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

Comparing libev/ev.pod (file contents):
Revision 1.310 by root, Thu Oct 21 12:32:47 2010 UTC vs.
Revision 1.342 by root, Wed Nov 10 13:16:44 2010 UTC

43 43
44 int 44 int
45 main (void) 45 main (void)
46 { 46 {
47 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs 47 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
48 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 48 struct ev_loop *loop = EV_DEFAULT;
49 49
50 // initialise an io watcher, then start it 50 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
51 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable 51 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
52 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 52 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
53 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 53 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
77on event-based programming, nor will it introduce event-based programming 77on event-based programming, nor will it introduce event-based programming
78with libev. 78with libev.
79 79
80Familiarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed 80Familiarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed
81throughout this document. 81throughout this document.
82
83=head1 WHAT TO READ WHEN IN A HURRY
84
85This manual tries to be very detailed, but unfortunately, this also makes
86it very long. If you just want to know the basics of libev, I suggest
87reading L<ANATOMY OF A WATCHER>, then the L<EXAMPLE PROGRAM> above and
88look up the missing functions in L<GLOBAL FUNCTIONS> and the C<ev_io> and
89C<ev_timer> sections in L<WATCHER TYPES>.
82 90
83=head1 ABOUT LIBEV 91=head1 ABOUT LIBEV
84 92
85Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 93Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
86file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage 94file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
124this argument. 132this argument.
125 133
126=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION 134=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
127 135
128Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing 136Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing
129the (fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (in practise 137the (fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (in practice
130somewhere near the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't 138somewhere near the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't
131ask). This type is called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use 139ask). This type is called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use
132too. It usually aliases to the C<double> type in C. When you need to do 140too. It usually aliases to the C<double> type in C. When you need to do
133any calculations on it, you should treat it as some floating point value. 141any calculations on it, you should treat it as some floating point value.
134 142
165 173
166=item ev_tstamp ev_time () 174=item ev_tstamp ev_time ()
167 175
168Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 176Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
169C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp 177C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
170you actually want to know. 178you actually want to know. Also interesting is the combination of
179C<ev_update_now> and C<ev_now>.
171 180
172=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 181=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
173 182
174Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 183Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
175either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 184either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
192as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 201as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
193compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 202compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
194not a problem. 203not a problem.
195 204
196Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 205Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
197version (note, however, that this will not detect ABI mismatches :). 206version (note, however, that this will not detect other ABI mismatches,
207such as LFS or reentrancy).
198 208
199 assert (("libev version mismatch", 209 assert (("libev version mismatch",
200 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 210 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
201 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 211 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
202 212
213 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 223 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
214 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 224 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
215 225
216=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 226=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
217 227
218Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also 228Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and
219recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one 229also recommended for this platform, meaning it will work for most file
230descriptor types. This set is often smaller than the one returned by
220returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on 231C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on most BSDs
221most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it 232and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it (assuming
222(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that 233you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that libev will
223libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 234probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
224 235
225=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 236=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
226 237
227Returns the set of backends that are embeddable in other event loops. This 238Returns the set of backends that are embeddable in other event loops. This
228is the theoretical, all-platform, value. To find which backends 239value is platform-specific but can include backends not available on the
229might be supported on the current system, you would need to look at 240current system. To find which embeddable backends might be supported on
230C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 241the current system, you would need to look at C<ev_embeddable_backends ()
231recommended ones. 242& ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for recommended ones.
232 243
233See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 244See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
234 245
235=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT] 246=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
236 247
237Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 248Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
238semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is 249semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
239used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero 250used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
240when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort 251when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
266 } 277 }
267 278
268 ... 279 ...
269 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 280 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
270 281
271=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); [NOT REENTRANT] 282=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg))
272 283
273Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such 284Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
274as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 285as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
275indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 286indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
276callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no 287callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
290 ... 301 ...
