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Revision 1.116 by root, Mon Dec 31 01:34:09 2007 UTC vs.
Revision 1.343 by root, Wed Nov 10 13:39:10 2010 UTC

2 2
3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C 3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C
4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
8 8
9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10 10
11 // a single header file is required
11 #include <ev.h> 12 #include <ev.h>
12 13
14 #include <stdio.h> // for puts
15
16 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct
17 // with the name ev_TYPE
13 ev_io stdin_watcher; 18 ev_io stdin_watcher;
14 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 19 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
15 20
16 /* called when data readable on stdin */ 21 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature
22 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin
17 static void 23 static void
18 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents) 24 stdin_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
19 { 25 {
20 /* puts ("stdin ready"); */ 26 puts ("stdin ready");
21 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); /* just a syntax example */ 27 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
22 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); /* leave all loop calls */ 28 // with its corresponding stop function.
29 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
30
31 // this causes all nested ev_run's to stop iterating
32 ev_break (EV_A_ EVBREAK_ALL);
23 } 33 }
24 34
35 // another callback, this time for a time-out
25 static void 36 static void
26 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 37 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
27 { 38 {
28 /* puts ("timeout"); */ 39 puts ("timeout");
29 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); /* leave one loop call */ 40 // this causes the innermost ev_run to stop iterating
41 ev_break (EV_A_ EVBREAK_ONE);
30 } 42 }
31 43
32 int 44 int
33 main (void) 45 main (void)
34 { 46 {
35 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 47 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
48 struct ev_loop *loop = EV_DEFAULT;
36 49
37 /* 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
38 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);
39 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 53 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
40 54
55 // initialise a timer watcher, then start it
41 /* simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout */ 56 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
42 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 57 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
43 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 58 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
44 59
45 /* loop till timeout or data ready */ 60 // now wait for events to arrive
46 ev_loop (loop, 0); 61 ev_run (loop, 0);
47 62
63 // unloop was called, so exit
48 return 0; 64 return 0;
49 } 65 }
50 66
51=head1 DESCRIPTION 67=head1 ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
52 68
69This document documents the libev software package.
70
53The newest version of this document is also available as a html-formatted 71The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted
54web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first 72web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
55time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>. 73time: L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod>.
74
75While this document tries to be as complete as possible in documenting
76libev, its usage and the rationale behind its design, it is not a tutorial
77on event-based programming, nor will it introduce event-based programming
78with libev.
79
80Familiarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed
81throughout this document.
82
83=head1 WHAT TO READ WHEN IN A HURRY
84
85This manual tries to be very detailed, but unfortunately, this also makes
86it very long. If you just want to know the basics of libev, I suggest
87reading L<ANATOMY OF A WATCHER>, then the L<EXAMPLE PROGRAM> above and
88look up the missing functions in L<GLOBAL FUNCTIONS> and the C<ev_io> and
89C<ev_timer> sections in L<WATCHER TYPES>.
90
91=head1 ABOUT LIBEV
56 92
57Libev 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
58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage 94file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
59these event sources and provide your program with events. 95these event sources and provide your program with events.
60 96
70=head2 FEATURES 106=head2 FEATURES
71 107
72Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the 108Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
73BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms 109BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
74for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface 110for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
75(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers 111(for C<ev_stat>), Linux eventfd/signalfd (for faster and cleaner
76with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals 112inter-thread wakeup (C<ev_async>)/signal handling (C<ev_signal>)) relative
77(C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and event 113timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers with customised rescheduling
78watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>, 114(C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals (C<ev_signal>), process status
79C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as 115change events (C<ev_child>), and event watchers dealing with the event
80file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events 116loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>, C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and
81(C<ev_fork>). 117C<ev_check> watchers) as well as file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even
118limited support for fork events (C<ev_fork>).
82 119
83It also is quite fast (see this 120It also is quite fast (see this
84L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent 121L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
85for example). 122for example).
86 123
87=head2 CONVENTIONS 124=head2 CONVENTIONS
88 125
89Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will 126Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
90be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about 127configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
91various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in 128more info about various configuration options please have a look at
92this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event 129B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
93loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop> 130for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of
94(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument. 131name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have
132this argument.
95 133
96=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION 134=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
97 135
98Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 136Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing
99(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 137the (fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (in practice
100the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 138somewhere near the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't
101called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 139ask). This type is called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use
102to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 140too. It usually aliases to the C<double> type in C. When you need to do
103it, you should treat it as some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name 141any calculations on it, you should treat it as some floating point value.
142
104component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences 143Unlike the name component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for
105throughout libev. 144time differences (e.g. delays) throughout libev.
145
146=head1 ERROR HANDLING
147
148Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors
149and internal errors (bugs).
150
151When libev catches an operating system error it cannot handle (for example
152a system call indicating a condition libev cannot fix), it calls the callback
153set via C<ev_set_syserr_cb>, which is supposed to fix the problem or
154abort. The default is to print a diagnostic message and to call C<abort
155()>.
156
157When libev detects a usage error such as a negative timer interval, then
158it will print a diagnostic message and abort (via the C<assert> mechanism,
159so C<NDEBUG> will disable this checking): these are programming errors in
160the libev caller and need to be fixed there.
161
162Libev also has a few internal error-checking C<assert>ions, and also has
163extensive consistency checking code. These do not trigger under normal
164circumstances, as they indicate either a bug in libev or worse.
165
106 166
107=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 167=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
108 168
109These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 169These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
110library in any way. 170library in any way.
113 173
114=item ev_tstamp ev_time () 174=item ev_tstamp ev_time ()
115 175
116Returns 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
117C<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
118you actually want to know. 178you actually want to know. Also interesting is the combination of
179C<ev_update_now> and C<ev_now>.
119 180
120=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 181=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
121 182
122Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 183Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
123either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 184either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
124this is a subsecond-resolution C<sleep ()>. 185this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>.
125 186
126=item int ev_version_major () 187=item int ev_version_major ()
127 188
128=item int ev_version_minor () 189=item int ev_version_minor ()
129 190
140as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 201as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
141compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 202compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
142not a problem. 203not a problem.
143 204
144Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 205Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
145version. 206version (note, however, that this will not detect other ABI mismatches,
207such as LFS or reentrancy).
146 208
147 assert (("libev version mismatch", 209 assert (("libev version mismatch",
148 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 210 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
149 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 211 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
150 212
151=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends () 213=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends ()
152 214
153Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*> 215Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*>
154value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their 216value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their
156a description of the set values. 218a description of the set values.
157 219
158Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and 220Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and
159a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11 221a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11
160 222
161 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 223 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
162 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 224 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
163 225
164=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 226=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
165 227
166Return 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
167recommended 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
168returned 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
169most BSDs and will not be autodetected unless you explicitly request it 232and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it (assuming
170(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
171libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 234probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
172 235
173=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 236=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
174 237
175Returns 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
176is the theoretical, all-platform, value. To find which backends 239value is platform-specific but can include backends not available on the
177might be supported on the current system, you would need to look at 240current system. To find which embeddable backends might be supported on
178C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 241the current system, you would need to look at C<ev_embeddable_backends ()
179recommended ones. 242& ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for recommended ones.
180 243
181See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 244See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
182 245
183=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 246=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
184 247
185Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 248Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
186semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to 249semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
187allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when 250used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
188memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some 251when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
189potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc 252or take some potentially destructive action.
190function. 253
254Since some systems (at least OpenBSD and Darwin) fail to implement
255correct C<realloc> semantics, libev will use a wrapper around the system
256C<realloc> and C<free> functions by default.
191 257
192You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 258You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
193free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 259free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
194or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 260or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
195 261
196Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 262Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
197retries). 263retries (example requires a standards-compliant C<realloc>).
198 264
199 static void * 265 static void *
200 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size) 266 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
201 { 267 {
202 for (;;) 268 for (;;)
211 } 277 }
212 278
213 ... 279 ...
214 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 280 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
215 281
216=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); 282=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg))
217 283
218Set the callback function to call on a retryable syscall error (such 284Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
219as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 285as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
220indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 286indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
221callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 287callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
222matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 288matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
223requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 289requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
224(such as abort). 290(such as abort).
225 291
226Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too. 292Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
235 ... 301 ...
236 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error); 302 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error);
237 303
238=back 304=back
239 305
240=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 306=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING EVENT LOOPS
241 307
242An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two 308An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> is
243types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child 309I<not> optional in this case unless libev 3 compatibility is disabled, as
244events, and dynamically created loops which do not. 310libev 3 had an C<ev_loop> function colliding with the struct name).
245 311
246If you use threads, a common model is to run the default event loop 312The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
247in your main thread (or in a separate thread) and for each thread you 313supports child process events, and dynamically created event loops which
248create, you also create another event loop. Libev itself does no locking 314do not.
249whatsoever, so if you mix calls to the same event loop in different
250threads, make sure you lock (this is usually a bad idea, though, even if
251done correctly, because it's hideous and inefficient).
252 315
253=over 4 316=over 4
254 317
255=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 318=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
256 319
257This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised 320This returns the "default" event loop object, which is what you should
258yet 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
259false. 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
260flags. 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".
261 330
262If 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
263function. 332function (or via the C<EV_DEFAULT> macro).
333
334Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
335from multiple threads, you have to employ some kind of mutex (note also
336that this case is unlikely, as loops cannot be shared easily between
337threads anyway).
338
339The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_child> watchers,
340and to do this, it always registers a handler for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is
341a problem for your application you can either create a dynamic loop with
342C<ev_loop_new> which doesn't do that, or you can simply overwrite the
343C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling C<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
360This function is thread-safe, and one common way to use libev with
361threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the default
362loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
264 363
265The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 364The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
266backends 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>).
267 366
268The following flags are supported: 367The following flags are supported:
274The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right 373The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right
275thing, believe me). 374thing, believe me).
276 375
277=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV> 376=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV>
278 377
279If this flag bit is ored into the flag value (or the program runs setuid 378If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid
280or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable 379or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
281C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 380C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
282override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 381override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
283useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 382useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
284around bugs. 383around bugs.
285 384
286=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK> 385=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
287 386
288Instead of calling C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork> manually after 387Instead of calling C<ev_loop_fork> manually after a fork, you can also
289a fork, you can also make libev check for a fork in each iteration by 388make libev check for a fork in each iteration by enabling this flag.
290enabling this flag.
291 389
292This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 390This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
293and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop 391and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
294iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 392iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
295Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence 393GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
296without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my Linux system also has 394without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has
297C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). 395C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
298 396
299The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and 397The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
300forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this 398forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
301flag. 399flag.
302 400
303This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> 401This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
304environment variable. 402environment variable.
403
404=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY>
405
406When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the
407I<inotify> API for its C<ev_stat> watchers. Apart from debugging and
408testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as
409otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle.
410
411=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD>
412
413When this flag is specified, then libev will attempt to use the
414I<signalfd> API for its C<ev_signal> (and C<ev_child>) watchers. This API
415delivers signals synchronously, which makes it both faster and might make
416it possible to get the queued signal data. It can also simplify signal
417handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your
418threads that are not interested in handling them.
419
420Signalfd will not be used by default as this changes your signal mask, and
421there are a lot of shoddy libraries and programs (glib's threadpool for
422example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks.
305 423
306=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 424=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
307 425
308This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 426This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
309libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 427libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
310but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 428but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
311using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its 429using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its
312usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds. 430usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.
313 431
314To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of 432To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of
315parallelity (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are 433parallelism (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are
316writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many 434writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many
317connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have 435connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have
318a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of 436a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of
319readyness notifications you get per iteration. 437readiness notifications you get per iteration.
438
439This backend maps C<EV_READ> to the C<readfds> set and C<EV_WRITE> to the
440C<writefds> set (and to work around Microsoft Windows bugs, also onto the
441C<exceptfds> set on that platform).
320 442
321=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows) 443=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
322 444
323And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated 445And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
324than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial 446than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
325limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down 447limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down
326considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, 448considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select,
327i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for 449i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for
328performance tips. 450performance tips.
329 451
452This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and
453C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>.
454
330=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 455=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
456
457Use the linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9
458kernels).
331 459
332For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 460For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
333but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 461but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
334like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), 462like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
335epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number 463epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
336of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect 464
337cases and rewiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad 465The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
338support for dup. 466of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
467dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
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
4710.1ms) and so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program
472forks then I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll
473set, which can take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor)
474and is of course hard to detect.
475
476Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but
477of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally
478I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot
479even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially
480on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by
481employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the
482events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. Last
483not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work
484perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...).
485
486Epoll is truly the train wreck analog among event poll mechanisms.
339 487
340While 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
341will result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 489will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
342(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 490incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different
343best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work 491I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
344very well if you register events for both fds. 492file descriptors might not work very well if you register events for both
345 493file descriptors.
346Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
347need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
348(or space) is available.
349 494
350Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all 495Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
351watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e. 496watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible,
352keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. 497i.e. keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. Stopping and
498starting a watcher (without re-setting it) also usually doesn't cause
499extra overhead. A fork can both result in spurious notifications as well
500as in libev having to destroy and recreate the epoll object, which can
501take considerable time and thus should be avoided.
353 502
503All this means that, in practice, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> can be as fast or
504faster than epoll for maybe up to a hundred file descriptors, depending on
505the usage. So sad.
506
354While nominally embeddeble in other event loops, this feature is broken in 507While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
355all kernel versions tested so far. 508all kernel versions tested so far.
509
510This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
511C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
356 512
357=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 513=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
358 514
359Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 515Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
360was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably 516was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably
361with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course 517with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
362it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected" 518it's completely useless). Unlike epoll, however, whose brokenness
519is by design, these kqueue bugs can (and eventually will) be fixed
520without API changes to existing programs. For this reason it's not being
363unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 521"auto-detected" unless you explicitly specify it in the flags (i.e. using
364C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough) 522C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
365system like NetBSD. 523system like NetBSD.
366 524
367You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it 525You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
368only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on 526only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
369the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 527the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
370 528
371It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 529It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
372kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 530kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
373course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 531course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
374cause an extra syscall as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to 532cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
375two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it 533two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad (but
376drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases. 534sane, unlike epoll) and it drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect
535cases
377 536
378This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 537This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
379 538
380While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work 539While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
381everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken 540everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
382almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets 541almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets
383(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop 542(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop
384(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and using it only for 543(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (but C<poll> is of course
385sockets. 544also broken on OS X)) and, did I mention it, using it only for sockets.
545
546This backend maps C<EV_READ> into an C<EVFILT_READ> kevent with
547C<NOTE_EOF>, and C<EV_WRITE> into an C<EVFILT_WRITE> kevent with
548C<NOTE_EOF>.
386 549
387=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 550=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
388 551
389This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an 552This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an
390implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets 553implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets
394=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 557=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
395 558
396This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 559This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
397it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 560it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
398 561
399Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious 562Please note that Solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
400notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid 563notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
401blocking when no data (or space) is available. 564blocking when no data (or space) is available.
402 565
403While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active 566While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
404file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 567file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
405descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend 568descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
406might perform better. 569might perform better.
407 570
571On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness
572notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification
573in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat among the
574OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed hacks).
