoke your callback as soon as possible I<after> the
1998delay has occurred, but cannot guarantee this.
1999
2000A less obvious failure mode is calling your callback too early: many event
2001loops compare timestamps with a "elapsed delay >= requested delay", but
2002this can cause your callback to be invoked much earlier than you would
2003expect.
2004
2005To see why, imagine a system with a clock that only offers full second
2006resolution (think windows if you can't come up with a broken enough OS
2007yourself). If you schedule a one-second timer at the time 500.9, then the
2008event loop will schedule your timeout to elapse at a system time of 500
2009(500.9 truncated to the resolution) + 1, or 501.
2010
2011If an event library looks at the timeout 0.1s later, it will see "501 >=
2012501" and invoke the callback 0.1s after it was started, even though a
2013one-second delay was requested - this is being "too early", despite best
2014intentions.
2015
2016This is the reason why libev will never invoke the callback if the elapsed
2017delay equals the requested delay, but only when the elapsed delay is
2018larger than the requested delay. In the example above, libev would only invoke
2019the callback at system time 502, or 1.1s after the timer was started.
2020
2021So, while libev cannot guarantee that your callback will be invoked
2022exactly when requested, it I<can> and I<does> guarantee that the requested
2023delay has actually elapsed, or in other words, it always errs on the "too
2024late" side of things.
2025
1924=head3 The special problem of time updates 2026=head3 The special problem of time updates
1925 2027
1926Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at 2028Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes
1927least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current 2029at least one system call): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1928time only before and after C<ev_run> collects new events, which causes a 2030time only before and after C<ev_run> collects new events, which causes a
1929growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling 2031growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1930lots of events in one iteration. 2032lots of events in one iteration.
1931 2033
1932The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 2034The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1933time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 2035time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1934of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If 2036of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If
1935you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the 2037you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the
1936timeout on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this: 2038timeout on the current time, use something like the following to adjust
2039for it:
1937 2040
1938 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 2041 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + (ev_time () - ev_now ()), 0.);
1939 2042
1940If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an 2043If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
1941update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update 2044update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
1942()>. 2045()>, although that will push the event time of all outstanding events
2046further into the future.
2047
2048=head3 The special problem of unsynchronised clocks
2049
2050Modern systems have a variety of clocks - libev itself uses the normal
2051"wall clock" clock and, if available, the monotonic clock (to avoid time
2052jumps).
2053
2054Neither of these clocks is synchronised with each other or any other clock
2055on the system, so C<ev_time ()> might return a considerably different time
2056than C<gettimeofday ()> or C<time ()>. On a GNU/Linux system, for example,
2057a call to C<gettimeofday> might return a second count that is one higher
2058than a directly following call to C<time>.
2059
2060The moral of this is to only compare libev-related timestamps with
2061C<ev_time ()> and C<ev_now ()>, at least if you want better precision than
2062a second or so.
2063
2064One more problem arises due to this lack of synchronisation: if libev uses
2065the system monotonic clock and you compare timestamps from C<ev_time>
2066or C<ev_now> from when you started your timer and when your callback is
2067invoked, you will find that sometimes the callback is a bit "early".
2068
2069This is because C<ev_timer>s work in real time, not wall clock time, so
2070libev makes sure your callback is not invoked before the delay happened,
2071I<measured according to the real time>, not the system clock.
2072
2073If your timeouts are based on a physical timescale (e.g. "time out this
2074connection after 100 seconds") then this shouldn't bother you as it is
2075exactly the right behaviour.
2076
2077If you want to compare wall clock/system timestamps to your timers, then
2078you need to use C<ev_periodic>s, as these are based on the wall clock
2079time, where your comparisons will always generate correct results.
1943 2080
1944=head3 The special problems of suspended animation 2081=head3 The special problems of suspended animation
1945 2082
1946When you leave the server world it is quite customary to hit machines that 2083When you leave the server world it is quite customary to hit machines that
1947can suspend/hibernate - what happens to the clocks during such a suspend? 2084can suspend/hibernate - what happens to the clocks during such a suspend?
1977 2114
1978=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 2115=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1979 2116
1980=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 2117=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1981 2118
1982Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat> 2119Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds (fractional and
1983is C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped once the timeout is 2120negative values are supported). If C<repeat> is C<0.>, then it will
1984reached. If it is positive, then the timer will automatically be 2121automatically be stopped once the timeout is reached. If it is positive,
1985configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds later, again, and again, 2122then the timer will automatically be configured to trigger again C<repeat>
1986until stopped manually. 2123seconds later, again, and again, until stopped manually.
1987 2124
1988The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if 2125The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if
1989you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally 2126you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally
1990trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot 2127trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot
1991keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to 2128keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to
1992do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 2129do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
1993 2130
1994=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *) 2131=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
1995 2132
1996This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 2133This will act as if the timer timed out, and restarts it again if it is
1997repeating. The exact semantics are: 2134repeating. It basically works like calling C<ev_timer_stop>, updating the
2135timeout to the C<repeat> value and calling C<ev_timer_start>.
1998 2136
2137The exact semantics are as in the following rules, all of which will be
2138applied to the watcher:
2139
2140=over 4
2141
1999If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 2142=item If the timer is pending, the pending status is always cleared.
2000 2143
2001If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 2144=item If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed
2145out, without invoking it).
2002 2146
2003If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 2147=item If the timer is repeating, make the C<repeat> value the new timeout
2004C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 2148and start the timer, if necessary.
2005 2149
2150=back
2151
2006This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a 2152This sounds a bit complicated, see L</Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a
2007usage example. 2153usage example.
2008 2154
2009=item ev_tstamp ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *) 2155=item ev_tstamp ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *)
2010 2156
2011Returns the remaining time until a timer fires. If the timer is active, 2157Returns the remaining time until a timer fires. If the timer is active,
2064Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 2210Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
2065(and unfortunately a bit complex). 2211(and unfortunately a bit complex).
2066 2212
2067Unlike C<ev_timer>, periodic watchers are not based on real time (or 2213Unlike C<ev_timer>, periodic watchers are not based on real time (or
2068relative time, the physical time that passes) but on wall clock time 2214relative time, the physical time that passes) but on wall clock time
2069(absolute time, the thing you can read on your calender or clock). The 2215(absolute time, the thing you can read on your calendar or clock). The
2070difference is that wall clock time can run faster or slower than real 2216difference is that wall clock time can run faster or slower than real
2071time, and time jumps are not uncommon (e.g. when you adjust your 2217time, and time jumps are not uncommon (e.g. when you adjust your
2072wrist-watch). 2218wrist-watch).
2073 2219
2074You can tell a periodic watcher to trigger after some specific point 2220You can tell a periodic watcher to trigger after some specific point
2079C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger roughly 10 seconds after starting 2225C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger roughly 10 seconds after starting
2080it, as it uses a relative timeout). 2226it, as it uses a relative timeout).
2081 2227
2082C<ev_periodic> watchers can also be used to implement vastly more complex 2228C<ev_periodic> watchers can also be used to implement vastly more complex
2083timers, such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or 2229timers, such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or
2084other complicated rules. This cannot be done with C<ev_timer> watchers, as 2230other complicated rules. This cannot easily be done with C<ev_timer>
2085those cannot react to time jumps. 2231watchers, as those cannot react to time jumps.