291 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error); 302 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error);
292 303
293=back 304=back
294 305
295=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 306=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING EVENT LOOPS
296 307
297An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> is 308An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> is
298I<not> optional in case unless libev 3 compatibility is disabled, as libev 309I<not> optional in this case unless libev 3 compatibility is disabled, as
2993 had an C<ev_loop> function colliding with the struct name). 310libev 3 had an C<ev_loop> function colliding with the struct name).
300 311
301The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which 312The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
302supports signals and child events, and dynamically created event loops 313supports child process events, and dynamically created event loops which
303which do not. 314do not.
304 315
305=over 4 316=over 4
306 317
307=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 318=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
308 319
309This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised 320This returns the "default" event loop object, which is what you should
310yet and return it. If the default loop could not be initialised, returns 321normally use when you just need "the event loop". Event loop objects and
311false. If it already was initialised it simply returns it (and ignores the 322the C<flags> parameter are described in more detail in the entry for
312flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 323C<ev_loop_new>.
324
325If the default loop is already initialised then this function simply
326returns it (and ignores the flags. If that is troubling you, check
327C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). Otherwise it will create it with the given
328flags, which should almost always be C<0>, unless the caller is also the
329one calling C<ev_run> or otherwise qualifies as "the main program".
313 330
314If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 331If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
315function. 332function (or via the C<EV_DEFAULT> macro).
316 333
317Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it 334Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
318from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely, 335from multiple threads, you have to employ some kind of mutex (note also
319as loops cannot be shared easily between threads anyway). 336that this case is unlikely, as loops cannot be shared easily between
337threads anyway).
320 338
321The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and 339The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_child> watchers,
322C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler 340and to do this, it always registers a handler for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is
323for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either 341a problem for your application you can either create a dynamic loop with
324create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you 342C<ev_loop_new> which doesn't do that, or you can simply overwrite the
325can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling 343C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling C<ev_default_init>.
326C<ev_default_init>. 344
345Example: This is the most typical usage.
346
347 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
348 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
349
350Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
351environment settings to be taken into account:
352
353 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
354
355=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
356
357This will create and initialise a new event loop object. If the loop
358could not be initialised, returns false.
359
360Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and one common way to use
361libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
362default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
327 363
328The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 364The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
329backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). 365backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
330 366
331The following flags are supported: 367The following flags are supported:
366environment variable. 402environment variable.
367 403
368=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY> 404=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY>
369 405
370When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the 406When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the
371I<inotify> API for it's C<ev_stat> watchers. Apart from debugging and 407I<inotify> API for its C<ev_stat> watchers. Apart from debugging and
372testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as 408testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as
373otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle. 409otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle.
374 410
375=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD> 411=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD>
376 412
377When this flag is specified, then libev will attempt to use the 413When this flag is specified, then libev will attempt to use the
378I<signalfd> API for it's C<ev_signal> (and C<ev_child>) watchers. This API 414I<signalfd> API for its C<ev_signal> (and C<ev_child>) watchers. This API
379delivers signals synchronously, which makes it both faster and might make 415delivers signals synchronously, which makes it both faster and might make
380it possible to get the queued signal data. It can also simplify signal 416it possible to get the queued signal data. It can also simplify signal
381handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your 417handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your
382threads that are not interested in handling them. 418threads that are not interested in handling them.
383 419
427epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). 463epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
428 464
429The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned 465The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
430of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently 466of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
431dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file 467dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
432descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup and 468descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup,
469returning before the timeout value, resulting in additional iterations
470(and only giving 5ms accuracy while select on the same platform gives
433so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program forks then 4710.1ms) and so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program
434I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll set, which can 472forks then I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll
435take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) and is of course 473set, which can take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor)
436hard to detect. 474and is of course hard to detect.
437 475
438Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but 476Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but
439of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally 477of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally
440I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot 478I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot
441even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially 479even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially
443employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the 481employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the
444events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. Last 482events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. Last
445not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work 483not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work
446perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...). 484perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...).