575
576This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
577C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
578
408=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 579=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
409 580
410Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 581Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
411with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 582with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
412C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 583C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
413 584
414It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 585It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
415 586
416=back 587=back
417 588
418If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 589If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value,
419backends will be tried (in the reverse order as given here). If none are 590then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed
420specified, most compiled-in backend will be tried, usually in reverse 591here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends
421order of their flag values :) 592()> will be tried.
422
423The most typical usage is like this:
424
425 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
426 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
427
428Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
429environment settings to be taken into account:
430
431 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
432
433Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if
434available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private
435event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds):
436
437 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
438
439=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
440
441Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
442always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
443handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
444undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
445 593
446Example: 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.
447 595
448 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 596 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
449 if (!epoller) 597 if (!epoller)
450 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 598 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
451 599
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
452=item ev_default_destroy () 605=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
453 606
454Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 607Destroys an event loop object (frees all memory and kernel state
455etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 608etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
456sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 609sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
457responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 610responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
458calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 611calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
459the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 612the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
460for example). 613for example).
461 614
462Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by 615Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
463this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers) 616handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
464would need to be stopped manually. 617as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
465 618
466In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 619This function is normally used on loop objects allocated by
467rare 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.
468pipe 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>
469C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>). 626and C<ev_loop_destroy>.
470 627
471=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 628=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
472 629
473Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 630This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations to
474earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
475
476=item ev_default_fork ()
477
478This function reinitialises the kernel state for backends that have 631reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
479one. Despite the name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense 632name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in
480after forking, in either the parent or child process (or both, but that 633the child process. You I<must> call it (or use C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>) in the
481again makes little sense). 634child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>.
482 635
483You I<must> call this function in the child process after forking if and 636Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after
484only if you want to use the event library in both processes. If you just 637a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is
485fork+exec, you don't have to call it. 638because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things
639during fork.
640
641On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
642process if and only if you want to use the event loop in the child. If
643you just fork+exec or create a new loop in the child, you don't have to
644call it at all (in fact, C<epoll> is so badly broken that it makes a
645difference, but libev will usually detect this case on its own and do a
646costly reset of the backend).
486 647
487The 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
488it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 649it just in case after a fork.
489quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
490 650
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 ...
491 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 661 pthread_atfork (0, 0, post_fork_child);
492 662
493At the moment, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL> are safe to use 663=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
494without calling this function, so if you force one of those backends you
495do not need to care.
496 664
497=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 665Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
666otherwise.
498 667
499Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
500C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
501after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
502
503=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop) 668=item unsigned int ev_iteration (loop)
504 669
505Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to 670Returns the current iteration count for the event loop, which is identical
506the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and 671to the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0>
507happily wraps around with enough iterations. 672and happily wraps around with enough iterations.
508 673
509This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it 674This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
510"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with 675"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
511C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls. 676C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls - and is incremented between the
677prepare and check phases.
678
679=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop)
680
681Returns the number of times C<ev_run> was entered minus the number of
682times C<ev_run> was exited normally, in other words, the recursion depth.
683
684Outside C<ev_run>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is
685C<1>, unless C<ev_run> was invoked recursively (or from another thread),
686in which case it is higher.
687
688Leaving C<ev_run> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread,
689throwing an exception etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this
690as a hint to avoid such ungentleman-like behaviour unless it's really
691convenient, in which case it is fully supported.
512 692
513=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 693=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
514 694
515Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 695Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
516use. 696use.
521received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 701received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
522change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 702change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base
523time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the 703time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
524event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 704event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
525 705
706=item ev_now_update (loop)
707
708Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
709returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
710is usually done automatically within C<ev_run ()>.
711
712This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
713very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
714the current time is a good idea.
715
716See also L<The special problem of time updates> in the C<ev_timer> section.
717
718=item ev_suspend (loop)
719
720=item ev_resume (loop)
721
722These two functions suspend and resume an event loop, for use when the
723loop is not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed.
724
725A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When
726the user presses C<^Z> to suspend the game and resumes it an hour later it
727would be best to handle timeouts as if no time had actually passed while
728the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<ev_suspend>
729in your C<SIGTSTP> handler, sending yourself a C<SIGSTOP> and calling
730C<ev_resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing.
731
732Effectively, all C<ev_timer> watchers will be delayed by the time spend
733between C<ev_suspend> and C<ev_resume>, and all C<ev_periodic> watchers
734will be rescheduled (that is, they will lose any events that would have
735occurred while suspended).
736
737After calling C<ev_suspend> you B<must not> call I<any> function on the
738given loop other than C<ev_resume>, and you B<must not> call C<ev_resume>
739without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>.
740
741Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the
742event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>).
743
526=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 744=item ev_run (loop, int flags)
527 745
528Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 746Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
529after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 747after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start
530events. 748handling events. It will ask the operating system for any new events, call
749the watcher callbacks, an then repeat the whole process indefinitely: This
750is why event loops are called I<loops>.
531 751
532If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until 752If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will keep handling events
533either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called. 753until either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_break> was
754called.
534 755
535Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than 756Please note that an explicit C<ev_break> is usually better than
536relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 757relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
537finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program that 758finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
538automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue of 759that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
539relying on its watchers stopping correctly is a thing of beauty. 760of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
761beauty.
540 762
763This function is also I<mostly> exception-safe - you can break out of
764a C<ev_run> call by calling C<longjmp> in a callback, throwing a C++
765exception and so on. This does not decrement the C<ev_depth> value, nor
766will it clear any outstanding C<EVBREAK_ONE> breaks.
767
541A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 768A flags value of C<EVRUN_NOWAIT> will look for new events, will handle
542those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in 769those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not wait and
543case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop. 770block your process in case there are no events and will return after one
771iteration of the loop. This is sometimes useful to poll and handle new
772events while doing lengthy calculations, to keep the program responsive.
544 773
545A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 774A flags value of C<EVRUN_ONCE> will look for new events (waiting if
546neccessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block 775necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
547your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after 776will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could
548one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some 777be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a
549external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other 778user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
779iteration of the loop.
780
781This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
782with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
550libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 783own C<ev_run>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
551usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 784usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
552 785
553Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 786Here are the gory details of what C<ev_run> does:
554 787
788 - Increment loop depth.
789 - Reset the ev_break status.
555 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 790 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
791 LOOP:
556 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork. 792 - If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
557 - If a fork was detected, queue and call all fork watchers. 793 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
558 - Queue and call all prepare watchers. 794 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
795 - If ev_break was called, goto FINISH.
559 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 796 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
797 as to not disturb the other process.
560 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 798 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
561 - Update the "event loop time". 799 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
562 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all 800 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
563 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having 801 (active idle watchers, EVRUN_NOWAIT or not having
564 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 802 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
565 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 803 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
804 - Increment loop iteration counter.
566 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 805 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
567 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 806 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
568 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling. 807 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
569 - Queue all outstanding timers. 808 - Queue all expired timers.
570 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 809 - Queue all expired periodics.
571 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 810 - Queue all idle watchers with priority higher than that of pending events.
572 - Queue all check watchers. 811 - Queue all check watchers.
573 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 812 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
574 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 813 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
575 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 814 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
576 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 815 - If ev_break has been called, or EVRUN_ONCE or EVRUN_NOWAIT
577 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise 816 were used, or there are no active watchers, goto FINISH, otherwise
578 continue with step *. 817 continue with step LOOP.
818 FINISH:
819 - Reset the ev_break status iff it was EVBREAK_ONE.
820 - Decrement the loop depth.
821 - Return.
579 822
580Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding 823Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
581anymore. 824anymore.
582 825
583 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 826 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
584 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 827 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
585 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 828 ev_run (my_loop, 0);
586 ... jobs done. yeah! 829 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
587 830
588=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 831=item ev_break (loop, how)
589 832
590Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 833Can be used to make a call to C<ev_run> return early (but only after it
591has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 834has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
592C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 835C<EVBREAK_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_run> call return, or
593C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 836C<EVBREAK_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_run> calls return.
594 837
595This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again. 838This "break state" will be cleared on the next call to C<ev_run>.
839
840It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls, too, in
841which case it will have no effect.
596 842
597=item ev_ref (loop) 843=item ev_ref (loop)
598 844
599=item ev_unref (loop) 845=item ev_unref (loop)
600 846
601Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 847Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
602loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference 848loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
603count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. If you have 849count is nonzero, C<ev_run> will not return on its own.
604a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop> from 850
605returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For 851This is useful when you have a watcher that you never intend to
852unregister, but that nevertheless should not keep C<ev_run> from
853returning. In such a case, call C<ev_unref> after starting, and C<ev_ref>
854before stopping it.
855
606example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not 856As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It
607visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 857is not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_run> from
608no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 858exiting if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an
609way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 859excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within
610libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop> 860third-party libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref
611(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before, 861before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active
612respectively). 862before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself
863(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref>
864in the callback).
613 865
614Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 866Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_run>
615running when nothing else is active. 867running when nothing else is active.
616 868
617 struct ev_signal exitsig; 869 ev_signal exitsig;
618 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 870 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
619 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 871 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
620 evf_unref (loop); 872 evf_unref (loop);
621 873
622Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 874Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
623 875
624 ev_ref (loop); 876 ev_ref (loop);
625 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 877 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
626 878
627=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 879=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
628 880
629=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 881=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
630 882
631These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting 883These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
632for events. Both are by default C<0>, meaning that libev will try to 884for events. Both time intervals are by default C<0>, meaning that libev
633invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency. 885will try to invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum
886latency.
634 887
635Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>) 888Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>)
636allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks to 889allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks
637increase efficiency of loop iterations. 890to increase efficiency of loop iterations (or to increase power-saving
891opportunities).
638 892
639The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to 893The idea is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to handle
640handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes 894one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes the
641the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new 895program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
642events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high 896events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
643overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once. 897overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
644 898
645By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more 899By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
646time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration, 900time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
647at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and 901at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
648C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will 902C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
649introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. 903introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. The
904sleep time ensures that libev will not poll for I/O events more often then
905once per this interval, on average.
650 906
651Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev 907Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
652to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 908to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
653latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers 909latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
654will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce 910later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null
655any overhead in libev. 911value will not introduce any overhead in libev.
656 912
657Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect 913Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect
658interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for 914interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
659interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It 915interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
660usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>, 916usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
661as this approsaches the timing granularity of most systems. 917as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems. Note that if
918you do transactions with the outside world and you can't increase the
919parallelity, then this setting will limit your transaction rate (if you
920need to poll once per transaction and the I/O collect interval is 0.01,
921then you can't do more than 100 transactions per second).
922
923Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
924saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
925are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
926times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
927reduce iterations/wake-ups is to use C<ev_periodic> watchers and make sure
928they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.
929
930Example: we only need 0.1s timeout granularity, and we wish not to poll
931more often than 100 times per second:
932
933 ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.1);
934 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01);
935
936=item ev_invoke_pending (loop)
937
938This call will simply invoke all pending watchers while resetting their
939pending state. Normally, C<ev_run> does this automatically when required,
940but when overriding the invoke callback this call comes handy. This
941function can be invoked from a watcher - this can be useful for example
942when you want to do some lengthy calculation and want to pass further
943event handling to another thread (you still have to make sure only one
944thread executes within C<ev_invoke_pending> or C<ev_run> of course).
945
946=item int ev_pending_count (loop)
947
948Returns the number of pending watchers - zero indicates that no watchers
949are pending.
950
951=item ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (loop, void (*invoke_pending_cb)(EV_P))
952
953This overrides the invoke pending functionality of the loop: Instead of
954invoking all pending watchers when there are any, C<ev_run> will call
955this callback instead. This is useful, for example, when you want to
956invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.).
957
958If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new
959callback.
960
961=item ev_set_loop_release_cb (loop, void (*release)(EV_P), void (*acquire)(EV_P))
962
963Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This
964can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around
965each call to a libev function.
966
967However, C<ev_run> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible
968to wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the event
969loop via C<ev_break> and C<av_async_send>, another way is to set these
970I<release> and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop.
971
972When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is
973suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just
974afterwards.
975
976Ideally, C<release> will just call your mutex_unlock function, and
977C<acquire> will just call the mutex_lock function again.
978
979While event loop modifications are allowed between invocations of
980C<release> and C<acquire> (that's their only purpose after all), no
981modifications done will affect the event loop, i.e. adding watchers will
982have no effect on the set of file descriptors being watched, or the time
983waited. Use an C<ev_async> watcher to wake up C<ev_run> when you want it
984to take note of any changes you made.
985
986In theory, threads executing C<ev_run> will be async-cancel safe between
987invocations of C<release> and C<acquire>.
988
989See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this
990document.
991
992=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data)
993
994=item ev_userdata (loop)
995
996Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When
997C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns
998C<0>.
999
1000These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop,
1001and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and
1002C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for
1003any other purpose as well.
1004
1005=item ev_verify (loop)
1006
1007This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
1008compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
1009through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
1010is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
1011error and call C<abort ()>.
1012
1013This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal
1014circumstances, this function will never abort as of course libev keeps its
1015data structures consistent.
662 1016
663=back 1017=back
664 1018
665 1019
666=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 1020=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
667 1021
1022In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the
1023watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer
1024watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
1025
668A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 1026A watcher is an opaque structure that you allocate and register to record
669interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 1027your interest in some event. To make a concrete example, imagine you want
670become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 1028to wait for STDIN to become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher
1029for that:
671 1030
672 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1031 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
673 { 1032 {
674 ev_io_stop (w); 1033 ev_io_stop (w);
675 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1034 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
676 } 1035 }
677 1036
678 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 1037 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
1038
679 struct ev_io stdin_watcher; 1039 ev_io stdin_watcher;
1040
680 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 1041 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
681 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1042 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
682 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 1043 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
1044
683 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1045 ev_run (loop, 0);
684 1046
685As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 1047As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
686watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack, 1048watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
687although this can sometimes be quite valid). 1049stack).
688 1050
1051Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
1052or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
1053
689Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 1054Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init (watcher
690(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 1055*, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This callback is
691callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of io 1056invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O watchers, each
692watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 1057time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given is readable
693is readable and/or writable). 1058and/or writable).
694 1059
695Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro 1060Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
696with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro 1061macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
697to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< ev_<type>_init 1062is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
698(watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 1063ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
699 1064
700To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it 1065To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it
701with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_<type>_start (loop, watcher 1066with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_TYPE_start (loop, watcher
702*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the 1067*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the
703corresponding stop function (C<< ev_<type>_stop (loop, watcher *) >>. 1068corresponding stop function (C<< ev_TYPE_stop (loop, watcher *) >>.
704 1069
705As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you 1070As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you
706must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never 1071must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never
707reinitialise it or call its C<set> macro. 1072reinitialise it or call its C<ev_TYPE_set> macro.
708 1073
709Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the 1074Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the
710registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as 1075registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as
711third argument. 1076third argument.
712 1077
721=item C<EV_WRITE> 1086=item C<EV_WRITE>
722 1087
723The file descriptor in the C<ev_io> watcher has become readable and/or 1088The file descriptor in the C<ev_io> watcher has become readable and/or
724writable. 1089writable.
725 1090
726=item C<EV_TIMEOUT> 1091=item C<EV_TIMER>
727 1092
728The C<ev_timer> watcher has timed out. 1093The C<ev_timer> watcher has timed out.