2086 2232
2087As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the 2233As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
2088point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple 2234point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple
2089timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with 2235timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with
2090earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values 2236earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values
2131 2277
2132Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 2278Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
2133C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 2279C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
2134time where C<time = offset (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 2280time where C<time = offset (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
2135 2281
2136For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<offset> value is near 2282The C<interval> I<MUST> be positive, and for numerical stability, the
2137C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for 2283interval value should be higher than C<1/8192> (which is around 100
2138this value, and in fact is often specified as zero. 2284microseconds) and C<offset> should be higher than C<0> and should have
2285at most a similar magnitude as the current time (say, within a factor of
2286ten). Typical values for offset are, in fact, C<0> or something between
2287C<0> and C<interval>, which is also the recommended range.
2139 2288
2140Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU 2289Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
2141speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability 2290speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
2142will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one 2291will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
2143millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough). 2292millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
2173 2322
2174NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is higher than or 2323NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is higher than or
2175equal to the passed C<now> value >>. 2324equal to the passed C<now> value >>.
2176 2325
2177This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that 2326This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that
2178triggers on "next midnight, local time". To do this, you would calculate the 2327triggers on "next midnight, local time". To do this, you would calculate
2179next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How 2328the next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for
2180you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main 2329this. Here is a (completely untested, no error checking) example on how to
2181reason I omitted it as an example). 2330do this:
2331
2332 #include <time.h>
2333
2334 static ev_tstamp
2335 my_rescheduler (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
2336 {
2337 time_t tnow = (time_t)now;
2338 struct tm tm;
2339 localtime_r (&tnow, &tm);
2340
2341 tm.tm_sec = tm.tm_min = tm.tm_hour = 0; // midnight current day
2342 ++tm.tm_mday; // midnight next day
2343
2344 return mktime (&tm);
2345 }
2346
2347Note: this code might run into trouble on days that have more then two
2348midnights (beginning and end).
2182 2349
2183=back 2350=back
2184 2351
2185=item ev_periodic_again (loop, ev_periodic *) 2352=item ev_periodic_again (loop, ev_periodic *)
2186 2353
2251 2418
2252 ev_periodic hourly_tick; 2419 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
2253 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 2420 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
2254 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 2421 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
2255 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 2422 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
2256 2423
2257 2424
2258=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 2425=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
2259 2426
2260Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 2427Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
2261signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 2428signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
2262will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 2429will try its best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
2263normal event processing, like any other event. 2430normal event processing, like any other event.
2264 2431
2265If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use 2432If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use
2266C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing 2433C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing
2267the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to 2434the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to
2271only within the same loop, i.e. you can watch for C<SIGINT> in your 2438only within the same loop, i.e. you can watch for C<SIGINT> in your
2272default loop and for C<SIGIO> in another loop, but you cannot watch for 2439default loop and for C<SIGIO> in another loop, but you cannot watch for
2273C<SIGINT> in both the default loop and another loop at the same time. At 2440C<SIGINT> in both the default loop and another loop at the same time. At
2274the moment, C<SIGCHLD> is permanently tied to the default loop. 2441the moment, C<SIGCHLD> is permanently tied to the default loop.
2275 2442
2276When the first watcher gets started will libev actually register something 2443Only after the first watcher for a signal is started will libev actually
2277with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as 2444register something with the kernel. It thus coexists with your own signal
2278you don't register any with libev for the same signal). 2445handlers as long as you don't register any with libev for the same signal.
2279 2446
2280If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with 2447If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
2281C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should 2448C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should
2282not be unduly interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting 2449not be unduly interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting
2283interrupted by signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher 2450interrupted by signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher
2286=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create 2453=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create
2287 2454
2288Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition 2455Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition
2289(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after 2456(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after
2290stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal, 2457stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal,
2291and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler. 2458and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler (but
2459see C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK>).
2292 2460
2293While this does not matter for the signal disposition (libev never 2461While this does not matter for the signal disposition (libev never
2294sets signals to C<SIG_IGN>, so handlers will be reset to C<SIG_DFL> on 2462sets signals to C<SIG_IGN>, so handlers will be reset to C<SIG_DFL> on
2295C<execve>), this matters for the signal mask: many programs do not expect 2463C<execve>), this matters for the signal mask: many programs do not expect
2296certain signals to be blocked. 2464certain signals to be blocked.
2309I<has> to modify the signal mask, at least temporarily. 2477I<has> to modify the signal mask, at least temporarily.
2310 2478
2311So I can't stress this enough: I<If you do not reset your signal mask when 2479So I can't stress this enough: I<If you do not reset your signal mask when
2312you expect it to be empty, you have a race condition in your code>. This 2480you expect it to be empty, you have a race condition in your code>. This
2313is not a libev-specific thing, this is true for most event libraries. 2481is not a libev-specific thing, this is true for most event libraries.
2482
2483=head3 The special problem of threads signal handling
2484
2485POSIX threads has problematic signal handling semantics, specifically,
2486a lot of functionality (sigfd, sigwait etc.) only really works if all
2487threads in a process block signals, which is hard to achieve.
2488
2489When you want to use sigwait (or mix libev signal handling with your own
2490for the same signals), you can tackle this problem by globally blocking
2491all signals before creating any threads (or creating them with a fully set
2492sigprocmask) and also specifying the C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK> when creating
2493loops. Then designate one thread as "signal receiver thread" which handles
2494these signals. You can pass on any signals that libev might be interested
2495in by calling C<ev_feed_signal>.
2314 2496
2315=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2497=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2316 2498
2317=over 4 2499=over 4
2318 2500
2453 2635
2454=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 2636=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
2455 2637
2456This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 2638This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
2457C<stat> on that path in regular intervals (or when the OS says it changed) 2639C<stat> on that path in regular intervals (or when the OS says it changed)
2458and sees if it changed compared to the last time, invoking the callback if 2640and sees if it changed compared to the last time, invoking the callback
2459it did. 2641if it did. Starting the watcher C<stat>'s the file, so only changes that
2642happen after the watcher has been started will be reported.
2460 2643
2461The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 2644The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
2462not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does not 2645not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does not
2463exist" (or more correctly "path cannot be stat'ed") is signified by the 2646exist" (or more correctly "path cannot be stat'ed") is signified by the
2464C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is otherwise always forced to be at 2647C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is otherwise always forced to be at
2694Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 2877Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
2695effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do 2878effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do
2696"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 2879"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
2697event loop has handled all outstanding events. 2880event loop has handled all outstanding events.
2698 2881
2882=head3 Abusing an C<ev_idle> watcher for its side-effect
2883
2884As long as there is at least one active idle watcher, libev will never
2885sleep unnecessarily. Or in other words, it will loop as fast as possible.
2886For this to work, the idle watcher doesn't need to be invoked at all - the
2887lowest priority will do.
2888
2889This mode of operation can be useful together with an C<ev_check> watcher,
2890to do something on each event loop iteration - for example to balance load
2891between different connections.
2892
2893See L</Abusing an ev_check watcher for its side-effect> for a longer
2894example.