447 485
486Epoll is truly the train wreck analog among event poll mechanisms.
487
448While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 488While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
449will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such 489will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
450incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different 490incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different
451I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed 491I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
452file descriptors might not work very well if you register events for both 492file descriptors might not work very well if you register events for both
549If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value, 589If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value,
550then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed 590then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed
551here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends 591here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends
552()> will be tried. 592()> will be tried.
553 593
554Example: This is the most typical usage.
555
556 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
557 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
558
559Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
560environment settings to be taken into account:
561
562 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
563
564Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
565used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
566private event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of
567fds):
568
569 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
570
571=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
572
573Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
574always distinct from the default loop.
575
576Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and one common way to use
577libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
578default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
579
580Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 594Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
581 595
582 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 596 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
583 if (!epoller) 597 if (!epoller)
584 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 598 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
585 599
600Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
601used if available.
602
603 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_loop_new (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
604
586=item ev_default_destroy () 605=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
587 606
588Destroys the default loop (frees all memory and kernel state etc.). None 607Destroys an event loop object (frees all memory and kernel state
589of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal sense, so 608etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
590e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your responsibility to 609sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
591either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before> calling this function, 610responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
592or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually the easiest thing, you 611calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
593can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them for example). 612the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
613for example).
594 614
595Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal 615Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
596handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such 616handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
597as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually. 617as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
598 618
599In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 619This function is normally used on loop objects allocated by
600rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling 620C<ev_loop_new>, but it can also be used on the default loop returned by
621C<ev_default_loop>, in which case it is not thread-safe.
622
623Note that it is not advisable to call this function on the default loop
624except in the rare occasion where you really need to free its resources.
601pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use 625If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use C<ev_loop_new>
602C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>. 626and C<ev_loop_destroy>.
603 627
604=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 628=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
605 629
606Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
607earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
608
609=item ev_default_fork ()
610
611This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations 630This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations to
612to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the 631reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
613name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in 632name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in
614the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little 633the child process. You I<must> call it (or use C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>) in the
615sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev 634child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>.
616functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_run> iteration.
617 635
618Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after 636Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after
619a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is 637a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is
620because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things 638because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things
621during fork. 639during fork.
626call it at all (in fact, C<epoll> is so badly broken that it makes a 644call it at all (in fact, C<epoll> is so badly broken that it makes a
627difference, but libev will usually detect this case on its own and do a 645difference, but libev will usually detect this case on its own and do a
628costly reset of the backend). 646costly reset of the backend).
629 647
630The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 648The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
631it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 649it just in case after a fork.
632quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
633 650
651Example: Automate calling C<ev_loop_fork> on the default loop when
652using pthreads.
653
654 static void
655 post_fork_child (void)
656 {
657 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
658 }
659
660 ...
634 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 661 pthread_atfork (0, 0, post_fork_child);
635
636=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
637
638Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
639C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
640after fork that you want to re-use in the child, and how you keep track of
641them is entirely your own problem.
642 662
643=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop) 663=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
644 664
645Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false 665Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
646otherwise. 666otherwise.
807Can be used to make a call to C<ev_run> return early (but only after it 827Can be used to make a call to C<ev_run> return early (but only after it
808has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 828has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
809C<EVBREAK_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_run> call return, or 829C<EVBREAK_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_run> call return, or
810C<EVBREAK_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_run> calls return. 830C<EVBREAK_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_run> calls return.
811 831
812This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_run> again. 832This "break state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_run> again.
813 833
814It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls. ##TODO## 834It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls, too.