729 1094
730=item C<EV_PERIODIC> 1095=item C<EV_PERIODIC>
731 1096
749 1114
750=item C<EV_PREPARE> 1115=item C<EV_PREPARE>
751 1116
752=item C<EV_CHECK> 1117=item C<EV_CHECK>
753 1118
754All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_loop> starts 1119All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_run> starts
755to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after 1120to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after
756C<ev_loop> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any 1121C<ev_run> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any
757received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 1122received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as
758many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account 1123many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account
759(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep 1124(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep
760C<ev_loop> from blocking). 1125C<ev_run> from blocking).
761 1126
762=item C<EV_EMBED> 1127=item C<EV_EMBED>
763 1128
764The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention. 1129The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
765 1130
766=item C<EV_FORK> 1131=item C<EV_FORK>
767 1132
768The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see 1133The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
769C<ev_fork>). 1134C<ev_fork>).
770 1135
1136=item C<EV_CLEANUP>
1137
1138The event loop is about to be destroyed (see C<ev_cleanup>).
1139
1140=item C<EV_ASYNC>
1141
1142The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
1143
1144=item C<EV_CUSTOM>
1145
1146Not ever sent (or otherwise used) by libev itself, but can be freely used
1147by libev users to signal watchers (e.g. via C<ev_feed_event>).
1148
771=item C<EV_ERROR> 1149=item C<EV_ERROR>
772 1150
773An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 1151An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
774happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 1152happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
775ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 1153ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
1154problem. Libev considers these application bugs.
1155
776problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping 1156You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping with the
777with the watcher being stopped. 1157watcher being stopped. Note that well-written programs should not receive
1158an error ever, so when your watcher receives it, this usually indicates a
1159bug in your program.
778 1160
779Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, 1161Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, for
780for example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if 1162example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if your
781your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope 1163callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope with
782with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multithreaded 1164the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
783programs, though, so beware. 1165programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another
1166thing, so beware.
784 1167
785=back 1168=back
786 1169
787=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 1170=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
788
789In the following description, C<TYPE> stands for the watcher type,
790e.g. C<timer> for C<ev_timer> watchers and C<io> for C<ev_io> watchers.
791 1171
792=over 4 1172=over 4
793 1173
794=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 1174=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
795 1175
801which rolls both calls into one. 1181which rolls both calls into one.
802 1182
803You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped 1183You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped
804(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding. 1184(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
805 1185
806The callback is always of type C<void (*)(ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, 1186The callback is always of type C<void (*)(struct ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,
807int revents)>. 1187int revents)>.
808 1188
1189Example: Initialise an C<ev_io> watcher in two steps.
1190
1191 ev_io w;
1192 ev_init (&w, my_cb);
1193 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1194
809=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args]) 1195=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *watcher, [args])
810 1196
811This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to 1197This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
812call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can 1198call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
813call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this 1199call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this
814macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a 1200macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a
815difference to the C<ev_init> macro). 1201difference to the C<ev_init> macro).
816 1202
817Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments 1203Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
818(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro. 1204(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
819 1205
1206See C<ev_init>, above, for an example.
1207
820=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args]) 1208=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
821 1209
822This convinience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro 1210This convenience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro
823calls into a single call. This is the most convinient method to initialise 1211calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise
824a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course. 1212a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
825 1213
1214Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
1215
1216 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1217
826=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1218=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
827 1219
828Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 1220Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
829events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen. 1221events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
830 1222
1223Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
1224whole section.
1225
1226 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
1227
831=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1228=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
832 1229
833Stops the given watcher again (if active) and clears the pending 1230Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
1231the watcher was active or not).
1232
834status. It is possible that stopped watchers are pending (for example, 1233It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
835non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending), but 1234non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending - but
836C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor pending. If 1235calling C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor
837you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is therefore a 1236pending. If you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is
838good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. 1237therefore a good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function.
839 1238
840=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1239=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher)
841 1240
842Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started 1241Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started
843and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify 1242and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify
859=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 1258=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
860 1259
861Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 1260Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
862(modulo threads). 1261(modulo threads).
863 1262
864=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority) 1263=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, int priority)
865 1264
866=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1265=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
867 1266
868Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small 1267Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
869integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI> 1268integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
870(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked 1269(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
871before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers 1270before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
872from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers). 1271from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
873 1272
874This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
875invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
876example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
877watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
878
879If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending 1273If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
880you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality. 1274you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
881 1275
882You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or 1276You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
883pending. 1277pending.
884 1278
1279Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
1280fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
1281or might not have been clamped to the valid range.
1282
885The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is 1283The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
886always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :). 1284always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
887 1285
888Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is 1286See L<WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS>, below, for a more thorough treatment of
889fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might 1287priorities.
890or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
891 1288
892=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents) 1289=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
893 1290
894Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither 1291Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
895C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback 1292C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
896can deal with that fact. 1293can deal with that fact, as both are simply passed through to the
1294callback.
897 1295
898=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1296=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
899 1297
900If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status 1298If the watcher is pending, this function clears its pending status and
901and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the 1299returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
902watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>. 1300watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
903 1301
1302Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
1303callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
1304
1305=item ev_feed_event (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1306
1307Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
1308had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
1309initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). Obviously you must
1310not free the watcher as long as it has pending events.
1311
1312Stopping the watcher, letting libev invoke it, or calling
1313C<ev_clear_pending> will clear the pending event, even if the watcher was
1314not started in the first place.
1315
1316See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
1317functions that do not need a watcher.
1318
904=back 1319=back
905 1320
906
907=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1321=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
908 1322
909Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 1323Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
910and read at any time, libev will completely ignore it. This can be used 1324and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
911to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and 1325to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
912don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data 1326don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data
913member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own 1327member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
914data: 1328data:
915 1329
916 struct my_io 1330 struct my_io
917 { 1331 {
918 struct ev_io io; 1332 ev_io io;
919 int otherfd; 1333 int otherfd;
920 void *somedata; 1334 void *somedata;
921 struct whatever *mostinteresting; 1335 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
922 } 1336 };
1337
1338 ...
1339 struct my_io w;
1340 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
923 1341
924And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you 1342And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
925can cast it back to your own type: 1343can cast it back to your own type:
926 1344
927 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents) 1345 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
928 { 1346 {
929 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 1347 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
930 ... 1348 ...
931 } 1349 }
932 1350
933More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type 1351More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
934instead have been omitted. 1352instead have been omitted.
935 1353
936Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple 1354Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
937watchers: 1355embedded watchers:
938 1356
939 struct my_biggy 1357 struct my_biggy
940 { 1358 {
941 int some_data; 1359 int some_data;
942 ev_timer t1; 1360 ev_timer t1;
943 ev_timer t2; 1361 ev_timer t2;
944 } 1362 }
945 1363
946In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated, 1364In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
947you need to use C<offsetof>: 1365complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct
1366in the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies), or you need to use
1367some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for real
1368programmers):
948 1369
949 #include <stddef.h> 1370 #include <stddef.h>
950 1371
951 static void 1372 static void
952 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1373 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
953 { 1374 {
954 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1375 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
955 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1376 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
956 } 1377 }
957 1378
958 static void 1379 static void
959 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1380 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
960 { 1381 {
961 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1382 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
962 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1383 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
963 } 1384 }
1385
1386=head2 WATCHER STATES
1387
1388There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual -
1389active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to
1390transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these
1391rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing".
1392
1393=over 4
1394
1395=item initialiased
1396
1397Before a watcher can be registered with the event looop it has to be
1398initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to
1399C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function.
1400
1401In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for use
1402in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at will.
1403
1404=item started/running/active
1405
1406Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes
1407property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in
1408this state it cannot be accessed (except in a few documented ways), moved,
1409freed or anything else - the only legal thing is to keep a pointer to it,
1410and call libev functions on it that are documented to work on active watchers.
1411
1412=item pending
1413
1414If a watcher is active and libev determines that an event it is interested
1415in has occurred (such as a timer expiring), it will become pending. It will
1416stay in this pending state until either it is stopped or its callback is
1417about to be invoked, so it is not normally pending inside the watcher
1418callback.
1419
1420The watcher might or might not be active while it is pending (for example,
1421an expired non-repeating timer can be pending but no longer active). If it
1422is stopped, it can be freely accessed (e.g. by calling C<ev_TYPE_set>),
1423but it is still property of the event loop at this time, so cannot be
1424moved, freed or reused. And if it is active the rules described in the
1425previous item still apply.
1426
1427It is also possible to feed an event on a watcher that is not active (e.g.
1428via C<ev_feed_event>), in which case it becomes pending without being
1429active.
1430
1431=item stopped
1432
1433A watcher can be stopped implicitly by libev (in which case it might still
1434be pending), or explicitly by calling its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. The
1435latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless
1436of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before
1437freeing it is often a good idea.
1438
1439While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the
1440initialised state, that is it can be reused, moved, modified in any way
1441you wish.
1442
1443=back
1444
1445=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS
1446
1447Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small
1448integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation
1449between watchers in some way, all else being equal.
1450
1451In libev, Watcher priorities can be set using C<ev_set_priority>. See its
1452description for the more technical details such as the actual priority
1453range.
1454
1455There are two common ways how these these priorities are being interpreted
1456by event loops:
1457
1458In the more common lock-out model, higher priorities "lock out" invocation
1459of lower priority watchers, which means as long as higher priority
1460watchers receive events, lower priority watchers are not being invoked.
1461
1462The less common only-for-ordering model uses priorities solely to order
1463callback invocation within a single event loop iteration: Higher priority
1464watchers are invoked before lower priority ones, but they all get invoked
1465before polling for new events.
1466
1467Libev uses the second (only-for-ordering) model for all its watchers
1468except for idle watchers (which use the lock-out model).
1469
1470The rationale behind this is that implementing the lock-out model for
1471watchers is not well supported by most kernel interfaces, and most event
1472libraries will just poll for the same events again and again as long as
1473their callbacks have not been executed, which is very inefficient in the
1474common case of one high-priority watcher locking out a mass of lower
1475priority ones.
1476
1477Static (ordering) priorities are most useful when you have two or more
1478watchers handling the same resource: a typical usage example is having an
1479C<ev_io> watcher to receive data, and an associated C<ev_timer> to handle
1480timeouts. Under load, data might be received while the program handles
1481other jobs, but since timers normally get invoked first, the timeout
1482handler will be executed before checking for data. In that case, giving
1483the timer a lower priority than the I/O watcher ensures that I/O will be
1484handled first even under adverse conditions (which is usually, but not
1485always, what you want).
1486
1487Since idle watchers use the "lock-out" model, meaning that idle watchers
1488will only be executed when no same or higher priority watchers have
1489received events, they can be used to implement the "lock-out" model when
1490required.
1491
1492For example, to emulate how many other event libraries handle priorities,
1493you can associate an C<ev_idle> watcher to each such watcher, and in
1494the normal watcher callback, you just start the idle watcher. The real
1495processing is done in the idle watcher callback. This causes libev to
1496continuously poll and process kernel event data for the watcher, but when
1497the lock-out case is known to be rare (which in turn is rare :), this is
1498workable.
1499
1500Usually, however, the lock-out model implemented that way will perform
1501miserably under the type of load it was designed to handle. In that case,
1502it might be preferable to stop the real watcher before starting the
1503idle watcher, so the kernel will not have to process the event in case
1504the actual processing will be delayed for considerable time.
1505
1506Here is an example of an I/O watcher that should run at a strictly lower
1507priority than the default, and which should only process data when no
1508other events are pending:
1509
1510 ev_idle idle; // actual processing watcher
1511 ev_io io; // actual event watcher
1512
1513 static void
1514 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1515 {
1516 // stop the I/O watcher, we received the event, but
1517 // are not yet ready to handle it.
1518 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
1519
1520 // start the idle watcher to handle the actual event.
1521 // it will not be executed as long as other watchers
1522 // with the default priority are receiving events.
1523 ev_idle_start (EV_A_ &idle);
1524 }
1525
1526 static void
1527 idle_cb (EV_P_ ev_idle *w, int revents)
1528 {
1529 // actual processing
1530 read (STDIN_FILENO, ...);
1531
1532 // have to start the I/O watcher again, as
1533 // we have handled the event
1534 ev_io_start (EV_P_ &io);
1535 }
1536
1537 // initialisation
1538 ev_idle_init (&idle, idle_cb);
1539 ev_io_init (&io, io_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1540 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &io);
1541
1542In the "real" world, it might also be beneficial to start a timer, so that
1543low-priority connections can not be locked out forever under load. This
1544enables your program to keep a lower latency for important connections
1545during short periods of high load, while not completely locking out less
1546important ones.
964 1547
965 1548
966=head1 WATCHER TYPES 1549=head1 WATCHER TYPES
967 1550
968This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 1551This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
992In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 1575In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
993fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 1576fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
994descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1577descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
995required if you know what you are doing). 1578required if you know what you are doing).
996 1579
997If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 1580If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a
998(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and 1581known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
999C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1582C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). The same applies to file
1583descriptors for which non-blocking operation makes no sense (such as
1584files) - libev doesn't guarantee any specific behaviour in that case.
1000 1585
1001Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1586Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1002receive "spurious" readyness notifications, that is your callback might 1587receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1003be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1588be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
1004because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1589because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
1005lot of those (for example solaris ports), it is very easy to get into 1590lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into
1006this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1591this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus
1007it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 1592it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
1008C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 1593C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
1009 1594
1010If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 1595If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should
1011play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 1596not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately
1012whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 1597re-test whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good
1013such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 1598interface such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already
1014its own, so its quite safe to use). 1599does this on its own, so its quite safe to use). Some people additionally
1600use C<SIGALRM> and an interval timer, just to be sure you won't block
1601indefinitely.
1602
1603But really, best use non-blocking mode.
1015 1604
1016=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors 1605=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1017 1606
1018Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file 1607Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
1019descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means, 1608descriptor (either due to calling C<close> explicitly or any other means,
1020such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file 1609such as C<dup2>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
1021descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop 1610descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
1022this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is 1611this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
1023registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in 1612registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
1024fact, a different file descriptor. 1613fact, a different file descriptor.
1025 1614
1054To support fork in your programs, you either have to call 1643To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
1055C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child, 1644C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,
1056enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or 1645enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1057C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 1646C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1058 1647
1648=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1649
1650While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about C<SIGPIPE>:
1651when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets
1652sent a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most programs
1653this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually undesirable.
1654
1655So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1656ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1657somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1658
1659=head3 The special problem of accept()ing when you can't
1660
1661Many implementations of the POSIX C<accept> function (for example,
1662found in post-2004 Linux) have the peculiar behaviour of not removing a
1663connection from the pending queue in all error cases.
1664
1665For example, larger servers often run out of file descriptors (because
1666of resource limits), causing C<accept> to fail with C<ENFILE> but not
1667rejecting the connection, leading to libev signalling readiness on
1668the next iteration again (the connection still exists after all), and
1669typically causing the program to loop at 100% CPU usage.
1670
1671Unfortunately, the set of errors that cause this issue differs between
1672operating systems, there is usually little the app can do to remedy the
1673situation, and no known thread-safe method of removing the connection to
1674cope with overload is known (to me).
1675
1676One of the easiest ways to handle this situation is to just ignore it
1677- when the program encounters an overload, it will just loop until the
1678situation is over. While this is a form of busy waiting, no OS offers an
1679event-based way to handle this situation, so it's the best one can do.