2895
2699=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2896=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2700 2897
2701=over 4 2898=over 4
2702 2899
2703=item ev_idle_init (ev_idle *, callback) 2900=item ev_idle_init (ev_idle *, callback)
2714callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 2911callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
2715 2912
2716 static void 2913 static void
2717 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents) 2914 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents)
2718 { 2915 {
2916 // stop the watcher
2917 ev_idle_stop (loop, w);
2918
2919 // now we can free it
2719 free (w); 2920 free (w);
2921
2720 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 2922 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
2721 // no longer anything immediate to do. 2923 // no longer anything immediate to do.
2722 } 2924 }
2723 2925
2724 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle)); 2926 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle));
2726 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_watcher); 2928 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_watcher);
2727 2929
2728 2930
2729=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 2931=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
2730 2932
2731Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs: 2933Prepare and check watchers are often (but not always) used in pairs:
2732prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2934prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
2733afterwards. 2935afterwards.
2734 2936
2735You I<must not> call C<ev_run> or similar functions that enter 2937You I<must not> call C<ev_run> (or similar functions that enter the
2736the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 2938current event loop) or C<ev_loop_fork> from either C<ev_prepare> or
2737watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The 2939C<ev_check> watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine,
2738rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in 2940however. The rationale behind this is that you do not need to check
2739those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking, 2941for recursion in those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be
2740C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be 2942C<ev_prepare>, blocking, C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each
2741called in pairs bracketing the blocking call. 2943kind they will always be called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.
2742 2944
2743Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and 2945Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and
2744their use is somewhat advanced. They could be used, for example, to track 2946their use is somewhat advanced. They could be used, for example, to track
2745variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a 2947variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a
2746coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if 2948coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if
2764with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 2966with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine
2765of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event 2967of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
2766loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 2968loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
2767low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 2969low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
2768 2970
2769It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) 2971When used for this purpose, it is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers
2770priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers 2972highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) priority, to ensure that they are being run before
2771after the poll (this doesn't matter for C<ev_prepare> watchers). 2973any other watchers after the poll (this doesn't matter for C<ev_prepare>
2974watchers).
2772 2975
2773Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, too) should not 2976Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, too) should not
2774activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully supports this, they 2977activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully supports this, they
2775might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers did their job. As 2978might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers did their job. As
2776C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other (non-libev) event 2979C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other (non-libev) event
2777loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their 2980loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
2778C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with 2981C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
2779others). 2982others).
2983
2984=head3 Abusing an C<ev_check> watcher for its side-effect
2985
2986C<ev_check> (and less often also C<ev_prepare>) watchers can also be
2987useful because they are called once per event loop iteration. For
2988example, if you want to handle a large number of connections fairly, you
2989normally only do a bit of work for each active connection, and if there
2990is more work to do, you wait for the next event loop iteration, so other
2991connections have a chance of making progress.
2992
2993Using an C<ev_check> watcher is almost enough: it will be called on the
2994next event loop iteration. However, that isn't as soon as possible -
2995without external events, your C<ev_check> watcher will not be invoked.
2996
2997This is where C<ev_idle> watchers come in handy - all you need is a
2998single global idle watcher that is active as long as you have one active
2999C<ev_check> watcher. The C<ev_idle> watcher makes sure the event loop
3000will not sleep, and the C<ev_check> watcher makes sure a callback gets
3001invoked. Neither watcher alone can do that.
2780 3002
2781=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 3003=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2782 3004
2783=over 4 3005=over 4
2784 3006
2985 3207
2986=over 4 3208=over 4
2987 3209
2988=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 3210=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
2989 3211
2990=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 3212=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
2991 3213
2992Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 3214Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
2993embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be 3215embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
2994invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback 3216invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
2995to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done, 3217to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
3016used). 3238used).
3017 3239
3018 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 3240 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
3019 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 3241 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
3020 ev_embed embed; 3242 ev_embed embed;
3021 3243
3022 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 3244 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
3023 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 3245 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
3024 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 3246 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
3025 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 3247 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
3026 : 0; 3248 : 0;
3040C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 3262C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
3041 3263
3042 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 3264 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
3043 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 3265 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
3044 ev_embed embed; 3266 ev_embed embed;
3045 3267
3046 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 3268 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
3047 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 3269 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
3048 { 3270 {
3049 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 3271 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
3050 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed); 3272 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
3058 3280
3059=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 3281=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
3060 3282
3061Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 3283Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
3062whoever is a good citizen cared to tell libev about it by calling 3284whoever is a good citizen cared to tell libev about it by calling
3063C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork>). The invocation is done before the 3285C<ev_loop_fork>). The invocation is done before the event loop blocks next
3064event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 3286and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, and only in the child
3065and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling 3287after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling C<ev_default_fork> cheats
3066C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 3288and calls it in the wrong process, the fork handlers will be invoked, too,
3067handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 3289of course.
3068 3290
3069=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible? 3291=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible?
3070 3292
3071Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to set 3293Most uses of C<fork ()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to set
3072up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This 3294up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This
3073sequence should be handled by libev without any problems. 3295sequence should be handled by libev without any problems.
3074 3296
3075This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling 3297This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling
3076in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the 3298in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the
3153 atexit (program_exits); 3375 atexit (program_exits);
3154 3376
3155 3377
3156=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop 3378=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop
3157 3379
3158In general, you cannot use an C<ev_run> from multiple threads or other 3380In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other
3159asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event 3381asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
3160loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads). 3382loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
3161 3383
3162Sometimes, however, you need to wake up an event loop you do not control, 3384Sometimes, however, you need to wake up an event loop you do not control,
3163for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what C<ev_async> 3385for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what C<ev_async>
3165it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe. 3387it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe.
3166 3388
3167This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals, 3389This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
3168too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed 3390too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
3169(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of 3391(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
3170C<ev_async_sent> calls). 3392C<ev_async_send> calls). In fact, you could use signal watchers as a kind
3171 3393of "global async watchers" by using a watcher on an otherwise unused
3172Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not 3394signal, and C<ev_feed_signal> to signal this watcher from another thread,
3173just the default loop. 3395even without knowing which loop owns the signal.
3174 3396
3175=head3 Queueing 3397=head3 Queueing
3176 3398
3177C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason 3399C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
3178is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a 3400is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
3270trust me. 3492trust me.
3271 3493
3272=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *) 3494=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
3273 3495
3274Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds 3496Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
3275an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike 3497an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop, and instantly
3498returns.
3499
3276C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or 3500Unlike C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads,
3277similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding 3501signal or similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the
3278section below on what exactly this means). 3502embedding section below on what exactly this means).
3279 3503
3280Note that, as with other watchers in libev, multiple events might get 3504Note that, as with other watchers in libev, multiple events might get
3281compressed into a single callback invocation (another way to look at this 3505compressed into a single callback invocation (another way to look at
3282is that C<ev_async> watchers are level-triggered, set on C<ev_async_send>, 3506this is that C<ev_async> watchers are level-triggered: they are set on
3283reset when the event loop detects that). 3507C<ev_async_send>, reset when the event loop detects that).