815 835
816=item ev_ref (loop) 836=item ev_ref (loop)
817 837
818=item ev_unref (loop) 838=item ev_unref (loop)
819 839
908 928
909=item ev_invoke_pending (loop) 929=item ev_invoke_pending (loop)
910 930
911This call will simply invoke all pending watchers while resetting their 931This call will simply invoke all pending watchers while resetting their
912pending state. Normally, C<ev_run> does this automatically when required, 932pending state. Normally, C<ev_run> does this automatically when required,
913but when overriding the invoke callback this call comes handy. 933but when overriding the invoke callback this call comes handy. This
934function can be invoked from a watcher - this can be useful for example
935when you want to do some lengthy calculation and want to pass further
936event handling to another thread (you still have to make sure only one
937thread executes within C<ev_invoke_pending> or C<ev_run> of course).
914 938
915=item int ev_pending_count (loop) 939=item int ev_pending_count (loop)
916 940
917Returns the number of pending watchers - zero indicates that no watchers 941Returns the number of pending watchers - zero indicates that no watchers
918are pending. 942are pending.
962 986
963=item ev_userdata (loop) 987=item ev_userdata (loop)
964 988
965Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When 989Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When
966C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns 990C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns
967C<0.> 991C<0>.
968 992
969These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop, 993These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop,
970and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and 994and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and
971C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for 995C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for
972any other purpose as well. 996any other purpose as well.
990 1014
991In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the 1015In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the
992watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer 1016watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer
993watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers. 1017watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
994 1018
995A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 1019A watcher is an opaque structure that you allocate and register to record
996interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 1020your interest in some event. To make a concrete example, imagine you want
997become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 1021to wait for STDIN to become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher
1022for that:
998 1023
999 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1024 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1000 { 1025 {
1001 ev_io_stop (w); 1026 ev_io_stop (w);
1002 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL); 1027 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
1017stack). 1042stack).
1018 1043
1019Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE> 1044Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
1020or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs). 1045or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
1021 1046
1022Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 1047Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init (watcher
1023(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 1048*, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This callback is
1024callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O 1049invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O watchers, each
1025watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 1050time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given is readable
1026is readable and/or writable). 1051and/or writable).
1027 1052
1028Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >> 1053Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
1029macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There 1054macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
1030is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< 1055is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
1031ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 1056ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
1099=item C<EV_FORK> 1124=item C<EV_FORK>
1100 1125
1101The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see 1126The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
1102C<ev_fork>). 1127C<ev_fork>).
1103 1128
1129=item C<EV_CLEANUP>
1130
1131The event loop is about to be destroyed (see C<ev_cleanup>).
1132
1104=item C<EV_ASYNC> 1133=item C<EV_ASYNC>
1105 1134
1106The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 1135The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
1107 1136
1108=item C<EV_CUSTOM> 1137=item C<EV_CUSTOM>
1279 1308
1280See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related 1309See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
1281functions that do not need a watcher. 1310functions that do not need a watcher.
1282 1311
1283=back 1312=back
1284
1285 1313
1286=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1314=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
1287 1315
1288Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 1316Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
1289and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used 1317and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
1345 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1373 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1346 { 1374 {
1347 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *) 1375 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1348 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1376 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1349 } 1377 }
1378
1379=head2 WATCHER STATES
1380
1381There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual -
1382active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to
1383transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these
1384rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing".
1385
1386=over 4
1387
1388=item initialiased
1389
1390Before a watcher can be registered with the event looop it has to be
1391initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to
1392C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function.
1393
1394In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for use
1395in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at will.
1396
1397=item started/running/active
1398
1399Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes
1400property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in
1401this state it cannot be accessed (except in a few documented ways), moved,
1402freed or anything else - the only legal thing is to keep a pointer to it,
1403and call libev functions on it that are documented to work on active watchers.
1404
1405=item pending
1406
1407If a watcher is active and libev determines that an event it is interested
1408in has occurred (such as a timer expiring), it will become pending. It will
1409stay in this pending state until either it is stopped or its callback is
1410about to be invoked, so it is not normally pending inside the watcher
1411callback.
1412
1413The watcher might or might not be active while it is pending (for example,
1414an expired non-repeating timer can be pending but no longer active). If it
1415is stopped, it can be freely accessed (e.g. by calling C<ev_TYPE_set>),
1416but it is still property of the event loop at this time, so cannot be
1417moved, freed or reused. And if it is active the rules described in the
1418previous item still apply.