1680
1681A better way to handle the situation is to log any errors other than
1682C<EAGAIN> and C<EWOULDBLOCK>, making sure not to flood the log with such
1683messages, and continue as usual, which at least gives the user an idea of
1684what could be wrong ("raise the ulimit!"). For extra points one could stop
1685the C<ev_io> watcher on the listening fd "for a while", which reduces CPU
1686usage.
1687
1688If your program is single-threaded, then you could also keep a dummy file
1689descriptor for overload situations (e.g. by opening F</dev/null>), and
1690when you run into C<ENFILE> or C<EMFILE>, close it, run C<accept>,
1691close that fd, and create a new dummy fd. This will gracefully refuse
1692clients under typical overload conditions.
1693
1694The last way to handle it is to simply log the error and C<exit>, as
1695is often done with C<malloc> failures, but this results in an easy
1696opportunity for a DoS attack.
1059 1697
1060=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions 1698=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1061 1699
1062=over 4 1700=over 4
1063 1701
1064=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1702=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
1065 1703
1066=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 1704=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
1067 1705
1068Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to 1706Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to
1069rceeive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or 1707receive events for and C<events> is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
1070C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 1708C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE>, to express the desire to receive the given events.
1071 1709
1072=item int fd [read-only] 1710=item int fd [read-only]
1073 1711
1074The file descriptor being watched. 1712The file descriptor being watched.
1075 1713
1083 1721
1084Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1722Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
1085readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1723readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
1086attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1724attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
1087 1725
1088 static void 1726 static void
1089 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1727 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1090 { 1728 {
1091 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1729 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
1092 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors 1730 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and handle any I/O errors
1093 } 1731 }
1094 1732
1095 ... 1733 ...
1096 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1734 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1097 struct ev_io stdin_readable; 1735 ev_io stdin_readable;
1098 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1736 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1099 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1737 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1100 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1738 ev_run (loop, 0);
1101 1739
1102 1740
1103=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1741=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1104 1742
1105Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1743Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1106given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 1744given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
1107 1745
1108The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that 1746The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that
1109times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to last years 1747times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to January last
1110time, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because 1748year, it will still time out after (roughly) one hour. "Roughly" because
1111detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1749detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1112monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1750monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1751
1752The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1753passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this
1754might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the
1755same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked
1756before ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is
1757no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1758
1759=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1760
1761Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1762recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1763you want to raise some error after a while.
1764
1765What follows are some ways to handle this problem, from obvious and
1766inefficient to smart and efficient.
1767
1768In the following, a 60 second activity timeout is assumed - a timeout that
1769gets reset to 60 seconds each time there is activity (e.g. each time some
1770data or other life sign was received).
1771
1772=over 4
1773
1774=item 1. Use a timer and stop, reinitialise and start it on activity.
1775
1776This is the most obvious, but not the most simple way: In the beginning,
1777start the watcher:
1778
1779 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 60., 0.);
1780 ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
1781
1782Then, each time there is some activity, C<ev_timer_stop> it, initialise it
1783and start it again:
1784
1785 ev_timer_stop (loop, timer);
1786 ev_timer_set (timer, 60., 0.);
1787 ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
1788
1789This is relatively simple to implement, but means that each time there is
1790some activity, libev will first have to remove the timer from its internal
1791data structure and then add it again. Libev tries to be fast, but it's
1792still not a constant-time operation.
1793
1794=item 2. Use a timer and re-start it with C<ev_timer_again> inactivity.
1795
1796This is the easiest way, and involves using C<ev_timer_again> instead of
1797C<ev_timer_start>.
1798
1799To implement this, configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value
1800of C<60> and then call C<ev_timer_again> at start and each time you
1801successfully read or write some data. If you go into an idle state where
1802you do not expect data to travel on the socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop>
1803the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will automatically restart it if need be.
1804
1805That means you can ignore both the C<ev_timer_start> function and the
1806C<after> argument to C<ev_timer_set>, and only ever use the C<repeat>
1807member and C<ev_timer_again>.
1808
1809At start:
1810
1811 ev_init (timer, callback);
1812 timer->repeat = 60.;
1813 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1814
1815Each time there is some activity:
1816
1817 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1818
1819It is even possible to change the time-out on the fly, regardless of
1820whether the watcher is active or not:
1821
1822 timer->repeat = 30.;
1823 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1824
1825This is slightly more efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1826you want to modify its timeout value, as libev does not have to completely
1827remove and re-insert the timer from/into its internal data structure.
1828
1829It is, however, even simpler than the "obvious" way to do it.
1830
1831=item 3. Let the timer time out, but then re-arm it as required.
1832
1833This method is more tricky, but usually most efficient: Most timeouts are
1834relatively long compared to the intervals between other activity - in
1835our example, within 60 seconds, there are usually many I/O events with
1836associated activity resets.
1837
1838In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone,
1839but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only
1840within the callback:
1841
1842 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity
1843
1844 static void
1845 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1846 {
1847 ev_tstamp now = ev_now (EV_A);
1848 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.;
1849
1850 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out
1851 if (timeout < now)
1852 {
1853 // timeout occurred, take action
1854 }
1855 else
1856 {
1857 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm
1858 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is
1859 // guaranteed to be in the future, so "again" is positive:
1860 w->repeat = timeout - now;
1861 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ w);
1862 }
1863 }
1864
1865To summarise the callback: first calculate the real timeout (defined
1866as "60 seconds after the last activity"), then check if that time has
1867been reached, which means something I<did>, in fact, time out. Otherwise
1868the callback was invoked too early (C<timeout> is in the future), so
1869re-schedule the timer to fire at that future time, to see if maybe we have
1870a timeout then.
1871
1872Note how C<ev_timer_again> is used, taking advantage of the
1873C<ev_timer_again> optimisation when the timer is already running.
1874
1875This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds
1876minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to
1877libev to change the timeout.
1878
1879To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity>
1880to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the
1881callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer:
1882
1883 ev_init (timer, callback);
1884 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1885 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMER);
1886
1887And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1888C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1889
1890 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1891
1892This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1893time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1894
1895Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1896callback :) - just change the timeout and invoke the callback, which will
1897fix things for you.
1898
1899=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts.
1900
1901If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all
1902employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can
1903do even better:
1904
1905When starting the timeout, calculate the timeout value and put the timeout
1906at the I<end> of the list.
1907
1908Then use an C<ev_timer> to fire when the timeout at the I<beginning> of
1909the list is expected to fire (for example, using the technique #3).
1910
1911When there is some activity, remove the timer from the list, recalculate
1912the timeout, append it to the end of the list again, and make sure to
1913update the C<ev_timer> if it was taken from the beginning of the list.
1914
1915This way, one can manage an unlimited number of timeouts in O(1) time for
1916starting, stopping and updating the timers, at the expense of a major
1917complication, and having to use a constant timeout. The constant timeout
1918ensures that the list stays sorted.
1919
1920=back
1921
1922So which method the best?
1923
1924Method #2 is a simple no-brain-required solution that is adequate in most
1925situations. Method #3 requires a bit more thinking, but handles many cases
1926better, and isn't very complicated either. In most case, choosing either
1927one is fine, with #3 being better in typical situations.
1928
1929Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is
1930rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays
1931off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually
1932overkill :)
1933
1934=head3 The special problem of time updates
1935
1936Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1937least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1938time only before and after C<ev_run> collects new events, which causes a
1939growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1940lots of events in one iteration.
1113 1941
1114The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1942The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1115time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1943time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1116of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If 1944of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If
1117you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the timeout 1945you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the
1118on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this: 1946timeout on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:
1119 1947
1120 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 1948 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
1121 1949
1122The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1950If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
1123but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1951update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
1124order of execution is undefined. 1952()>.
1953
1954=head3 The special problems of suspended animation
1955
1956When you leave the server world it is quite customary to hit machines that
1957can suspend/hibernate - what happens to the clocks during such a suspend?
1958
1959Some quick tests made with a Linux 2.6.28 indicate that a suspend freezes
1960all processes, while the clocks (C<times>, C<CLOCK_MONOTONIC>) continue
1961to run until the system is suspended, but they will not advance while the
1962system is suspended. That means, on resume, it will be as if the program
1963was frozen for a few seconds, but the suspend time will not be counted
1964towards C<ev_timer> when a monotonic clock source is used. The real time
1965clock advanced as expected, but if it is used as sole clocksource, then a
1966long suspend would be detected as a time jump by libev, and timers would
1967be adjusted accordingly.
1968
1969I would not be surprised to see different behaviour in different between
1970operating systems, OS versions or even different hardware.
1971
1972The other form of suspend (job control, or sending a SIGSTOP) will see a
1973time jump in the monotonic clocks and the realtime clock. If the program
1974is suspended for a very long time, and monotonic clock sources are in use,
1975then you can expect C<ev_timer>s to expire as the full suspension time
1976will be counted towards the timers. When no monotonic clock source is in
1977use, then libev will again assume a timejump and adjust accordingly.
1978
1979It might be beneficial for this latter case to call C<ev_suspend>
1980and C<ev_resume> in code that handles C<SIGTSTP>, to at least get
1981deterministic behaviour in this case (you can do nothing against
1982C<SIGSTOP>).
1125 1983
1126=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1984=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1127 1985
1128=over 4 1986=over 4
1129 1987
1130=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1988=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1131 1989
1132=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1990=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1133 1991
1134Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat> is 1992Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat>
1135C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped. If it is positive, then the 1993is C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped once the timeout is
1136timer will automatically be configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds 1994reached. If it is positive, then the timer will automatically be
1137later, again, and again, until stopped manually. 1995configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds later, again, and again,
1996until stopped manually.
1138 1997
1139The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if you 1998The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if
1140configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at 1999you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally
1141exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with 2000trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot
1142the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the 2001keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to
1143timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 2002do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
1144 2003
1145=item ev_timer_again (loop) 2004=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
1146 2005
1147This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 2006This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
1148repeating. The exact semantics are: 2007repeating. The exact semantics are:
1149 2008
1150If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 2009If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1151 2010
1152If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 2011If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1153 2012
1154If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 2013If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1155C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 2014C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1156 2015
1157This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 2016This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a
1158example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle 2017usage example.
1159timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
1160seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
1161configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
1162C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
1163you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
1164socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
1165automatically restart it if need be.
1166 2018
1167That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start> 2019=item ev_tstamp ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *)
1168altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
1169 2020
1170 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.); 2021Returns the remaining time until a timer fires. If the timer is active,
1171 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 2022then this time is relative to the current event loop time, otherwise it's
1172 ... 2023the timeout value currently configured.
1173 timer->again = 17.;
1174 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1175 ...
1176 timer->again = 10.;
1177 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1178 2024
1179This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time 2025That is, after an C<ev_timer_set (w, 5, 7)>, C<ev_timer_remaining> returns
1180you want to modify its timeout value. 2026C<5>. When the timer is started and one second passes, C<ev_timer_remaining>
2027will return C<4>. When the timer expires and is restarted, it will return
2028roughly C<7> (likely slightly less as callback invocation takes some time,
2029too), and so on.
1181 2030
1182=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 2031=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1183 2032
1184The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 2033The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1185or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any), 2034or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any),
1186which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 2035which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
1187 2036
1188=back 2037=back
1189 2038
1190=head3 Examples 2039=head3 Examples
1191 2040
1192Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 2041Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1193 2042
1194 static void 2043 static void
1195 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 2044 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1196 { 2045 {
1197 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 2046 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
1198 } 2047 }
1199 2048
1200 struct ev_timer mytimer; 2049 ev_timer mytimer;
1201 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 2050 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
1202 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 2051 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
1203 2052
1204Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 2053Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
1205inactivity. 2054inactivity.
1206 2055
1207 static void 2056 static void
1208 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 2057 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1209 { 2058 {
1210 .. ten seconds without any activity 2059 .. ten seconds without any activity
1211 } 2060 }
1212 2061
1213 struct ev_timer mytimer; 2062 ev_timer mytimer;
1214 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 2063 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1215 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 2064 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1216 ev_loop (loop, 0); 2065 ev_run (loop, 0);
1217 2066
1218 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 2067 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1219 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 2068 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1220 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 2069 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1221 2070
1222 2071
1223=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron? 2072=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
1224 2073
1225Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 2074Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
1226(and unfortunately a bit complex). 2075(and unfortunately a bit complex).
1227 2076
1228Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 2077Unlike C<ev_timer>, periodic watchers are not based on real time (or
1229but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 2078relative time, the physical time that passes) but on wall clock time
1230to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 2079(absolute time, the thing you can read on your calender or clock). The
1231periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now () 2080difference is that wall clock time can run faster or slower than real
1232+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 2081time, and time jumps are not uncommon (e.g. when you adjust your
1233take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger 2082wrist-watch).
1234roughly 10 seconds later).
1235 2083
1236They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 2084You can tell a periodic watcher to trigger after some specific point
1237triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated, 2085in time: for example, if you tell a periodic watcher to trigger "in 10
1238rules. 2086seconds" (by specifying e.g. C<ev_now () + 10.>, that is, an absolute time
2087not a delay) and then reset your system clock to January of the previous
2088year, then it will take a year or more to trigger the event (unlike an
2089C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger roughly 10 seconds after starting
2090it, as it uses a relative timeout).
1239 2091
2092C<ev_periodic> watchers can also be used to implement vastly more complex
2093timers, such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or
2094other complicated rules. This cannot be done with C<ev_timer> watchers, as
2095those cannot react to time jumps.
2096
1240As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 2097As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1241time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 2098point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple
1242during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 2099timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with
2100earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values
2101(but this is no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1243 2102
1244=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2103=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1245 2104
1246=over 4 2105=over 4
1247 2106
1248=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 2107=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp offset, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1249 2108
1250=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 2109=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp offset, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1251 2110
1252Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 2111Lots of arguments, let's sort it out... There are basically three modes of
1253operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 2112operation, and we will explain them from simplest to most complex:
1254 2113
1255=over 4 2114=over 4
1256 2115
1257=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 2116=item * absolute timer (offset = absolute time, interval = 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1258 2117
1259In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 2118In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock
1260C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 2119time C<offset> has passed. It will not repeat and will not adjust when a
1261that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 2120time jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it
1262system time reaches or surpasses this time. 2121will be stopped and invoked when the system clock reaches or surpasses
2122this point in time.
1263 2123
1264=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 2124=item * repeating interval timer (offset = offset within interval, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1265 2125
1266In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 2126In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1267C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative) 2127C<offset + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be
1268and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. 2128negative) and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. The C<offset>
2129argument is merely an offset into the C<interval> periods.
1269 2130
1270This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 2131This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to the
1271time: 2132system clock, for example, here is an C<ev_periodic> that triggers each
2133hour, on the hour (with respect to UTC):
1272 2134
1273 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 2135 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1274 2136
1275This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers, 2137This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers,
1276but only that the the callback will be called when the system time shows a 2138but only that the callback will be called when the system time shows a
1277full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible 2139full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
1278by 3600. 2140by 3600.
1279 2141
1280Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 2142Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1281C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 2143C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1282time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 2144time where C<time = offset (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1283 2145
1284For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near 2146For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<offset> value is near
1285C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for 2147C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1286this value. 2148this value, and in fact is often specified as zero.
1287 2149
2150Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
2151speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
2152will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
2153millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
2154
1288=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback) 2155=item * manual reschedule mode (offset ignored, interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1289 2156
1290In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 2157In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<offset> are both being
1291ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 2158ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1292reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 2159reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1293current time as second argument. 2160current time as second argument.