3284 3508
3285This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per event loop 3509This call incurs the overhead of at most one extra system call per event
3286iteration, so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to 3510loop iteration, if the event loop is blocked, and no syscall at all if
3287repeated calls to C<ev_async_send> for the same event loop. 3511the event loop (or your program) is processing events. That means that
3512repeated calls are basically free (there is no need to avoid calls for
3513performance reasons) and that the overhead becomes smaller (typically
3514zero) under load.
3288 3515
3289=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *) 3516=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
3290 3517
3291Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the 3518Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
3292watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the 3519watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
3309 3536
3310There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now. 3537There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now.
3311 3538
3312=over 4 3539=over 4
3313 3540
3314=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback) 3541=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback, arg)
3315 3542
3316This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your 3543This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your
3317callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stops both 3544callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stops both
3318watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd 3545watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd
3319or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 3546or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
3347 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 3574 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
3348 3575
3349=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents) 3576=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents)
3350 3577
3351Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 3578Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
3352the given events it. 3579the given events.
3353 3580
3354=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum) 3581=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum)
3355 3582
3356Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default 3583Feed an event as if the given signal occurred. See also C<ev_feed_signal>,
3357loop!). 3584which is async-safe.
3358 3585
3359=back 3586=back
3587
3588
3589=head1 COMMON OR USEFUL IDIOMS (OR BOTH)
3590
3591This section explains some common idioms that are not immediately
3592obvious. Note that examples are sprinkled over the whole manual, and this
3593section only contains stuff that wouldn't fit anywhere else.
3594
3595=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
3596
3597Each watcher has, by default, a C<void *data> member that you can read
3598or modify at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
3599to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
3600don't want to allocate memory separately and store a pointer to it in that
3601data member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
3602data:
3603
3604 struct my_io
3605 {
3606 ev_io io;
3607 int otherfd;
3608 void *somedata;
3609 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
3610 };
3611
3612 ...
3613 struct my_io w;
3614 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
3615
3616And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
3617can cast it back to your own type:
3618
3619 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
3620 {
3621 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
3622 ...
3623 }
3624
3625More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback
3626function type instead have been omitted.
3627
3628=head2 BUILDING YOUR OWN COMPOSITE WATCHERS
3629
3630Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
3631embedded watchers, in effect creating your own watcher that combines
3632multiple libev event sources into one "super-watcher":
3633
3634 struct my_biggy
3635 {
3636 int some_data;
3637 ev_timer t1;
3638 ev_timer t2;
3639 }
3640
3641In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
3642complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct in
3643the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies or C++ coders), or you need
3644to use some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for
3645real programmers):
3646
3647 #include <stddef.h>
3648
3649 static void
3650 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
3651 {
3652 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
3653 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
3654 }
3655
3656 static void
3657 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
3658 {
3659 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
3660 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
3661 }
3662
3663=head2 AVOIDING FINISHING BEFORE RETURNING
3664
3665Often you have structures like this in event-based programs:
3666
3667 callback ()
3668 {
3669 free (request);
3670 }
3671
3672 request = start_new_request (..., callback);
3673
3674The intent is to start some "lengthy" operation. The C<request> could be
3675used to cancel the operation, or do other things with it.
3676
3677It's not uncommon to have code paths in C<start_new_request> that
3678immediately invoke the callback, for example, to report errors. Or you add
3679some caching layer that finds that it can skip the lengthy aspects of the
3680operation and simply invoke the callback with the result.
3681
3682The problem here is that this will happen I<before> C<start_new_request>
3683has returned, so C<request> is not set.
3684
3685Even if you pass the request by some safer means to the callback, you
3686might want to do something to the request after starting it, such as
3687canceling it, which probably isn't working so well when the callback has
3688already been invoked.
3689
3690A common way around all these issues is to make sure that
3691C<start_new_request> I<always> returns before the callback is invoked. If
3692C<start_new_request> immediately knows the result, it can artificially
3693delay invoking the callback by using a C<prepare> or C<idle> watcher for
3694example, or more sneakily, by reusing an existing (stopped) watcher and
3695pushing it into the pending queue:
3696
3697 ev_set_cb (watcher, callback);
3698 ev_feed_event (EV_A_ watcher, 0);
3699
3700This way, C<start_new_request> can safely return before the callback is
3701invoked, while not delaying callback invocation too much.
3702
3703=head2 MODEL/NESTED EVENT LOOP INVOCATIONS AND EXIT CONDITIONS
3704
3705Often (especially in GUI toolkits) there are places where you have
3706I<modal> interaction, which is most easily implemented by recursively
3707invoking C<ev_run>.
3708
3709This brings the problem of exiting - a callback might want to finish the
3710main C<ev_run> call, but not the nested one (e.g. user clicked "Quit", but
3711a modal "Are you sure?" dialog is still waiting), or just the nested one
3712and not the main one (e.g. user clocked "Ok" in a modal dialog), or some
3713other combination: In these cases, a simple C<ev_break> will not work.
3714
3715The solution is to maintain "break this loop" variable for each C<ev_run>
3716invocation, and use a loop around C<ev_run> until the condition is
3717triggered, using C<EVRUN_ONCE>:
3718
3719 // main loop
3720 int exit_main_loop = 0;
3721
3722 while (!exit_main_loop)
3723 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3724
3725 // in a modal watcher
3726 int exit_nested_loop = 0;
3727
3728 while (!exit_nested_loop)
3729 ev_run (EV_A_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3730
3731To exit from any of these loops, just set the corresponding exit variable:
3732
3733 // exit modal loop
3734 exit_nested_loop = 1;
3735
3736 // exit main program, after modal loop is finished
3737 exit_main_loop = 1;
3738
3739 // exit both
3740 exit_main_loop = exit_nested_loop = 1;
3741
3742=head2 THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE
3743
3744Here is a fictitious example of how to run an event loop in a different
3745thread from where callbacks are being invoked and watchers are
3746created/added/removed.
3747
3748For a real-world example, see the C<EV::Loop::Async> perl module,
3749which uses exactly this technique (which is suited for many high-level
3750languages).
3751
3752The example uses a pthread mutex to protect the loop data, a condition
3753variable to wait for callback invocations, an async watcher to notify the
3754event loop thread and an unspecified mechanism to wake up the main thread.
3755
3756First, you need to associate some data with the event loop:
3757
3758 typedef struct {
3759 mutex_t lock; /* global loop lock */
3760 ev_async async_w;
3761 thread_t tid;
3762 cond_t invoke_cv;
3763 } userdata;
3764
3765 void prepare_loop (EV_P)
3766 {
3767 // for simplicity, we use a static userdata struct.
3768 static userdata u;
3769
3770 ev_async_init (&u->async_w, async_cb);
3771 ev_async_start (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
3772
3773 pthread_mutex_init (&u->lock, 0);
3774 pthread_cond_init (&u->invoke_cv, 0);
3775
3776 // now associate this with the loop
3777 ev_set_userdata (EV_A_ u);
3778 ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (EV_A_ l_invoke);
3779 ev_set_loop_release_cb (EV_A_ l_release, l_acquire);
3780
3781 // then create the thread running ev_run
3782 pthread_create (&u->tid, 0, l_run, EV_A);
3783 }
3784
3785The callback for the C<ev_async> watcher does nothing: the watcher is used
3786solely to wake up the event loop so it takes notice of any new watchers
3787that might have been added:
3788
3789 static void
3790 async_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
3791 {
3792 // just used for the side effects
3793 }
3794
3795The C<l_release> and C<l_acquire> callbacks simply unlock/lock the mutex
3796protecting the loop data, respectively.