1419
1420It is also possible to feed an event on a watcher that is not active (e.g.
1421via C<ev_feed_event>), in which case it becomes pending without being
1422active.
1423
1424=item stopped
1425
1426A watcher can be stopped implicitly by libev (in which case it might still
1427be pending), or explicitly by calling its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. The
1428latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless
1429of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before
1430freeing it is often a good idea.
1431
1432While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the
1433initialised state, that is it can be reused, moved, modified in any way
1434you wish.
1435
1436=back
1350 1437
1351=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS 1438=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS
1352 1439
1353Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small 1440Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small
1354integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation 1441integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation
2173 2260
2174=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 2261=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
2175 2262
2176Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 2263Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
2177signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 2264signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
2178will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 2265will try its best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
2179normal event processing, like any other event. 2266normal event processing, like any other event.
2180 2267
2181If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use 2268If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use
2182C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing 2269C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing
2183the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to 2270the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to
3008disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support 3095disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support
3009signal watchers). 3096signal watchers).
3010 3097
3011When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for 3098When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for
3012other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call 3099other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call
3013C<ev_default_destroy ()> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>. Destroying 3100C<ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT)> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>.
3014the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered watchers, so you 3101Destroying the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered
3015have to be careful not to execute code that modifies those watchers. Note 3102watchers, so you have to be careful not to execute code that modifies
3016also that in that case, you have to re-register any signal watchers. 3103those watchers. Note also that in that case, you have to re-register any
3104signal watchers.
3017 3105
3018=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 3106=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
3019 3107
3020=over 4 3108=over 4
3021 3109
3022=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 3110=item ev_fork_init (ev_fork *, callback)
3023 3111
3024Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 3112Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
3025kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 3113kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
3026believe me. 3114really.
3027 3115
3028=back 3116=back
3117
3118
3119=head2 C<ev_cleanup> - even the best things end
3120
3121Cleanup watchers are called just before the event loop is being destroyed
3122by a call to C<ev_loop_destroy>.
3123
3124While there is no guarantee that the event loop gets destroyed, cleanup
3125watchers provide a convenient method to install cleanup hooks for your
3126program, worker threads and so on - you just to make sure to destroy the
3127loop when you want them to be invoked.
3128
3129Cleanup watchers are invoked in the same way as any other watcher. Unlike
3130all other watchers, they do not keep a reference to the event loop (which
3131makes a lot of sense if you think about it). Like all other watchers, you
3132can call libev functions in the callback, except C<ev_cleanup_start>.
3133
3134=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
3135
3136=over 4
3137
3138=item ev_cleanup_init (ev_cleanup *, callback)
3139
3140Initialises and configures the cleanup watcher - it has no parameters of
3141any kind. There is a C<ev_cleanup_set> macro, but using it is utterly
3142pointless, I assure you.
3143
3144=back
3145
3146Example: Register an atexit handler to destroy the default loop, so any
3147cleanup functions are called.
3148
3149 static void
3150 program_exits (void)
3151 {
3152 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
3153 }
3154
3155 ...
3156 atexit (program_exits);
3029 3157
3030 3158
3031=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop 3159=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop
3032 3160
3033In general, you cannot use an C<ev_run> from multiple threads or other 3161In general, you cannot use an C<ev_run> from multiple threads or other
3253=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 3381=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
3254will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 3382will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
3255is an ev_pri field. 3383is an ev_pri field.
3256 3384
3257=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the 3385=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
3258first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals. 3386base that registered the signal gets the signals.
3259 3387
3260=item * Other members are not supported. 3388=item * Other members are not supported.
3261 3389
3262=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 3390=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
3263to use the libev header file and library. 3391to use the libev header file and library.