1294 2161
1295NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 2162NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, ever,
1296ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 2163or make ANY other event loop modifications whatsoever, unless explicitly
1297return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by 2164allowed by documentation here>.
1298starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1299 2165
2166If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop
2167it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the
2168only event loop modification you are allowed to do).
2169
1300Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 2170The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic
1301ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 2171*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1302 2172
2173 static ev_tstamp
1303 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 2174 my_rescheduler (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1304 { 2175 {
1305 return now + 60.; 2176 return now + 60.;
1306 } 2177 }
1307 2178
1308It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value 2179It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value
1309(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It 2180(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It
1310will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but 2181will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but
1311might be called at other times, too. 2182might be called at other times, too.
1312 2183
1313NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is later than the 2184NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is higher than or
1314passed C<now> value >>. Not even C<now> itself will do, it I<must> be larger. 2185equal to the passed C<now> value >>.
1315 2186
1316This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that 2187This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that
1317triggers on each midnight, local time. To do this, you would calculate the 2188triggers on "next midnight, local time". To do this, you would calculate the
1318next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How 2189next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How
1319you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main 2190you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main
1320reason I omitted it as an example). 2191reason I omitted it as an example).
1321 2192
1322=back 2193=back
1326Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 2197Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1327when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 2198when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1328a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 2199a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1329program when the crontabs have changed). 2200program when the crontabs have changed).
1330 2201
2202=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *)
2203
2204When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed
2205to trigger next. This is not the same as the C<offset> argument to
2206C<ev_periodic_set>, but indeed works even in interval and manual
2207rescheduling modes.
2208
1331=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write] 2209=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1332 2210
1333When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the 2211When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1334absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>). 2212absolute point in time (the C<offset> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>,
2213although libev might modify this value for better numerical stability).
1335 2214
1336Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic 2215Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1337timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 2216timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1338 2217
1339=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 2218=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1340 2219
1341The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 2220The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1342take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being 2221take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1343called. 2222called.
1344 2223
1345=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write] 2224=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1346 2225
1347The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 2226The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1348switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 2227switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1349the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 2228the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1350 2229
1351=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1352
1353When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1354trigger next.
1355
1356=back 2230=back
1357 2231
1358=head3 Examples 2232=head3 Examples
1359 2233
1360Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 2234Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1361system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 2235system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1362potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 2236potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1363 2237
1364 static void 2238 static void
1365 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 2239 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_periodic *w, int revents)
1366 { 2240 {
1367 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 2241 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1368 } 2242 }
1369 2243
1370 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 2244 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1371 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 2245 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1372 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 2246 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1373 2247
1374Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 2248Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1375 2249
1376 #include <math.h> 2250 #include <math.h>
1377 2251
1378 static ev_tstamp 2252 static ev_tstamp
1379 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 2253 my_scheduler_cb (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1380 { 2254 {
1381 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 2255 return now + (3600. - fmod (now, 3600.));
1382 } 2256 }
1383 2257
1384 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 2258 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1385 2259
1386Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now: 2260Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1387 2261
1388 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 2262 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1389 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 2263 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1390 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 2264 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1391 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 2265 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1392 2266
1393 2267
1394=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 2268=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
1395 2269
1396Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 2270Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1397signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 2271signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
1398will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 2272will try its best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
1399normal event processing, like any other event. 2273normal event processing, like any other event.
1400 2274
2275If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use
2276C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing
2277the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to
2278synchronously wake up an event loop.
2279
1401You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the 2280You can configure as many watchers as you like for the same signal, but
2281only within the same loop, i.e. you can watch for C<SIGINT> in your
2282default loop and for C<SIGIO> in another loop, but you cannot watch for
2283C<SIGINT> in both the default loop and another loop at the same time. At
2284the moment, C<SIGCHLD> is permanently tied to the default loop.
2285
1402first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal watcher 2286When the first watcher gets started will libev actually register something
1403with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 2287with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as
1404as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 2288you don't register any with libev for the same signal).
1405watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 2289
1406SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 2290If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
2291C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should
2292not be unduly interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting
2293interrupted by signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher
2294and unblock them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
2295
2296=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create
2297
2298Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition
2299(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after
2300stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal,
2301and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler.
2302
2303While this does not matter for the signal disposition (libev never
2304sets signals to C<SIG_IGN>, so handlers will be reset to C<SIG_DFL> on
2305C<execve>), this matters for the signal mask: many programs do not expect
2306certain signals to be blocked.
2307
2308This means that before calling C<exec> (from the child) you should reset
2309the signal mask to whatever "default" you expect (all clear is a good
2310choice usually).
2311
2312The simplest way to ensure that the signal mask is reset in the child is
2313to install a fork handler with C<pthread_atfork> that resets it. That will
2314catch fork calls done by libraries (such as the libc) as well.
2315
2316In current versions of libev, the signal will not be blocked indefinitely
2317unless you use the C<signalfd> API (C<EV_SIGNALFD>). While this reduces
2318the window of opportunity for problems, it will not go away, as libev
2319I<has> to modify the signal mask, at least temporarily.
2320
2321So I can't stress this enough: I<If you do not reset your signal mask when
2322you expect it to be empty, you have a race condition in your code>. This
2323is not a libev-specific thing, this is true for most event libraries.
1407 2324
1408=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2325=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1409 2326
1410=over 4 2327=over 4
1411 2328
1420 2337
1421The signal the watcher watches out for. 2338The signal the watcher watches out for.
1422 2339
1423=back 2340=back
1424 2341
2342=head3 Examples
2343
2344Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
2345
2346 static void
2347 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
2348 {
2349 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
2350 }
2351
2352 ev_signal signal_watcher;
2353 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
2354 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
2355
1425 2356
1426=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 2357=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1427 2358
1428Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 2359Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1429some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 2360some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies or
2361exits). It is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child
2362has been forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long
2363as the event loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher), i.e.,
2364forking and then immediately registering a watcher for the child is fine,
2365but forking and registering a watcher a few event loop iterations later or
2366in the next callback invocation is not.
2367
2368Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
2369you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
2370
2371Due to some design glitches inside libev, child watchers will always be
2372handled at maximum priority (their priority is set to C<EV_MAXPRI> by
2373libev)
2374
2375=head3 Process Interaction
2376
2377Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
2378initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if the
2379first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
2380of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
2381synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
2382children, even ones not watched.
2383
2384=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
2385
2386Libev offers no special support for overriding the built-in child
2387processing, but if your application collides with libev's default child
2388handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for
2389C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the
2390default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an
2391event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for
2392that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely.
2393
2394=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
2395
2396Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
2397child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
2398callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
2399when a child exit is detected (calling C<ev_child_stop> twice is not a
2400problem).
1430 2401
1431=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2402=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1432 2403
1433=over 4 2404=over 4
1434 2405
1435=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 2406=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid, int trace)
1436 2407
1437=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid) 2408=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid, int trace)
1438 2409
1439Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or 2410Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or
1440I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look 2411I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look
1441at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see 2412at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see
1442the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems 2413the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems
1443C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the 2414C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the
1444process causing the status change. 2415process causing the status change. C<trace> must be either C<0> (only
2416activate the watcher when the process terminates) or C<1> (additionally
2417activate the watcher when the process is stopped or continued).
1445 2418
1446=item int pid [read-only] 2419=item int pid [read-only]
1447 2420
1448The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id. 2421The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id.
1449 2422
1458 2431
1459=back 2432=back
1460 2433
1461=head3 Examples 2434=head3 Examples
1462 2435
1463Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 2436Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for
2437its completion.
1464 2438
2439 ev_child cw;
2440
1465 static void 2441 static void
1466 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 2442 child_cb (EV_P_ ev_child *w, int revents)
1467 { 2443 {
1468 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 2444 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
2445 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1469 } 2446 }
1470 2447
1471 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 2448 pid_t pid = fork ();
1472 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 2449
1473 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 2450 if (pid < 0)
2451 // error
2452 else if (pid == 0)
2453 {
2454 // the forked child executes here
2455 exit (1);
2456 }
2457 else
2458 {
2459 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0);
2460 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw);
2461 }
1474 2462
1475 2463
1476=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 2464=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1477 2465
1478This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 2466This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1479C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed 2467C<stat> on that path in regular intervals (or when the OS says it changed)
1480compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did. 2468and sees if it changed compared to the last time, invoking the callback if
2469it did.
1481 2470
1482The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 2471The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1483not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 2472not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does not
1484not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is 2473exist" (or more correctly "path cannot be stat'ed") is signified by the
1485otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of 2474C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is otherwise always forced to be at
1486the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 2475least one) and all the other fields of the stat buffer having unspecified
2476contents.
1487 2477
1488The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is 2478The path I<must not> end in a slash or contain special components such as
2479C<.> or C<..>. The path I<should> be absolute: If it is relative and
1489relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined. 2480your working directory changes, then the behaviour is undefined.
1490 2481
1491Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 2482Since there is no portable change notification interface available, the
1492calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You 2483portable implementation simply calls C<stat(2)> regularly on the path
1493can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify 2484to see if it changed somehow. You can specify a recommended polling
1494a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 2485interval for this case. If you specify a polling interval of C<0> (highly
1495unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around 2486recommended!) then a I<suitable, unspecified default> value will be used
1496five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also 2487(which you can expect to be around five seconds, although this might
1497impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats 2488change dynamically). Libev will also impose a minimum interval which is
1498usually overkill. 2489currently around C<0.1>, but that's usually overkill.
1499 2490
1500This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 2491This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1501as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 2492as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1502resource-intensive. 2493resource-intensive.
1503 2494
1504At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is 2495At the time of this writing, the only OS-specific interface implemented
1505implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the 2496is the Linux inotify interface (implementing kqueue support is left as an
1506reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the 2497exercise for the reader. Note, however, that the author sees no way of
1507semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs 2498implementing C<ev_stat> semantics with kqueue, except as a hint).
1508to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1509usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1510polling.
1511 2499
1512=head3 Inotify 2500=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1513 2501
2502Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
2503compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file
2504support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
2505structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to
2506use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to
2507compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is
2508obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is
2509most noticeably displayed with ev_stat and large file support.
2510
2511The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large
2512file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not
2513optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has
2514to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the
2515default compilation environment.
2516
2517=head3 Inotify and Kqueue
2518
1514When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only 2519When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev and present at
1515available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up 2520runtime, it will be used to speed up change detection where possible. The
1516change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily 2521inotify descriptor will be created lazily when the first C<ev_stat>
1517when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started. 2522watcher is being started.
1518 2523
1519Inotify presense does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers 2524Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1520except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid 2525except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1521making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presense of inotify support 2526making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support
1522there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling. 2527there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling,
2528but as long as kernel 2.6.25 or newer is used (2.6.24 and older have too
2529many bugs), the path exists (i.e. stat succeeds), and the path resides on
2530a local filesystem (libev currently assumes only ext2/3, jfs, reiserfs and
2531xfs are fully working) libev usually gets away without polling.
1523 2532
1524(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to 2533There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1525implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file 2534implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1526descriptor open on the object at all times). 2535descriptor open on the object at all times, and detecting renames, unlinks
2536etc. is difficult.
2537
2538=head3 C<stat ()> is a synchronous operation
2539
2540Libev doesn't normally do any kind of I/O itself, and so is not blocking
2541the process. The exception are C<ev_stat> watchers - those call C<stat
2542()>, which is a synchronous operation.
2543
2544For local paths, this usually doesn't matter: unless the system is very
2545busy or the intervals between stat's are large, a stat call will be fast,
2546as the path data is usually in memory already (except when starting the
2547watcher).
2548
2549For networked file systems, calling C<stat ()> can block an indefinite
2550time due to network issues, and even under good conditions, a stat call
2551often takes multiple milliseconds.
2552
2553Therefore, it is best to avoid using C<ev_stat> watchers on networked
2554paths, although this is fully supported by libev.
1527 2555
1528=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution 2556=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1529 2557
1530The C<stat ()> syscall only supports full-second resolution portably, and 2558The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably,
1531even on systems where the resolution is higher, many filesystems still 2559and even on systems where the resolution is higher, most file systems
1532only support whole seconds. 2560still only support whole seconds.
1533 2561
1534That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you might 2562That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can
1535miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and calls 2563easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and
1536your callback, which does something. When there is another update within 2564calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update
1537the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it. 2565within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect unless the
2566stat data does change in other ways (e.g. file size).
1538 2567
1539The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for a second (or till 2568The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for slightly more
1540the next second boundary), using a roughly one-second delay C<ev_timer> 2569than a second (or till slightly after the next full second boundary), using
1541(C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.01); ev_timer_again (loop, w)>). The C<.01> 2570a roughly one-second-delay C<ev_timer> (e.g. C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.02);
1542is added to work around small timing inconsistencies of some operating 2571ev_timer_again (loop, w)>).
1543systems. 2572
2573The C<.02> offset is added to work around small timing inconsistencies
2574of some operating systems (where the second counter of the current time
2575might be be delayed. One such system is the Linux kernel, where a call to
2576C<gettimeofday> might return a timestamp with a full second later than
2577a subsequent C<time> call - if the equivalent of C<time ()> is used to
2578update file times then there will be a small window where the kernel uses
2579the previous second to update file times but libev might already execute
2580the timer callback).
1544 2581
1545=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2582=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1546 2583
1547=over 4 2584=over 4
1548 2585
1554C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to 2591C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to
1555be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose 2592be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose
1556a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same 2593a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1557path for as long as the watcher is active. 2594path for as long as the watcher is active.
1558 2595
1559The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, 2596The callback will receive an C<EV_STAT> event when a change was detected,
1560relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the 2597relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the
1561last change was detected). 2598last change was detected).
1562 2599
1563=item ev_stat_stat (ev_stat *) 2600=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1564 2601
1565Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the 2602Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1566watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid 2603watched path in your callback, you could call this function to avoid
1567detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be 2604detecting this change (while introducing a race condition if you are not
1568useful simply to find out the new values. 2605the only one changing the path). Can also be useful simply to find out the
2606new values.
1569 2607
1570=item ev_statdata attr [read-only] 2608=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1571 2609
1572The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of 2610The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is
1573C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types 2611C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types
1574suitable for your system. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there 2612suitable for your system, but you can only rely on the POSIX-standardised
2613members to be present. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there was
1575was some error while C<stat>ing the file. 2614some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1576 2615
1577=item ev_statdata prev [read-only] 2616=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1578 2617
1579The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever 2618The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1580C<prev> != C<attr>. 2619C<prev> != C<attr>, or, more precisely, one or more of these members
2620differ: C<st_dev>, C<st_ino>, C<st_mode>, C<st_nlink>, C<st_uid>,
2621C<st_gid>, C<st_rdev>, C<st_size>, C<st_atime>, C<st_mtime>, C<st_ctime>.
1581 2622
1582=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only] 2623=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1583 2624
1584The specified interval. 2625The specified interval.
1585 2626
1586=item const char *path [read-only] 2627=item const char *path [read-only]
1587 2628
1588The filesystem path that is being watched. 2629The file system path that is being watched.