3797
3798 static void
3799 l_release (EV_P)
3800 {
3801 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3802 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
3803 }
3804
3805 static void
3806 l_acquire (EV_P)
3807 {
3808 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3809 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
3810 }
3811
3812The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
3813into C<ev_run>:
3814
3815 void *
3816 l_run (void *thr_arg)
3817 {
3818 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg;
3819
3820 l_acquire (EV_A);
3821 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0);
3822 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
3823 l_release (EV_A);
3824
3825 return 0;
3826 }
3827
3828Instead of invoking all pending watchers, the C<l_invoke> callback will
3829signal the main thread via some unspecified mechanism (signals? pipe
3830writes? C<Async::Interrupt>?) and then waits until all pending watchers
3831have been called (in a while loop because a) spurious wakeups are possible
3832and b) skipping inter-thread-communication when there are no pending
3833watchers is very beneficial):
3834
3835 static void
3836 l_invoke (EV_P)
3837 {
3838 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3839
3840 while (ev_pending_count (EV_A))
3841 {
3842 wake_up_other_thread_in_some_magic_or_not_so_magic_way ();
3843 pthread_cond_wait (&u->invoke_cv, &u->lock);
3844 }
3845 }
3846
3847Now, whenever the main thread gets told to invoke pending watchers, it
3848will grab the lock, call C<ev_invoke_pending> and then signal the loop
3849thread to continue:
3850
3851 static void
3852 real_invoke_pending (EV_P)
3853 {
3854 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3855
3856 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
3857 ev_invoke_pending (EV_A);
3858 pthread_cond_signal (&u->invoke_cv);
3859 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
3860 }
3861
3862Whenever you want to start/stop a watcher or do other modifications to an
3863event loop, you will now have to lock:
3864
3865 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
3866 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3867
3868 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
3869
3870 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
3871 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ &timeout_watcher);
3872 ev_async_send (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
3873 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
3874
3875Note that sending the C<ev_async> watcher is required because otherwise
3876an event loop currently blocking in the kernel will have no knowledge
3877about the newly added timer. By waking up the loop it will pick up any new
3878watchers in the next event loop iteration.
3879
3880=head2 THREADS, COROUTINES, CONTINUATIONS, QUEUES... INSTEAD OF CALLBACKS
3881
3882While the overhead of a callback that e.g. schedules a thread is small, it
3883is still an overhead. If you embed libev, and your main usage is with some
3884kind of threads or coroutines, you might want to customise libev so that
3885doesn't need callbacks anymore.
3886
3887Imagine you have coroutines that you can switch to using a function
3888C<switch_to (coro)>, that libev runs in a coroutine called C<libev_coro>
3889and that due to some magic, the currently active coroutine is stored in a
3890global called C<current_coro>. Then you can build your own "wait for libev
3891event" primitive by changing C<EV_CB_DECLARE> and C<EV_CB_INVOKE> (note
3892the differing C<;> conventions):
3893
3894 #define EV_CB_DECLARE(type) struct my_coro *cb;
3895 #define EV_CB_INVOKE(watcher) switch_to ((watcher)->cb)
3896
3897That means instead of having a C callback function, you store the
3898coroutine to switch to in each watcher, and instead of having libev call
3899your callback, you instead have it switch to that coroutine.
3900
3901A coroutine might now wait for an event with a function called
3902C<wait_for_event>. (the watcher needs to be started, as always, but it doesn't
3903matter when, or whether the watcher is active or not when this function is
3904called):
3905
3906 void
3907 wait_for_event (ev_watcher *w)
3908 {
3909 ev_set_cb (w, current_coro);
3910 switch_to (libev_coro);
3911 }
3912
3913That basically suspends the coroutine inside C<wait_for_event> and
3914continues the libev coroutine, which, when appropriate, switches back to
3915this or any other coroutine.
3916
3917You can do similar tricks if you have, say, threads with an event queue -
3918instead of storing a coroutine, you store the queue object and instead of
3919switching to a coroutine, you push the watcher onto the queue and notify
3920any waiters.
3921
3922To embed libev, see L</EMBEDDING>, but in short, it's easiest to create two
3923files, F<my_ev.h> and F<my_ev.c> that include the respective libev files:
3924
3925 // my_ev.h
3926 #define EV_CB_DECLARE(type) struct my_coro *cb;
3927 #define EV_CB_INVOKE(watcher) switch_to ((watcher)->cb)
3928 #include "../libev/ev.h"
3929
3930 // my_ev.c
3931 #define EV_H "my_ev.h"
3932 #include "../libev/ev.c"
3933
3934And then use F<my_ev.h> when you would normally use F<ev.h>, and compile
3935F<my_ev.c> into your project. When properly specifying include paths, you
3936can even use F<ev.h> as header file name directly.
3360 3937
3361 3938
3362=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION 3939=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION
3363 3940
3364Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot 3941Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot
3365emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints: 3942emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints:
3366 3943
3367=over 4 3944=over 4
3945
3946=item * Only the libevent-1.4.1-beta API is being emulated.
3947
3948This was the newest libevent version available when libev was implemented,
3949and is still mostly unchanged in 2010.
3368 3950
3369=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual. 3951=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual.
3370 3952
3371=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback, 3953=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback,
3372ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events. 3954ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events.
3378=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 3960=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
3379will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 3961will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
3380is an ev_pri field. 3962is an ev_pri field.
3381 3963
3382=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the 3964=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
3383first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals. 3965base that registered the signal gets the signals.
3384 3966
3385=item * Other members are not supported. 3967=item * Other members are not supported.
3386 3968
3387=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 3969=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
3388to use the libev header file and library. 3970to use the libev header file and library.
3389 3971
3390=back 3972=back
3391 3973
3392=head1 C++ SUPPORT 3974=head1 C++ SUPPORT
3975
3976=head2 C API
3977
3978The normal C API should work fine when used from C++: both ev.h and the
3979libev sources can be compiled as C++. Therefore, code that uses the C API
3980will work fine.
3981
3982Proper exception specifications might have to be added to callbacks passed
3983to libev: exceptions may be thrown only from watcher callbacks, all other
3984callbacks (allocator, syserr, loop acquire/release and periodic reschedule
3985callbacks) must not throw exceptions, and might need a C<noexcept>
3986specification. If you have code that needs to be compiled as both C and
3987C++ you can use the C<EV_NOEXCEPT> macro for this:
3988
3989 static void
3990 fatal_error (const char *msg) EV_NOEXCEPT
3991 {
3992 perror (msg);
3993 abort ();
3994 }
3995
3996 ...
3997 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error);
3998
3999The only API functions that can currently throw exceptions are C<ev_run>,
4000C<ev_invoke>, C<ev_invoke_pending> and C<ev_loop_destroy> (the latter
4001because it runs cleanup watchers).
4002
4003Throwing exceptions in watcher callbacks is only supported if libev itself
4004is compiled with a C++ compiler or your C and C++ environments allow
4005throwing exceptions through C libraries (most do).