4467=head3 C<kqueue> is buggy 4595=head3 C<kqueue> is buggy
4468 4596
4469The kqueue syscall is broken in all known versions - most versions support 4597The kqueue syscall is broken in all known versions - most versions support
4470only sockets, many support pipes. 4598only sockets, many support pipes.
4471 4599
4472Libev tries to work around this by not using C<kqueue> by default on 4600Libev tries to work around this by not using C<kqueue> by default on this
4473this rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating 4601rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating a
4474a loop. 4602loop - embedding a socket-only kqueue loop into a select-based one is
4603probably going to work well.
4475 4604
4476=head3 C<poll> is buggy 4605=head3 C<poll> is buggy
4477 4606
4478Instead of fixing C<kqueue>, Apple replaced their (working) C<poll> 4607Instead of fixing C<kqueue>, Apple replaced their (working) C<poll>
4479implementation by something calling C<kqueue> internally around the 10.5.6 4608implementation by something calling C<kqueue> internally around the 10.5.6
4498 4627
4499=head3 C<errno> reentrancy 4628=head3 C<errno> reentrancy
4500 4629
4501The default compile environment on Solaris is unfortunately so 4630The default compile environment on Solaris is unfortunately so
4502thread-unsafe that you can't even use components/libraries compiled 4631thread-unsafe that you can't even use components/libraries compiled
4503without C<-D_REENTRANT> (as long as they use C<errno>), which, of course, 4632without C<-D_REENTRANT> in a threaded program, which, of course, isn't
4504isn't defined by default. 4633defined by default. A valid, if stupid, implementation choice.
4505 4634
4506If you want to use libev in threaded environments you have to make sure 4635If you want to use libev in threaded environments you have to make sure
4507it's compiled with C<_REENTRANT> defined. 4636it's compiled with C<_REENTRANT> defined.
4508 4637
4509=head3 Event port backend 4638=head3 Event port backend
4510 4639
4511The scalable event interface for Solaris is called "event ports". Unfortunately, 4640The scalable event interface for Solaris is called "event
4512this mechanism is very buggy. If you run into high CPU usage, your program 4641ports". Unfortunately, this mechanism is very buggy in all major
4642releases. If you run into high CPU usage, your program freezes or you get
4513freezes or you get a large number of spurious wakeups, make sure you have 4643a large number of spurious wakeups, make sure you have all the relevant
4514all the relevant and latest kernel patches applied. No, I don't know which 4644and latest kernel patches applied. No, I don't know which ones, but there
4515ones, but there are multiple ones. 4645are multiple ones to apply, and afterwards, event ports actually work
4646great.
4516 4647
4517If you can't get it to work, you can try running the program by setting 4648If you can't get it to work, you can try running the program by setting
4518the environment variable C<LIBEV_FLAGS=3> to only allow C<poll> and 4649the environment variable C<LIBEV_FLAGS=3> to only allow C<poll> and
4519C<select> backends. 4650C<select> backends.
4520 4651
4521=head2 AIX POLL BUG 4652=head2 AIX POLL BUG
4522 4653
4523AIX unfortunately has a broken C<poll.h> header. Libev works around 4654AIX unfortunately has a broken C<poll.h> header. Libev works around
4524this by trying to avoid the poll backend altogether (i.e. it's not even 4655this by trying to avoid the poll backend altogether (i.e. it's not even
4525compiled in), which normally isn't a big problem as C<select> works fine 4656compiled in), which normally isn't a big problem as C<select> works fine
4526with large bitsets, and AIX is dead anyway. 4657with large bitsets on AIX, and AIX is dead anyway.
4527 4658
4528=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS 4659=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
4529 4660
4530=head3 General issues 4661=head3 General issues
4531 4662
4637structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also 4768structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
4638assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher 4769assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
4639callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev 4770callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
4640calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally. 4771calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
4641 4772
4773=item pointer accesses must be thread-atomic
4774
4775Accessing a pointer value must be atomic, it must both be readable and
4776writable in one piece - this is the case on all current architectures.