1589 2630
1590=back 2631=back
1591 2632
1592=head3 Examples 2633=head3 Examples
1593 2634
1594Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 2635Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1595 2636
1596 static void 2637 static void
1597 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 2638 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1598 { 2639 {
1599 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */ 2640 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1600 if (w->attr.st_nlink) 2641 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1601 { 2642 {
1602 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size); 2643 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1603 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 2644 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1604 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 2645 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1605 } 2646 }
1606 else 2647 else
1607 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */ 2648 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1608 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. " 2649 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1609 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n"); 2650 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1610 } 2651 }
1611 2652
1612 ... 2653 ...
1613 ev_stat passwd; 2654 ev_stat passwd;
1614 2655
1615 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 2656 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1616 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 2657 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1617 2658
1618Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not 2659Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1619miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so 2660miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1620one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on 2661one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1621C<ev_timer> callback invocation). 2662C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1622 2663
1623 static ev_stat passwd; 2664 static ev_stat passwd;
1624 static ev_timer timer; 2665 static ev_timer timer;
1625 2666
1626 static void 2667 static void
1627 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2668 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1628 { 2669 {
1629 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w); 2670 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1630 2671
1631 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */ 2672 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1632 } 2673 }
1633 2674
1634 static void 2675 static void
1635 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents) 2676 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1636 { 2677 {
1637 /* reset the one-second timer */ 2678 /* reset the one-second timer */
1638 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer); 2679 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1639 } 2680 }
1640 2681
1641 ... 2682 ...
1642 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 2683 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1643 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 2684 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1644 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.01); 2685 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.02);
1645 2686
1646 2687
1647=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 2688=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1648 2689
1649Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher 2690Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1650priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not 2691priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count
1651count). 2692as receiving "events").
1652 2693
1653That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts 2694That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1654(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be 2695(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1655triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers 2696triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1656are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop 2697are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1667 2708
1668=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2709=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1669 2710
1670=over 4 2711=over 4
1671 2712
1672=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 2713=item ev_idle_init (ev_idle *, callback)
1673 2714
1674Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any 2715Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any
1675kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 2716kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1676believe me. 2717believe me.
1677 2718
1680=head3 Examples 2721=head3 Examples
1681 2722
1682Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 2723Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1683callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 2724callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1684 2725
1685 static void 2726 static void
1686 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 2727 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents)
1687 { 2728 {
1688 free (w); 2729 free (w);
1689 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 2730 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1690 // no longer asnything immediate to do. 2731 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1691 } 2732 }
1692 2733
1693 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 2734 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle));
1694 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 2735 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1695 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 2736 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_watcher);
1696 2737
1697 2738
1698=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 2739=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
1699 2740
1700Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem: 2741Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
1701prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2742prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
1702afterwards. 2743afterwards.
1703 2744
1704You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter 2745You I<must not> call C<ev_run> or similar functions that enter
1705the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 2746the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
1706watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The 2747watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The
1707rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in 2748rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in
1708those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking, 2749those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,
1709C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be 2750C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
1710called in pairs bracketing the blocking call. 2751called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.
1711 2752
1712Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and 2753Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and
1713their use is somewhat advanced. This could be used, for example, to track 2754their use is somewhat advanced. They could be used, for example, to track
1714variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a 2755variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a
1715coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if 2756coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if
1716you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example, 2757you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example,
1717in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare> 2758in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare>
1718watcher). 2759watcher).
1719 2760
1720This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 2761This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors
1721to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for 2762need to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers
1722them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries 2763for them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many
1723provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for 2764libraries provide exactly this functionality). Then, in the check watcher,
1724any events that occured (by checking the pending status of all watchers 2765you check for any events that occurred (by checking the pending status
1725and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer 2766of all watchers and stopping them) and call back into the library. The
1726callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless, 2767I/O and timer callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid
1727because you never know, you know?). 2768nevertheless, because you never know, you know?).
1728 2769
1729As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate 2770As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate
1730coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines 2771coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines
1731during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines 2772during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines
1732are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines 2773are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines
1735loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 2776loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1736low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 2777low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1737 2778
1738It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) 2779It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1739priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers 2780priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
2781after the poll (this doesn't matter for C<ev_prepare> watchers).
2782
1740after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, 2783Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, too) should not
1741too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully 2784activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully supports this, they
1742supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers 2785might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers did their job. As
1743did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other 2786C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other (non-libev) event
1744(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable 2787loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
1745state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to 2788C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
1746coexist peacefully with others). 2789others).
1747 2790
1748=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2791=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1749 2792
1750=over 4 2793=over 4
1751 2794
1753 2796
1754=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 2797=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1755 2798
1756Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no 2799Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no
1757parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 2800parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1758macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 2801macros, but using them is utterly, utterly, utterly and completely
2802pointless.
1759 2803
1760=back 2804=back
1761 2805
1762=head3 Examples 2806=head3 Examples
1763 2807
1764There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules 2808There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1765into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev 2809into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1766(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could 2810(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1767use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> 2811use as a working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> embeds a
1768embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV 2812Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV into the
1769into the Glib event loop). 2813Glib event loop).
1770 2814
1771Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, 2815Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1772and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows 2816and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1773is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low 2817is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1774priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as 2818priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1775the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet. 2819the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1776 2820
1777 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 2821 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1778 static ev_timer tw; 2822 static ev_timer tw;
1779 2823
1780 static void 2824 static void
1781 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2825 io_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1782 { 2826 {
1783 } 2827 }
1784 2828
1785 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 2829 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1786 static void 2830 static void
1787 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 2831 adns_prepare_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1788 { 2832 {
1789 int timeout = 3600000; 2833 int timeout = 3600000;
1790 struct pollfd fds [nfd]; 2834 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1791 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 2835 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1792 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 2836 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1793 2837
1794 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 2838 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1795 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 2839 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3, 0.);
1796 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 2840 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1797 2841
1798 // create one ev_io per pollfd 2842 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1799 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2843 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1800 { 2844 {
1801 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 2845 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1802 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 2846 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1803 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 2847 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1804 2848
1805 fds [i].revents = 0; 2849 fds [i].revents = 0;
1806 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 2850 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1807 } 2851 }
1808 } 2852 }
1809 2853
1810 // stop all watchers after blocking 2854 // stop all watchers after blocking
1811 static void 2855 static void
1812 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 2856 adns_check_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1813 { 2857 {
1814 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 2858 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1815 2859
1816 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2860 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1817 { 2861 {
1818 // set the relevant poll flags 2862 // set the relevant poll flags
1819 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here 2863 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1820 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i; 2864 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1821 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i); 2865 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1822 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN; 2866 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1823 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT; 2867 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1824 2868
1825 // now stop the watcher 2869 // now stop the watcher
1826 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 2870 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1827 } 2871 }
1828 2872
1829 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 2873 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1830 } 2874 }
1831 2875
1832Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll> 2876Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1833in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher. 2877in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1834 2878
1835Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event 2879Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1836notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher 2880notification (libadns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1837callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher. 2881callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1838 2882
1839 static void 2883 static void
1840 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2884 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1841 { 2885 {
1842 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2886 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1843 update_now (EV_A); 2887 update_now (EV_A);
1844 2888
1845 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now); 2889 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1846 } 2890 }
1847 2891
1848 static void 2892 static void
1849 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents) 2893 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1850 { 2894 {
1851 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2895 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1852 update_now (EV_A); 2896 update_now (EV_A);
1853 2897
1854 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2898 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1855 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2899 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1856 } 2900 }
1857 2901
1858 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll 2902 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1859 2903
1860Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you 2904Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1861want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override 2905want to embed is not flexible enough to support it. Instead, you can
1862their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main 2906override their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the
1863loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does 2907main loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module uses
1864this. 2908this approach, effectively embedding EV as a client into the horrible
2909libglib event loop.
1865 2910
1866 static gint 2911 static gint
1867 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout) 2912 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1868 { 2913 {
1869 int got_events = 0; 2914 int got_events = 0;
1870 2915
1871 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2916 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1872 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events 2917 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1873 2918
1874 if (timeout >= 0) 2919 if (timeout >= 0)
1875 // create/start timer 2920 // create/start timer
1876 2921
1877 // poll 2922 // poll
1878 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2923 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
1879 2924
1880 // stop timer again 2925 // stop timer again
1881 if (timeout >= 0) 2926 if (timeout >= 0)
1882 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2927 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1883 2928
1884 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set 2929 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1885 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2930 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1886 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]); 2931 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1887 2932
1888 return got_events; 2933 return got_events;
1889 } 2934 }
1890 2935
1891 2936
1892=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 2937=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1893 2938
1894This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 2939This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
1900prioritise I/O. 2945prioritise I/O.
1901 2946
1902As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support 2947As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support
1903sockets on some platform, so it is unusable as generic backend, but you 2948sockets on some platform, so it is unusable as generic backend, but you
1904still want to make use of it because you have many sockets and it scales 2949still want to make use of it because you have many sockets and it scales
1905so nicely. In this case, you would create a kqueue-based loop and embed it 2950so nicely. In this case, you would create a kqueue-based loop and embed
1906into your default loop (which might use e.g. poll). Overall operation will 2951it into your default loop (which might use e.g. poll). Overall operation
1907be a bit slower because first libev has to poll and then call kevent, but 2952will be a bit slower because first libev has to call C<poll> and then
1908at least you can use both at what they are best. 2953C<kevent>, but at least you can use both mechanisms for what they are
2954best: C<kqueue> for scalable sockets and C<poll> if you want it to work :)
1909 2955
1910As for prioritising I/O: rarely you have the case where some fds have 2956As for prioritising I/O: under rare circumstances you have the case where
1911to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency), and even 2957some fds have to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency),
1912priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In this case 2958and even priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In
1913you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all the rest in 2959this case you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all
1914a second one, and embed the second one in the first. 2960the rest in a second one, and embed the second one in the first.
1915 2961
1916As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every time 2962As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every
1917there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback must then 2963time there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback
1918call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single sweep and invoke 2964must then call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single
1919their callbacks (you could also start an idle watcher to give the embedded 2965sweep and invoke their callbacks (the callback doesn't need to invoke the
1920loop strictly lower priority for example). You can also set the callback 2966C<ev_embed_sweep> function directly, it could also start an idle watcher
1921to C<0>, in which case the embed watcher will automatically execute the 2967to give the embedded loop strictly lower priority for example).
1922embedded loop sweep.
1923 2968
1924As long as the watcher is started it will automatically handle events. The 2969You can also set the callback to C<0>, in which case the embed watcher
1925callback will be invoked whenever some events have been handled. You can 2970will automatically execute the embedded loop sweep whenever necessary.
1926set the callback to C<0> to avoid having to specify one if you are not
1927interested in that.
1928 2971
1929Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking: 2972Fork detection will be handled transparently while the C<ev_embed> watcher
1930when you fork, you not only have to call C<ev_loop_fork> on both loops, 2973is active, i.e., the embedded loop will automatically be forked when the
1931but you will also have to stop and restart any C<ev_embed> watchers 2974embedding loop forks. In other cases, the user is responsible for calling
1932yourself. 2975C<ev_loop_fork> on the embedded loop.
1933 2976
1934Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable, only the ones returned by 2977Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable: only the ones returned by
1935C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any 2978C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any
1936portable one. 2979portable one.
1937 2980
1938So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared 2981So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared
1939that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around 2982that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around
1940this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to 2983this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to
1941create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything. 2984create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.
1942 2985
2986=head3 C<ev_embed> and fork
2987
2988While the C<ev_embed> watcher is running, forks in the embedding loop will
2989automatically be applied to the embedded loop as well, so no special
2990fork handling is required in that case. When the watcher is not running,
2991however, it is still the task of the libev user to call C<ev_loop_fork ()>
2992as applicable.
2993
1943=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2994=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1944 2995
1945=over 4 2996=over 4
1946 2997
1947=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2998=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1950 3001
1951Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 3002Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
1952embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be 3003embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1953invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback 3004invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1954to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done, 3005to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
1955if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 3006if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1956 3007
1957=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 3008=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1958 3009
1959Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 3010Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1960similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 3011similarly to C<ev_run (embedded_loop, EVRUN_NOWAIT)>, but in the most
1961apropriate way for embedded loops. 3012appropriate way for embedded loops.
1962 3013
1963=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 3014=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
1964 3015
1965The embedded event loop. 3016The embedded event loop.
1966 3017
1968 3019
1969=head3 Examples 3020=head3 Examples
1970 3021
1971Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default 3022Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default
1972event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default 3023event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default
1973loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the mebeddable loop is stored in 3024loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the embeddable loop is stored in
1974C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the acse no embeddable loop can be 3025C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
1975used). 3026used).
1976 3027
1977 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 3028 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
1978 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 3029 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
1979 struct ev_embed embed; 3030 ev_embed embed;
1980 3031
1981 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 3032 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
1982 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 3033 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
1983 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 3034 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
1984 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 3035 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
1985 : 0; 3036 : 0;
1986 3037
1987 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi 3038 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi
1988 if (loop_lo) 3039 if (loop_lo)
1989 { 3040 {
1990 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo); 3041 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo);
1991 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 3042 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1992 } 3043 }
1993 else 3044 else
1994 loop_lo = loop_hi; 3045 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1995 3046
1996Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create 3047Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
1997a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any 3048a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
1998kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in 3049kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
1999C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 3050C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2000 3051
2001 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 3052 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2002 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 3053 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2003 struct ev_embed embed; 3054 ev_embed embed;
2004 3055
2005 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 3056 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2006 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 3057 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2007 { 3058 {
2008 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 3059 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2009 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed); 3060 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2010 } 3061 }
2011 3062
2012 if (!loop_socket) 3063 if (!loop_socket)
2013 loop_socket = loop; 3064 loop_socket = loop;
2014 3065
2015 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else 3066 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
2016 3067
2017 3068
2018=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 3069=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
2019 3070
2020Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 3071Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
2023event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 3074event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
2024and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling 3075and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
2025C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 3076C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
2026handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 3077handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
2027 3078
3079=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible?
3080
3081Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to set
3082up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This
3083sequence should be handled by libev without any problems.
3084
3085This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling
3086in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the
3087fork.
3088
3089The default mode of operation (for libev, with application help to detect
3090forks) is to duplicate all the state in the child, as would be expected
3091when I<either> the parent I<or> the child process continues.
3092
3093When both processes want to continue using libev, then this is usually the
3094wrong result. In that case, usually one process (typically the parent) is
3095supposed to continue with all watchers in place as before, while the other
3096process typically wants to start fresh, i.e. without any active watchers.
3097
3098The cleanest and most efficient way to achieve that with libev is to
3099simply create a new event loop, which of course will be "empty", and
3100use that for new watchers. This has the advantage of not touching more
3101memory than necessary, and thus avoiding the copy-on-write, and the
3102disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support
3103signal watchers).
3104
3105When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for
3106other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call
3107C<ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT)> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>.
3108Destroying the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered
3109watchers, so you have to be careful not to execute code that modifies
3110those watchers. Note also that in that case, you have to re-register any
3111signal watchers.
3112
2028=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 3113=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2029 3114
2030=over 4 3115=over 4
2031 3116
2032=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 3117=item ev_fork_init (ev_fork *, callback)
2033 3118
2034Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 3119Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
2035kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 3120kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2036believe me. 3121really.
2037 3122
2038=back 3123=back
2039 3124
2040 3125
3126=head2 C<ev_cleanup> - even the best things end
3127
3128Cleanup watchers are called just before the event loop is being destroyed
3129by a call to C<ev_loop_destroy>.