4006
4007=head2 C++ API
3393 4008
3394Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 4009Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
3395you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change 4010you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
3396the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 4011the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
3397 4012
3398To use it, 4013To use it,
3399 4014
3400 #include <ev++.h> 4015 #include <ev++.h>
3401 4016
3402This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many 4017This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
3403of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are 4018of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
3404put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding 4019put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
3407Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++ 4022Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
3408classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer 4023classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
3409that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if 4024that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
3410you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev). 4025you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
3411 4026
3412Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be 4027Currently, functions, static and non-static member functions and classes
3413used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only 4028with C<operator ()> can be used as callbacks. Other types should be easy
3414need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other 4029to add as long as they only need one additional pointer for context. If
3415types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing 4030you need support for other types of functors please contact the author
3416it). 4031(preferably after implementing it).
4032
4033For all this to work, your C++ compiler either has to use the same calling
4034conventions as your C compiler (for static member functions), or you have
4035to embed libev and compile libev itself as C++.
3417 4036
3418Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 4037Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
3419 4038
3420=over 4 4039=over 4
3421 4040
3431=item C<ev::io>, C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic>, C<ev::idle>, C<ev::sig> etc. 4050=item C<ev::io>, C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic>, C<ev::idle>, C<ev::sig> etc.
3432 4051
3433For each C<ev_TYPE> watcher in F<ev.h> there is a corresponding class of 4052For each C<ev_TYPE> watcher in F<ev.h> there is a corresponding class of
3434the same name in the C<ev> namespace, with the exception of C<ev_signal> 4053the same name in the C<ev> namespace, with the exception of C<ev_signal>
3435which is called C<ev::sig> to avoid clashes with the C<signal> macro 4054which is called C<ev::sig> to avoid clashes with the C<signal> macro
3436defines by many implementations. 4055defined by many implementations.
3437 4056
3438All of those classes have these methods: 4057All of those classes have these methods:
3439 4058
3440=over 4 4059=over 4
3441 4060
3503 void operator() (ev::io &w, int revents) 4122 void operator() (ev::io &w, int revents)
3504 { 4123 {
3505 ... 4124 ...
3506 } 4125 }
3507 } 4126 }
3508 4127
3509 myfunctor f; 4128 myfunctor f;
3510 4129
3511 ev::io w; 4130 ev::io w;
3512 w.set (&f); 4131 w.set (&f);
3513 4132
3531Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 4150Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
3532do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 4151do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
3533 4152
3534=item w->set ([arguments]) 4153=item w->set ([arguments])
3535 4154
3536Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Either this 4155Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set> (except for C<ev::embed> watchers>),
3537method or a suitable start method must be called at least once. Unlike the 4156with the same arguments. Either this method or a suitable start method
3538C counterpart, an active watcher gets automatically stopped and restarted 4157must be called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher
3539when reconfiguring it with this method. 4158gets automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
4159method.
4160
4161For C<ev::embed> watchers this method is called C<set_embed>, to avoid
4162clashing with the C<set (loop)> method.
3540 4163
3541=item w->start () 4164=item w->start ()
3542 4165
3543Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the 4166Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
3544constructor already stores the event loop. 4167constructor already stores the event loop.
3574watchers in the constructor. 4197watchers in the constructor.
3575 4198
3576 class myclass 4199 class myclass
3577 { 4200 {
3578 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 4201 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3579 ev::io2 io2 ; void io2_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 4202 ev::io io2 ; void io2_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3580 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 4203 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
3581 4204
3582 myclass (int fd) 4205 myclass (int fd)
3583 { 4206 {
3584 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 4207 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
3635L<http://hackage.haskell.org/cgi-bin/hackage-scripts/package/hlibev>. 4258L<http://hackage.haskell.org/cgi-bin/hackage-scripts/package/hlibev>.
3636 4259
3637=item D 4260=item D
3638 4261
3639Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to 4262Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
3640be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>. 4263be found at L<http://www.llucax.com.ar/proj/ev.d/index.html>.
3641 4264
3642=item Ocaml 4265=item Ocaml
3643 4266
3644Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at 4267Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
3645L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>. 4268L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
3648 4271
3649Brian Maher has written a partial interface to libev for lua (at the 4272Brian Maher has written a partial interface to libev for lua (at the
3650time of this writing, only C<ev_io> and C<ev_timer>), to be found at 4273time of this writing, only C<ev_io> and C<ev_timer>), to be found at
3651L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>. 4274L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>.
3652 4275
4276=item Javascript
4277
4278Node.js (L<http://nodejs.org>) uses libev as the underlying event library.
4279
4280=item Others
4281
4282There are others, and I stopped counting.
4283
3653=back 4284=back
3654 4285
3655 4286
3656=head1 MACRO MAGIC 4287=head1 MACRO MAGIC
3657 4288
3693suitable for use with C<EV_A>. 4324suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
3694 4325
3695=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 4326=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
3696 4327
3697Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 4328Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
3698loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 4329loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). The default loop
4330will be initialised if it isn't already initialised.
4331
4332For non-multiplicity builds, these macros do nothing, so you always have
4333to initialise the loop somewhere.
3699 4334
3700=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_> 4335=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_>
3701 4336
3702Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the 4337Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the
3703default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour 4338default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour
3770 ev_vars.h 4405 ev_vars.h
3771 ev_wrap.h 4406 ev_wrap.h
3772 4407
3773 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 4408 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
3774 4409
3775 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default) 4410 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled
3776 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 4411 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled
3777 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 4412 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled
3778 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 4413 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled
3779 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 4414 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled
3780 4415
3781F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need 4416F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
3782to compile this single file. 4417to compile this single file.
3783 4418
3784=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 4419=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
3848supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in 4483supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in
3849F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 4484F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
3850 4485
3851In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the 4486In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the
3852configuration, but has to be more conservative. 4487configuration, but has to be more conservative.
4488
4489=item EV_USE_FLOOR
4490
4491If defined to be C<1>, libev will use the C<floor ()> function for its
4492periodic reschedule calculations, otherwise libev will fall back on a
4493portable (slower) implementation. If you enable this, you usually have to
4494link against libm or something equivalent. Enabling this when the C<floor>
4495function is not available will fail, so the safe default is to not enable
4496this.
3853 4497
3854=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 4498=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
3855 4499
3856If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 4500If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
3857monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no 4501monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no
3942 4586
3943If programs implement their own fd to handle mapping on win32, then this 4587If programs implement their own fd to handle mapping on win32, then this
3944macro can be used to override the C<close> function, useful to unregister 4588macro can be used to override the C<close> function, useful to unregister
3945file descriptors again. Note that the replacement function has to close 4589file descriptors again. Note that the replacement function has to close
3946the underlying OS handle. 4590the underlying OS handle.
4591
4592=item EV_USE_WSASOCKET
4593
4594If defined to be C<1>, libev will use C<WSASocket> to create its internal
4595communication socket, which works better in some environments. Otherwise,
4596the normal C<socket> function will be used, which works better in other
4597environments.