4777
4642=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well 4778=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
4643 4779
4644The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as 4780The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
4645C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different 4781C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
4646threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is 4782threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
4752=back 4888=back
4753 4889
4754 4890
4755=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X 4891=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X
4756 4892
4757The major version 4 introduced some minor incompatible changes to the API. 4893The major version 4 introduced some incompatible changes to the API.
4758 4894
4759At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file tries to implement superficial 4895At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file provides compatibility definitions
4760compatibility, so most programs should still compile. Those might be 4896for all changes, so most programs should still compile. The compatibility
4761removed in later versions of libev, so better update early than late. 4897layer might be removed in later versions of libev, so better update to the
4898new API early than late.
4762 4899
4763=over 4 4900=over 4
4901
4902=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
4903
4904The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
4905C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L<PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L<EMBEDDING>
4906section.
4907
4908=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed
4909
4910These calls can be replaced easily by their C<ev_loop_xxx> counterparts:
4911
4912 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
4913 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
4764 4914
4765=item function/symbol renames 4915=item function/symbol renames
4766 4916
4767A number of functions and symbols have been renamed: 4917A number of functions and symbols have been renamed:
4768 4918
4787ev_loop> anymore and C<EV_TIMER> now follows the same naming scheme 4937ev_loop> anymore and C<EV_TIMER> now follows the same naming scheme
4788as all other watcher types. Note that C<ev_loop_fork> is still called 4938as all other watcher types. Note that C<ev_loop_fork> is still called
4789C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the C<ev_fork> 4939C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the C<ev_fork>
4790typedef. 4940typedef.
4791 4941
4792=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
4793
4794The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
4795C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L<PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L<EMBEDDING>
4796section.
4797
4798=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES> 4942=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES>
4799 4943
4800The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different 4944The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different
4801mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile 4945mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile
4802and work, but the library code will of course be larger. 4946and work, but the library code will of course be larger.
4808 4952
4809=over 4 4953=over 4
4810 4954
4811=item active 4955=item active
4812 4956
4813A watcher is active as long as it has been started (has been attached to 4957A watcher is active as long as it has been started and not yet stopped.
4814an event loop) but not yet stopped (disassociated from the event loop). 4958See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
4815 4959
4816=item application 4960=item application
4817 4961
4818In this document, an application is whatever is using libev. 4962In this document, an application is whatever is using libev.
4963
4964=item backend
4965
4966The part of the code dealing with the operating system interfaces.
4819 4967
4820=item callback 4968=item callback
4821 4969
4822The address of a function that is called when some event has been 4970The address of a function that is called when some event has been
4823detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that 4971detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that
4824received the event, and the actual event bitset. 4972received the event, and the actual event bitset.
4825 4973
4826=item callback invocation 4974=item callback/watcher invocation
4827 4975
4828The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher. 4976The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4829 4977
4830=item event 4978=item event
4831 4979
4850The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes 4998The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes
4851watchers and events. 4999watchers and events.
4852 5000
4853=item pending 5001=item pending
4854 5002
4855A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been detected, 5003A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been
4856and stops being pending as soon as the watcher will be invoked or its 5004detected. See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
4857pending status is explicitly cleared by the application.
4858
4859A watcher can be pending, but not active. Stopping a watcher also clears
4860its pending status.
4861 5005
4862=item real time 5006=item real time
4863 5007
4864The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :) 5008The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
4865 5009
4872=item watcher 5016=item watcher
4873 5017
4874A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need 5018A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need
4875to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events. 5019to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events.
4876 5020
4877=item watcher invocation
4878
4879The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4880
4881=back 5021=back
4882 5022
4883=head1 AUTHOR 5023=head1 AUTHOR
4884 5024
4885Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson. 5025Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael
5026Magnusson and Emanuele Giaquinta.
4886 5027

Diff Legend

Removed lines
+ Added lines
< Changed lines
> Changed lines