3130
3131While there is no guarantee that the event loop gets destroyed, cleanup
3132watchers provide a convenient method to install cleanup hooks for your
3133program, worker threads and so on - you just to make sure to destroy the
3134loop when you want them to be invoked.
3135
3136Cleanup watchers are invoked in the same way as any other watcher. Unlike
3137all other watchers, they do not keep a reference to the event loop (which
3138makes a lot of sense if you think about it). Like all other watchers, you
3139can call libev functions in the callback, except C<ev_cleanup_start>.
3140
3141=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
3142
3143=over 4
3144
3145=item ev_cleanup_init (ev_cleanup *, callback)
3146
3147Initialises and configures the cleanup watcher - it has no parameters of
3148any kind. There is a C<ev_cleanup_set> macro, but using it is utterly
3149pointless, I assure you.
3150
3151=back
3152
3153Example: Register an atexit handler to destroy the default loop, so any
3154cleanup functions are called.
3155
3156 static void
3157 program_exits (void)
3158 {
3159 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
3160 }
3161
3162 ...
3163 atexit (program_exits);
3164
3165
3166=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop
3167
3168In general, you cannot use an C<ev_run> from multiple threads or other
3169asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
3170loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
3171
3172Sometimes, however, you need to wake up an event loop you do not control,
3173for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what C<ev_async>
3174watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you can signal
3175it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe.
3176
3177This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
3178too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
3179(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
3180C<ev_async_sent> calls).
3181
3182Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not
3183just the default loop.
3184
3185=head3 Queueing
3186
3187C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
3188is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
3189multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
3190need elaborate support such as pthreads or unportable memory access
3191semantics.
3192
3193That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own
3194queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your
3195queue:
3196
3197=over 4
3198
3199=item queueing from a signal handler context
3200
3201To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal
3202handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is
3203an example that does that for some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler:
3204
3205 static ev_async mysig;
3206
3207 static void
3208 sigusr1_handler (void)
3209 {
3210 sometype data;
3211
3212 // no locking etc.
3213 queue_put (data);
3214 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
3215 }
3216
3217 static void
3218 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
3219 {
3220 sometype data;
3221 sigset_t block, prev;
3222
3223 sigemptyset (&block);
3224 sigaddset (&block, SIGUSR1);
3225 sigprocmask (SIG_BLOCK, &block, &prev);
3226
3227 while (queue_get (&data))
3228 process (data);
3229
3230 if (sigismember (&prev, SIGUSR1)
3231 sigprocmask (SIG_UNBLOCK, &block, 0);
3232 }
3233
3234(Note: pthreads in theory requires you to use C<pthread_setmask>
3235instead of C<sigprocmask> when you use threads, but libev doesn't do it
3236either...).
3237
3238=item queueing from a thread context
3239
3240The strategy for threads is different, as you cannot (easily) block
3241threads but you can easily preempt them, so to queue safely you need to
3242employ a traditional mutex lock, such as in this pthread example:
3243
3244 static ev_async mysig;
3245 static pthread_mutex_t mymutex = PTHREAD_MUTEX_INITIALIZER;
3246
3247 static void
3248 otherthread (void)
3249 {
3250 // only need to lock the actual queueing operation
3251 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
3252 queue_put (data);
3253 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
3254
3255 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
3256 }
3257
3258 static void
3259 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
3260 {
3261 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
3262
3263 while (queue_get (&data))
3264 process (data);
3265
3266 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
3267 }
3268
3269=back
3270
3271
3272=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
3273
3274=over 4
3275
3276=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback)
3277
3278Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any
3279kind. There is a C<ev_async_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
3280trust me.
3281
3282=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
3283
3284Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
3285an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike
3286C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or
3287similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
3288section below on what exactly this means).
3289
3290Note that, as with other watchers in libev, multiple events might get
3291compressed into a single callback invocation (another way to look at this
3292is that C<ev_async> watchers are level-triggered, set on C<ev_async_send>,
3293reset when the event loop detects that).
3294
3295This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per event loop
3296iteration, so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to
3297repeated calls to C<ev_async_send> for the same event loop.
3298
3299=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
3300
3301Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
3302watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
3303event loop.
3304
3305C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When
3306the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active,
3307it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very
3308quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
3309
3310Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending,
3311only whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending: there
3312is a time window between the event loop checking and resetting the async
3313notification, and the callback being invoked.
3314
3315=back
3316
3317
2041=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 3318=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
2042 3319
2043There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now. 3320There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now.
2044 3321
2045=over 4 3322=over 4
2046 3323
2047=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback) 3324=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback)
2048 3325
2049This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your 3326This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your
2050callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stop both 3327callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stops both
2051watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd 3328watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd
2052or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 3329or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
2053more watchers yourself. 3330more watchers yourself.
2054 3331
2055If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events 3332If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and the
2056is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and 3333C<events> argument is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for
2057C<events> set will be craeted and started. 3334the given C<fd> and C<events> set will be created and started.
2058 3335
2059If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 3336If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
2060started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 3337started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
2061repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of 3338repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout.
2062dubious value.
2063 3339
2064The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 3340The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and is
2065passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 3341passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
2066C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg> 3342C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMER>) and the C<arg>
2067value passed to C<ev_once>: 3343value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both>
3344a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io
3345events precedence.
2068 3346
3347Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO.
3348
2069 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 3349 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2070 { 3350 {
2071 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2072 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2073 else if (revents & EV_READ) 3351 if (revents & EV_READ)
2074 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 3352 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
3353 else if (revents & EV_TIMER)
3354 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2075 } 3355 }
2076 3356
2077 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 3357 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2078 3358
2079=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2080
2081Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
2082had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
2083initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).
2084
2085=item ev_feed_fd_event (ev_loop *, int fd, int revents) 3359=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents)
2086 3360
2087Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 3361Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2088the given events it. 3362the given events it.
2089 3363
2090=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum) 3364=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum)
2091 3365
2092Feed an event as if the given signal occured (C<loop> must be the default 3366Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
2093loop!). 3367loop!).
2094 3368
2095=back 3369=back
2096 3370
2097 3371
2113 3387
2114=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 3388=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
2115will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 3389will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
2116is an ev_pri field. 3390is an ev_pri field.
2117 3391
3392=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
3393base that registered the signal gets the signals.
3394
2118=item * Other members are not supported. 3395=item * Other members are not supported.
2119 3396
2120=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 3397=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
2121to use the libev header file and library. 3398to use the libev header file and library.
2122 3399
2123=back 3400=back
2124 3401
2125=head1 C++ SUPPORT 3402=head1 C++ SUPPORT
2126 3403
2127Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 3404Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
2128you to use some convinience methods to start/stop watchers and also change 3405you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
2129the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 3406the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
2130 3407
2131To use it, 3408To use it,
2132 3409
2133 #include <ev++.h> 3410 #include <ev++.h>
2134 3411
2135This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many 3412This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
2136of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are 3413of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
2137put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding 3414put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2138options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 3415options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
2172 3449
2173=over 4 3450=over 4
2174 3451
2175=item ev::TYPE::TYPE () 3452=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
2176 3453
2177=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *) 3454=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (loop)
2178 3455
2179=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 3456=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
2180 3457
2181The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher 3458The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
2182with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>. 3459with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
2205your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the 3482your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2206thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback. 3483thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2207 3484
2208Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation 3485Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2209 3486
2210 struct myclass 3487 struct myclass
2211 { 3488 {
2212 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 3489 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2213 } 3490 }
2214 3491
2215 myclass obj; 3492 myclass obj;
2216 ev::io iow; 3493 ev::io iow;
2217 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 3494 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
3495
3496=item w->set (object *)
3497
3498This is a variation of a method callback - leaving out the method to call
3499will default the method to C<operator ()>, which makes it possible to use
3500functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all
3501the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument
3502list.
3503
3504The C<operator ()> method prototype must be C<void operator ()(watcher &w,
3505int revents)>.
3506
3507See the method-C<set> above for more details.
3508
3509Example: use a functor object as callback.
3510
3511 struct myfunctor
3512 {
3513 void operator() (ev::io &w, int revents)
3514 {
3515 ...
3516 }
3517 }
3518
3519 myfunctor f;
3520
3521 ev::io w;
3522 w.set (&f);
2218 3523
2219=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0) 3524=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2220 3525
2221Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as 3526Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2222callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's 3527callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2224 3529
2225The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>. 3530The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2226 3531
2227See the method-C<set> above for more details. 3532See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2228 3533
2229Example: 3534Example: Use a plain function as callback.
2230 3535
2231 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 3536 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2232 iow.set <io_cb> (); 3537 iow.set <io_cb> ();
2233 3538
2234=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 3539=item w->set (loop)
2235 3540
2236Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 3541Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
2237do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 3542do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
2238 3543
2239=item w->set ([args]) 3544=item w->set ([arguments])
2240 3545
2241Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 3546Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Either this
2242called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 3547method or a suitable start method must be called at least once. Unlike the
2243automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 3548C counterpart, an active watcher gets automatically stopped and restarted
2244method. 3549when reconfiguring it with this method.
2245 3550
2246=item w->start () 3551=item w->start ()
2247 3552
2248Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the 3553Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
2249constructor already stores the event loop. 3554constructor already stores the event loop.
2250 3555
3556=item w->start ([arguments])
3557
3558Instead of calling C<set> and C<start> methods separately, it is often
3559convenient to wrap them in one call. Uses the same type of arguments as
3560the configure C<set> method of the watcher.
3561
2251=item w->stop () 3562=item w->stop ()
2252 3563
2253Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 3564Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
2254 3565
2255=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only) 3566=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
2267 3578
2268=back 3579=back
2269 3580
2270=back 3581=back
2271 3582
2272Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 3583Example: Define a class with two I/O and idle watchers, start the I/O
2273the constructor. 3584watchers in the constructor.
2274 3585
2275 class myclass 3586 class myclass
2276 { 3587 {
2277 ev_io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 3588 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3589 ev::io2 io2 ; void io2_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2278 ev_idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 3590 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2279 3591
2280 myclass (); 3592 myclass (int fd)
2281 } 3593 {
2282
2283 myclass::myclass (int fd)
2284 {
2285 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 3594 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
3595 io2 .set <myclass, &myclass::io2_cb > (this);
2286 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 3596 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2287 3597
2288 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 3598 io.set (fd, ev::WRITE); // configure the watcher
3599 io.start (); // start it whenever convenient
3600
3601 io2.start (fd, ev::READ); // set + start in one call
3602 }
2289 } 3603 };
3604
3605
3606=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
3607
3608Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a
3609number of languages exist in the form of third-party packages. If you know
3610any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop
3611me a note.
3612
3613=over 4
3614
3615=item Perl
3616
3617The EV module implements the full libev API and is actually used to test
3618libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module,
3619there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces
3620to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>, but C<AnyEvent::DNS> is preferred nowadays),
3621C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV>
3622and C<EV::Glib>).
3623
3624It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is at
3625L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
3626
3627=item Python
3628
3629Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It
3630seems to be quite complete and well-documented.
3631
3632=item Ruby
3633
3634Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
3635of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and
3636more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
3637L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
3638
3639Roger Pack reports that using the link order C<-lws2_32 -lmsvcrt-ruby-190>
3640makes rev work even on mingw.
3641
3642=item Haskell
3643
3644A haskell binding to libev is available at
3645L<http://hackage.haskell.org/cgi-bin/hackage-scripts/package/hlibev>.
3646
3647=item D
3648
3649Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
3650be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>.
3651
3652=item Ocaml
3653
3654Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
3655L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
3656
3657=item Lua
3658
3659Brian Maher has written a partial interface to libev for lua (at the
3660time of this writing, only C<ev_io> and C<ev_timer>), to be found at
3661L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>.
3662
3663=back
2290 3664
2291 3665
2292=head1 MACRO MAGIC 3666=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2293 3667
2294Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal 3668Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamental
2295of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) 3669of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
2296functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 3670functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2297 3671
2298To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 3672To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2299following macros are defined: 3673following macros are defined:
2304 3678
2305This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev 3679This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2306loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 3680loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
2307C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 3681C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2308 3682
2309 ev_unref (EV_A); 3683 ev_unref (EV_A);
2310 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 3684 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2311 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 3685 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
2312 3686
2313It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 3687It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2314which is often provided by the following macro. 3688which is often provided by the following macro.
2315 3689
2316=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 3690=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2317 3691
2318This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev 3692This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2319loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter, 3693loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
2320C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example: 3694C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2321 3695
2322 // this is how ev_unref is being declared 3696 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
2323 static void ev_unref (EV_P); 3697 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2324 3698
2325 // this is how you can declare your typical callback 3699 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
2326 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 3700 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2327 3701
2328It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite 3702It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
2329suitable for use with C<EV_A>. 3703suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2330 3704
2331=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 3705=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2332 3706
2333Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 3707Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
2334loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 3708loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
3709
3710=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_>
3711
3712Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the
3713default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour
3714is undefined when the default loop has not been initialised by a previous
3715execution of C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> or C<ev_default_init (...)>.
3716
3717It is often prudent to use C<EV_DEFAULT> when initialising the first
3718watcher in a function but use C<EV_DEFAULT_UC> afterwards.
2335 3719
2336=back 3720=back
2337 3721
2338Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above 3722Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2339macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported 3723macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2340or not. 3724or not.
2341 3725
2342 static void 3726 static void
2343 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 3727 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2344 { 3728 {
2345 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 3729 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
2346 } 3730 }
2347 3731
2348 ev_check check; 3732 ev_check check;
2349 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 3733 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
2350 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 3734 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
2351 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 3735 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
2352 3736
2353=head1 EMBEDDING 3737=head1 EMBEDDING
2354 3738
2355Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 3739Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
2356applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 3740applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
2363libev somewhere in your source tree). 3747libev somewhere in your source tree).
2364 3748
2365=head2 FILESETS 3749=head2 FILESETS
2366 3750
2367Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files 3751Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files
2368in your app. 3752in your application.
2369 3753
2370=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP 3754=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP
2371 3755
2372To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual 3756To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual
2373configuration (no autoconf): 3757configuration (no autoconf):
2374 3758
2375 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 3759 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2376 #include "ev.c" 3760 #include "ev.c"
2377 3761
2378This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a 3762This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a
2379single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use 3763single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use
2380it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best 3764it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best
2381done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and 3765done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and
2382where you can put other configuration options): 3766where you can put other configuration options):
2383 3767
2384 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 3768 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2385 #include "ev.h" 3769 #include "ev.h"
2386 3770
2387Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++ 3771Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
2388compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated 3772compiler (at least, that's a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
2389as a bug). 3773as a bug).
2390 3774
2391You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory 3775You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
2392in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev): 3776in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
2393 3777
2394 ev.h 3778 ev.h
2395 ev.c 3779 ev.c
2396 ev_vars.h 3780 ev_vars.h
2397 ev_wrap.h 3781 ev_wrap.h
2398 3782
2399 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 3783 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
2400 3784
2401 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default) 3785 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
2402 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 3786 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2403 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 3787 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2404 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 3788 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2405 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 3789 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2406 3790
2407F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need 3791F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
2408to compile this single file. 3792to compile this single file.