3947 4598
3948=item EV_USE_POLL 4599=item EV_USE_POLL
3949 4600
3950If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2) 4601If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
3951backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 4602backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
3987If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 4638If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
3988interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will 4639interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
3989be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers 4640be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers
3990indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled. 4641indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
3991 4642
4643=item EV_NO_SMP
4644
4645If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that memory is always coherent
4646between threads, that is, threads can be used, but threads never run on
4647different cpus (or different cpu cores). This reduces dependencies
4648and makes libev faster.
4649
4650=item EV_NO_THREADS
4651
4652If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that it will never be called from
4653different threads (that includes signal handlers), which is a stronger
4654assumption than C<EV_NO_SMP>, above. This reduces dependencies and makes
4655libev faster.
4656
3992=item EV_ATOMIC_T 4657=item EV_ATOMIC_T
3993 4658
3994Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose 4659Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
3995access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such 4660access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No
3996type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type 4661such type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own
3997that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking" 4662type that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal
3998as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers. 4663handler "locking" as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async>
4664watchers.
3999 4665
4000In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 4666In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
4001(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms. 4667(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
4002 4668
4003=item EV_H (h) 4669=item EV_H (h)
4030will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 4696will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
4031additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 4697additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
4032for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 4698for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
4033argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 4699argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
4034 4700
4701Note that C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_> will no longer provide a
4702default loop when multiplicity is switched off - you always have to
4703initialise the loop manually in this case.
4704
4035=item EV_MINPRI 4705=item EV_MINPRI
4036 4706
4037=item EV_MAXPRI 4707=item EV_MAXPRI
4038 4708
4039The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to 4709The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
4075 #define EV_USE_POLL 1 4745 #define EV_USE_POLL 1
4076 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1 4746 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
4077 #define EV_ASYNC_ENABLE 1 4747 #define EV_ASYNC_ENABLE 1
4078 4748
4079The actual value is a bitset, it can be a combination of the following 4749The actual value is a bitset, it can be a combination of the following
4080values: 4750values (by default, all of these are enabled):
4081 4751
4082=over 4 4752=over 4
4083 4753
4084=item C<1> - faster/larger code 4754=item C<1> - faster/larger code
4085 4755
4089code size by roughly 30% on amd64). 4759code size by roughly 30% on amd64).
4090 4760
4091When optimising for size, use of compiler flags such as C<-Os> with 4761When optimising for size, use of compiler flags such as C<-Os> with
4092gcc is recommended, as well as C<-DNDEBUG>, as libev contains a number of 4762gcc is recommended, as well as C<-DNDEBUG>, as libev contains a number of
4093assertions. 4763assertions.
4764
4765The default is off when C<__OPTIMIZE_SIZE__> is defined by your compiler
4766(e.g. gcc with C<-Os>).
4094 4767
4095=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures 4768=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures
4096 4769
4097Replaces the small 2-heap for timer management by a faster 4-heap, larger 4770Replaces the small 2-heap for timer management by a faster 4-heap, larger
4098hash table sizes and so on. This will usually further increase code size 4771hash table sizes and so on. This will usually further increase code size
4099and can additionally have an effect on the size of data structures at 4772and can additionally have an effect on the size of data structures at
4100runtime. 4773runtime.
4101 4774
4775The default is off when C<__OPTIMIZE_SIZE__> is defined by your compiler
4776(e.g. gcc with C<-Os>).
4777
4102=item C<4> - full API configuration 4778=item C<4> - full API configuration
4103 4779
4104This enables priorities (sets C<EV_MAXPRI>=2 and C<EV_MINPRI>=-2), and 4780This enables priorities (sets C<EV_MAXPRI>=2 and C<EV_MINPRI>=-2), and
4105enables multiplicity (C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>=1). 4781enables multiplicity (C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>=1).
4106 4782
4136 4812
4137With an intelligent-enough linker (gcc+binutils are intelligent enough 4813With an intelligent-enough linker (gcc+binutils are intelligent enough
4138when you use C<-Wl,--gc-sections -ffunction-sections>) functions unused by 4814when you use C<-Wl,--gc-sections -ffunction-sections>) functions unused by
4139your program might be left out as well - a binary starting a timer and an 4815your program might be left out as well - a binary starting a timer and an
4140I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb. 4816I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb.
4817
4818=item EV_API_STATIC
4819
4820If this symbol is defined (by default it is not), then all identifiers
4821will have static linkage. This means that libev will not export any
4822identifiers, and you cannot link against libev anymore. This can be useful
4823when you embed libev, only want to use libev functions in a single file,
4824and do not want its identifiers to be visible.
4825
4826To use this, define C<EV_API_STATIC> and include F<ev.c> in the file that
4827wants to use libev.
4828
4829This option only works when libev is compiled with a C compiler, as C++
4830doesn't support the required declaration syntax.
4141 4831
4142=item EV_AVOID_STDIO 4832=item EV_AVOID_STDIO
4143 4833
4144If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio 4834If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio
4145functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the code size 4835functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the code size
4289And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 4979And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
4290 4980
4291 #include "ev_cpp.h" 4981 #include "ev_cpp.h"
4292 #include "ev.c" 4982 #include "ev.c"
4293 4983
4294=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS OR LIBRARIES 4984=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS, LIBRARIES OR THE ENVIRONMENT
4295 4985
4296=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES 4986=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES
4297 4987
4298=head3 THREADS 4988=head3 THREADS
4299 4989
4350default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop 5040default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
4351watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal. 5041watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
4352 5042
4353=back 5043=back
4354 5044
4355=head4 THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE 5045See also L</THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE>.
4356
4357Here is a fictitious example of how to run an event loop in a different
4358thread than where callbacks are being invoked and watchers are
4359created/added/removed.
4360
4361For a real-world example, see the C<EV::Loop::Async> perl module,
4362which uses exactly this technique (which is suited for many high-level
4363languages).
4364
4365The example uses a pthread mutex to protect the loop data, a condition
4366variable to wait for callback invocations, an async watcher to notify the
4367event loop thread and an unspecified mechanism to wake up the main thread.
4368
4369First, you need to associate some data with the event loop:
4370
4371 typedef struct {
4372 mutex_t lock; /* global loop lock */
4373 ev_async async_w;
4374 thread_t tid;
4375 cond_t invoke_cv;
4376 } userdata;
4377
4378 void prepare_loop (EV_P)
4379 {
4380 // for simplicity, we use a static userdata struct.
4381 static userdata u;
4382
4383 ev_async_init (&u->async_w, async_cb);
4384 ev_async_start (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4385
4386 pthread_mutex_init (&u->lock, 0);
4387 pthread_cond_init (&u->invoke_cv, 0);
4388
4389 // now associate this with the loop
4390 ev_set_userdata (EV_A_ u);
4391 ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (EV_A_ l_invoke);
4392 ev_set_loop_release_cb (EV_A_ l_release, l_acquire);
4393
4394 // then create the thread running ev_loop
4395 pthread_create (&u->tid, 0, l_run, EV_A);
4396 }
4397
4398The callback for the C<ev_async> watcher does nothing: the watcher is used
4399solely to wake up the event loop so it takes notice of any new watchers
4400that might have been added:
4401
4402 static void
4403 async_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
4404 {
4405 // just used for the side effects
4406 }
4407
4408The C<l_release> and C<l_acquire> callbacks simply unlock/lock the mutex
4409protecting the loop data, respectively.
4410
4411 static void
4412 l_release (EV_P)
4413 {
4414 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4415 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4416 }
4417
4418 static void
4419 l_acquire (EV_P)
4420 {
4421 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4422 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4423 }
4424
4425The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
4426into C<ev_run>:
4427
4428 void *
4429 l_run (void *thr_arg)
4430 {
4431 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg;
4432
4433 l_acquire (EV_A);
4434 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0);
4435 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
4436 l_release (EV_A);
4437
4438 return 0;
4439 }
4440
4441Instead of invoking all pending watchers, the C<l_invoke> callback will
4442signal the main thread via some unspecified mechanism (signals? pipe
4443writes? C<Async::Interrupt>?) and then waits until all pending watchers
4444have been called (in a while loop because a) spurious wakeups are possible
4445and b) skipping inter-thread-communication when there are no pending
4446watchers is very beneficial):
4447
4448 static void
4449 l_invoke (EV_P)
4450 {
4451 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4452
4453 while (ev_pending_count (EV_A))
4454 {
4455 wake_up_other_thread_in_some_magic_or_not_so_magic_way ();
4456 pthread_cond_wait (&u->invoke_cv, &u->lock);
4457 }
4458 }
4459
4460Now, whenever the main thread gets told to invoke pending watchers, it
4461will grab the lock, call C<ev_invoke_pending> and then signal the loop
4462thread to continue:
4463
4464 static void
4465 real_invoke_pending (EV_P)
4466 {
4467 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4468
4469 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4470 ev_invoke_pending (EV_A);
4471 pthread_cond_signal (&u->invoke_cv);
4472 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4473 }
4474
4475Whenever you want to start/stop a watcher or do other modifications to an
4476event loop, you will now have to lock:
4477
4478 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
4479 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4480
4481 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
4482
4483 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4484 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ &timeout_watcher);
4485 ev_async_send (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4486 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4487
4488Note that sending the C<ev_async> watcher is required because otherwise
4489an event loop currently blocking in the kernel will have no knowledge
4490about the newly added timer. By waking up the loop it will pick up any new
4491watchers in the next event loop iteration.
4492 5046
4493=head3 COROUTINES 5047=head3 COROUTINES
4494 5048
4495Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 5049Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
4496libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different 5050libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
4661requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 5215requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
4662model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 5216model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
4663the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 5217the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
4664descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 5218descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
4665e.g. cygwin. Actually, it only applies to the microsofts own compilers, 5219e.g. cygwin. Actually, it only applies to the microsofts own compilers,
4666as every compielr comes with a slightly differently broken/incompatible 5220as every compiler comes with a slightly differently broken/incompatible
4667environment. 5221environment.
4668 5222
4669Lifting these limitations would basically require the full 5223Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
4670re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into this kind of thing, 5224re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into this kind of thing,
4671then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable way (note 5225then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable way (note
4765structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also 5319structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
4766assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher 5320assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
4767callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev 5321callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
4768calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally. 5322calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
4769 5323
5324=item null pointers and integer zero are represented by 0 bytes
5325
5326Libev uses C<memset> to initialise structs and arrays to C<0> bytes, and
5327relies on this setting pointers and integers to null.
5328
4770=item pointer accesses must be thread-atomic 5329=item pointer accesses must be thread-atomic
4771 5330
4772Accessing a pointer value must be atomic, it must both be readable and 5331Accessing a pointer value must be atomic, it must both be readable and
4773writable in one piece - this is the case on all current architectures. 5332writable in one piece - this is the case on all current architectures.
4774 5333
4787thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would 5346thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would
4788be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and 5347be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and
4789C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however. 5348C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however.
4790 5349
4791The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads 5350The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads
4792except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as 5351except the initial one, and run the signal handling loop in the initial
4793well. 5352thread as well.
4794 5353
4795=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes 5354=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
4796 5355
4797To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally 5356To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally
4798instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX 5357instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX
4804 5363
4805The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to 5364The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
4806have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is 5365have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is
4807good enough for at least into the year 4000 with millisecond accuracy 5366good enough for at least into the year 4000 with millisecond accuracy
4808(the design goal for libev). This requirement is overfulfilled by 5367(the design goal for libev). This requirement is overfulfilled by
4809implementations using IEEE 754, which is basically all existing ones. With 5368implementations using IEEE 754, which is basically all existing ones.
5369
4810IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least 2200. 5370With IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least the
5371year 2255 (and millisecond accuracy till the year 287396 - by then, libev
5372is either obsolete or somebody patched it to use C<long double> or
5373something like that, just kidding).
4811 5374
4812=back 5375=back
4813 5376
4814If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 5377If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
4815 5378
4877=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers) 5440=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
4878 5441
4879=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number) 5442=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
4880 5443
4881Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send> 5444Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
4882calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events 5445calls in the current loop iteration and the loop is currently
5446blocked. Checking for async and signal events involves iterating over all
4883involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers. 5447running async watchers or all signal numbers.
4884 5448
4885=back 5449=back
4886 5450
4887 5451
4888=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X 5452=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X
4897=over 4 5461=over 4
4898 5462
4899=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism 5463=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
4900 5464
4901The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by 5465The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
4902C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L<PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L<EMBEDDING> 5466C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L</"PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS"> in the L</EMBEDDING>
4903section. 5467section.
4904 5468
4905=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed 5469=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed
4906 5470
4907These calls can be replaced easily by their C<ev_loop_xxx> counterparts: 5471These calls can be replaced easily by their C<ev_loop_xxx> counterparts:
4950=over 4 5514=over 4
4951 5515
4952=item active 5516=item active
4953 5517
4954A watcher is active as long as it has been started and not yet stopped. 5518A watcher is active as long as it has been started and not yet stopped.
4955See L<WATCHER STATES> for details. 5519See L</WATCHER STATES> for details.
4956 5520
4957=item application 5521=item application
4958 5522
4959In this document, an application is whatever is using libev. 5523In this document, an application is whatever is using libev.
4960 5524
4996watchers and events. 5560watchers and events.
4997 5561
4998=item pending 5562=item pending
4999 5563
5000A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been 5564A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been
5001detected. See L<WATCHER STATES> for details. 5565detected. See L</WATCHER STATES> for details.
5002 5566
5003=item real time 5567=item real time
5004 5568
5005The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :) 5569The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
5006 5570
5007=item wall-clock time 5571=item wall-clock time
5008 5572
5009The time and date as shown on clocks. Unlike real time, it can actually 5573The time and date as shown on clocks. Unlike real time, it can actually
5010be wrong and jump forwards and backwards, e.g. when the you adjust your 5574be wrong and jump forwards and backwards, e.g. when you adjust your
5011clock. 5575clock.
5012 5576
5013=item watcher 5577=item watcher
5014 5578
5015A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need 5579A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need
5018=back 5582=back
5019 5583
5020=head1 AUTHOR 5584=head1 AUTHOR
5021 5585
5022Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael 5586Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael
5023Magnusson and Emanuele Giaquinta. 5587Magnusson and Emanuele Giaquinta, and minor corrections by many others.
5024 5588

Diff Legend

Removed lines
+ Added lines
< Changed lines
> Changed lines