2409 3793
2410=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 3794=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
2411 3795
2412To include the libevent compatibility API, also include: 3796To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:
2413 3797
2414 #include "event.c" 3798 #include "event.c"
2415 3799
2416in the file including F<ev.c>, and: 3800in the file including F<ev.c>, and:
2417 3801
2418 #include "event.h" 3802 #include "event.h"
2419 3803
2420in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>. 3804in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>.
2421 3805
2422You need the following additional files for this: 3806You need the following additional files for this:
2423 3807
2424 event.h 3808 event.h
2425 event.c 3809 event.c
2426 3810
2427=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT 3811=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT
2428 3812
2429Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in 3813Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your configuration in
2430whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your 3814whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your
2431F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then 3815F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then
2432include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly. 3816include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.
2433 3817
2434For this of course you need the m4 file: 3818For this of course you need the m4 file:
2435 3819
2436 libev.m4 3820 libev.m4
2437 3821
2438=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 3822=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
2439 3823
2440Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to define 3824Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
2441before including any of its files. The default is not to build for multiplicity 3825define before including (or compiling) any of its files. The default in
2442and only include the select backend. 3826the absence of autoconf is documented for every option.
3827
3828Symbols marked with "(h)" do not change the ABI, and can have different
3829values when compiling libev vs. including F<ev.h>, so it is permissible
3830to redefine them before including F<ev.h> without breaking compatibility
3831to a compiled library. All other symbols change the ABI, which means all
3832users of libev and the libev code itself must be compiled with compatible
3833settings.
2443 3834
2444=over 4 3835=over 4
2445 3836
3837=item EV_COMPAT3 (h)
3838
3839Backwards compatibility is a major concern for libev. This is why this
3840release of libev comes with wrappers for the functions and symbols that
3841have been renamed between libev version 3 and 4.
3842
3843You can disable these wrappers (to test compatibility with future
3844versions) by defining C<EV_COMPAT3> to C<0> when compiling your
3845sources. This has the additional advantage that you can drop the C<struct>
3846from C<struct ev_loop> declarations, as libev will provide an C<ev_loop>
3847typedef in that case.
3848
3849In some future version, the default for C<EV_COMPAT3> will become C<0>,
3850and in some even more future version the compatibility code will be
3851removed completely.
3852
2446=item EV_STANDALONE 3853=item EV_STANDALONE (h)
2447 3854
2448Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which 3855Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which
2449keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy 3856keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy
2450implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not 3857implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not
2451supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in 3858supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in
2452F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 3859F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
2453 3860
3861In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the
3862configuration, but has to be more conservative.
3863
2454=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 3864=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
2455 3865
2456If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3866If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2457monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 3867monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no
2458of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 3868use of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this,
2459usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 3869you usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it
2460the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have 3870when the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
2461to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 3871to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
2462function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 3872function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). See also C<EV_USE_CLOCK_SYSCALL>.
2463 3873
2464=item EV_USE_REALTIME 3874=item EV_USE_REALTIME
2465 3875
2466If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3876If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2467realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 3877real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability
2468runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 3878at runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock
2469be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 3879option will be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday>
2470(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the 3880by C<clock_get (CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect
2471note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 3881correctness. See the note about libraries in the description of
3882C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. Defaults to the opposite value of
3883C<EV_USE_CLOCK_SYSCALL>.
3884
3885=item EV_USE_CLOCK_SYSCALL
3886
3887If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to use a direct syscall instead
3888of calling the system-provided C<clock_gettime> function. This option
3889exists because on GNU/Linux, C<clock_gettime> is in C<librt>, but C<librt>
3890unconditionally pulls in C<libpthread>, slowing down single-threaded
3891programs needlessly. Using a direct syscall is slightly slower (in
3892theory), because no optimised vdso implementation can be used, but avoids
3893the pthread dependency. Defaults to C<1> on GNU/Linux with glibc 2.x or
3894higher, as it simplifies linking (no need for C<-lrt>).
2472 3895
2473=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP 3896=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2474 3897
2475If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available 3898If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2476and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>. 3899and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
2477 3900
3901=item EV_USE_EVENTFD
3902
3903If defined to be C<1>, then libev will assume that C<eventfd ()> is
3904available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This will improve
3905C<ev_signal> and C<ev_async> performance and reduce resource consumption.
3906If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc
39072.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
3908
2478=item EV_USE_SELECT 3909=item EV_USE_SELECT
2479 3910
2480If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 3911If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
2481C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 3912C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at auto-detection will be done: if no
2482other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend 3913other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
2483will not be compiled in. 3914will not be compiled in.
2484 3915
2485=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET 3916=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
2486 3917
2487If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set> 3918If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set>
2488structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing 3919structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing
2489C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it misguesses the bitset layout on 3920C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it mis-guesses the bitset layout
2490exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some 3921on exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to
2491low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only 3922some low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket
2492allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might 3923only allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation,
2493influence the size of the C<fd_set> used. 3924configures the maximum size of the C<fd_set>.
2494 3925
2495=item EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 3926=item EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET
2496 3927
2497When defined to C<1>, the select backend will assume that 3928When defined to C<1>, the select backend will assume that
2498select/socket/connect etc. don't understand file descriptors but 3929select/socket/connect etc. don't understand file descriptors but
2500be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call 3931be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call
2501C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise, 3932C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise,
2502it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even 3933it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
2503on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms. 3934on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.
2504 3935
2505=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE 3936=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE(fd)
2506 3937
2507If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map 3938If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map
2508file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the 3939file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the
2509default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually 3940default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually
2510correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management, 3941correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management,
2511in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles. 3942in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles.
2512 3943
3944=item EV_WIN32_HANDLE_TO_FD(handle)
3945
3946If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> then libev maps handles to file descriptors
3947using the standard C<_open_osfhandle> function. For programs implementing
3948their own fd to handle mapping, overwriting this function makes it easier
3949to do so. This can be done by defining this macro to an appropriate value.
3950
3951=item EV_WIN32_CLOSE_FD(fd)
3952
3953If programs implement their own fd to handle mapping on win32, then this
3954macro can be used to override the C<close> function, useful to unregister
3955file descriptors again. Note that the replacement function has to close
3956the underlying OS handle.
3957
2513=item EV_USE_POLL 3958=item EV_USE_POLL
2514 3959
2515If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2) 3960If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
2516backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 3961backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
2517takes precedence over select. 3962takes precedence over select.
2518 3963
2519=item EV_USE_EPOLL 3964=item EV_USE_EPOLL
2520 3965
2521If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux 3966If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux
2522C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime, 3967C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
2523otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the 3968otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2524preferred backend for GNU/Linux systems. 3969backend for GNU/Linux systems. If undefined, it will be enabled if the
3970headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2525 3971
2526=item EV_USE_KQUEUE 3972=item EV_USE_KQUEUE
2527 3973
2528If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style 3974If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style
2529C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime, 3975C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,
2542otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred 3988otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2543backend for Solaris 10 systems. 3989backend for Solaris 10 systems.
2544 3990
2545=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 3991=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
2546 3992
2547reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 3993Reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
2548 3994
2549=item EV_USE_INOTIFY 3995=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2550 3996
2551If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 3997If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2552interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will 3998interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2553be detected at runtime. 3999be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers
4000indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2554 4001
4002=item EV_ATOMIC_T
4003
4004Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
4005access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such
4006type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type
4007that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking"
4008as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
4009
4010In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
4011(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
4012
2555=item EV_H 4013=item EV_H (h)
2556 4014
2557The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 4015The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
2558undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h> and F<ev.c>. This can be used to 4016undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be
2559virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 4017used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
2560 4018
2561=item EV_CONFIG_H 4019=item EV_CONFIG_H (h)
2562 4020
2563If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override 4021If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
2564F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to 4022F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
2565C<EV_H>, above. 4023C<EV_H>, above.
2566 4024
2567=item EV_EVENT_H 4025=item EV_EVENT_H (h)
2568 4026
2569Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea 4027Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
2570of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the dfeault is C<"event.h">. 4028of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">.
2571 4029
2572=item EV_PROTOTYPES 4030=item EV_PROTOTYPES (h)
2573 4031
2574If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function 4032If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
2575prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is 4033prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
2576occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions 4034occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions
2577around libev functions. 4035around libev functions.
2596When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search 4054When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2597all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space 4055all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2598and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually 4056and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2599fine. 4057fine.
2600 4058
2601If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to 4059If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these
2602C<0> will save some memory and cpu. 4060both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
2603 4061
2604=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 4062=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE, EV_IDLE_ENABLE, EV_EMBED_ENABLE, EV_STAT_ENABLE,
4063EV_PREPARE_ENABLE, EV_CHECK_ENABLE, EV_FORK_ENABLE, EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE,
4064EV_ASYNC_ENABLE, EV_CHILD_ENABLE.
2605 4065
2606If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 4066If undefined or defined to be C<1> (and the platform supports it), then
2607defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 4067the respective watcher type is supported. If defined to be C<0>, then it
2608code. 4068is not. Disabling watcher types mainly saves code size.
2609 4069
2610=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE 4070=item EV_FEATURES
2611
2612If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
2613defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2614code.
2615
2616=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2617
2618If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
2619defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2620
2621=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
2622
2623If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
2624defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2625
2626=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
2627
2628If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
2629defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2630
2631=item EV_MINIMAL
2632 4071
2633If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 4072If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2634speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override 4073speed (but with the full API), you can define this symbol to request
2635some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64. 4074certain subsets of functionality. The default is to enable all features
4075that can be enabled on the platform.
4076
4077A typical way to use this symbol is to define it to C<0> (or to a bitset
4078with some broad features you want) and then selectively re-enable
4079additional parts you want, for example if you want everything minimal,
4080but multiple event loop support, async and child watchers and the poll
4081backend, use this:
4082
4083 #define EV_FEATURES 0
4084 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 1
4085 #define EV_USE_POLL 1
4086 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
4087 #define EV_ASYNC_ENABLE 1
4088
4089The actual value is a bitset, it can be a combination of the following
4090values:
4091
4092=over 4
4093
4094=item C<1> - faster/larger code
4095
4096Use larger code to speed up some operations.
4097
4098Currently this is used to override some inlining decisions (enlarging the
4099code size by roughly 30% on amd64).
4100
4101When optimising for size, use of compiler flags such as C<-Os> with
4102gcc is recommended, as well as C<-DNDEBUG>, as libev contains a number of
4103assertions.
4104
4105=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures
4106
4107Replaces the small 2-heap for timer management by a faster 4-heap, larger
4108hash table sizes and so on. This will usually further increase code size
4109and can additionally have an effect on the size of data structures at
4110runtime.
4111
4112=item C<4> - full API configuration
4113
4114This enables priorities (sets C<EV_MAXPRI>=2 and C<EV_MINPRI>=-2), and
4115enables multiplicity (C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>=1).
4116
4117=item C<8> - full API
4118
4119This enables a lot of the "lesser used" API functions. See C<ev.h> for
4120details on which parts of the API are still available without this
4121feature, and do not complain if this subset changes over time.
4122
4123=item C<16> - enable all optional watcher types
4124
4125Enables all optional watcher types. If you want to selectively enable
4126only some watcher types other than I/O and timers (e.g. prepare,
4127embed, async, child...) you can enable them manually by defining
4128C<EV_watchertype_ENABLE> to C<1> instead.
4129
4130=item C<32> - enable all backends
4131
4132This enables all backends - without this feature, you need to enable at
4133least one backend manually (C<EV_USE_SELECT> is a good choice).
4134
4135=item C<64> - enable OS-specific "helper" APIs
4136
4137Enable inotify, eventfd, signalfd and similar OS-specific helper APIs by
4138default.
4139
4140=back
4141
4142Compiling with C<gcc -Os -DEV_STANDALONE -DEV_USE_EPOLL=1 -DEV_FEATURES=0>
4143reduces the compiled size of libev from 24.7Kb code/2.8Kb data to 6.5Kb
4144code/0.3Kb data on my GNU/Linux amd64 system, while still giving you I/O
4145watchers, timers and monotonic clock support.
4146
4147With an intelligent-enough linker (gcc+binutils are intelligent enough
4148when you use C<-Wl,--gc-sections -ffunction-sections>) functions unused by
4149your program might be left out as well - a binary starting a timer and an
4150I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb.
4151
4152=item EV_AVOID_STDIO
4153
4154If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio
4155functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the code size
4156somewhat, but if your program doesn't otherwise depend on stdio and your
4157libc allows it, this avoids linking in the stdio library which is quite
4158big.
4159
4160Note that error messages might become less precise when this option is
4161enabled.
4162
4163=item EV_NSIG
4164
4165The highest supported signal number, +1 (or, the number of
4166signals): Normally, libev tries to deduce the maximum number of signals
4167automatically, but sometimes this fails, in which case it can be
4168specified. Also, using a lower number than detected (C<32> should be
4169good for about any system in existence) can save some memory, as libev
4170statically allocates some 12-24 bytes per signal number.
2636 4171
2637=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 4172=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2638 4173
2639C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 4174C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2640pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 4175pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_FEATURES> disabled),
2641than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to 4176usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you
2642increase this value (I<must> be a power of two). 4177might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
2643 4178
2644=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE 4179=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
2645 4180
2646C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 4181C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2647inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), 4182inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_FEATURES>
2648usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat> 4183disabled), usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of
2649watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of 4184C<ev_stat> watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a
2650two). 4185power of two).
4186
4187=item EV_USE_4HEAP
4188
4189Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
4190timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
4191to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably
4192faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
4193
4194The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
4195will be C<0>.
4196
4197=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
4198
4199Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
4200timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
4201the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
4202which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
4203but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
4204noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers.
4205
4206The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
4207will be C<0>.
4208
4209=item EV_VERIFY
4210
4211Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_verify ()>) will
4212be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
4213in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
4214called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
4215called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
4216verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
4217libev considerably.
4218
4219The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
4220will be C<0>.
2651 4221
2652=item EV_COMMON 4222=item EV_COMMON
2653 4223
2654By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 4224By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
2655this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 4225this macro to something else you can include more and other types of
2656members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files, 4226members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
2657though, and it must be identical each time. 4227though, and it must be identical each time.
2658 4228
2659For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 4229For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
2660 4230
2661 #define EV_COMMON \ 4231 #define EV_COMMON \
2662 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \ 4232 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \
2663 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */ 4233 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */
2664 4234
2665=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type) 4235=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)
2666 4236
2667=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents) 4237=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)
2668 4238
2673definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for 4243definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
2674their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 4244their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
2675avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 4245avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
2676method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 4246method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2677 4247
4248=back
4249
2678=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS 4250=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
2679 4251
2680If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of 4252If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a DLL) and you need a list of
2681exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list 4253exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
2682all public symbols, one per line: 4254all public symbols, one per line:
2683 4255
2684 Symbols.ev for libev proper 4256 Symbols.ev for libev proper
2685 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation 4257 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
2686 4258
2687This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with 4259This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
2688multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in 4260multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
2689itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this). 4261itself, but sometimes it is inconvenient to avoid this).
2690 4262
2691A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to 4263A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
2692include before including F<ev.h>: 4264include before including F<ev.h>:
2693 4265
2694 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h 4266 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
2711file. 4283file.
2712 4284
2713The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 4285The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2714that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 4286that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2715 4287
2716 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 4288 #define EV_FEATURES 8
2717 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 4289 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
2718 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2719 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 4290 #define EV_PREPARE_ENABLE 1
4291 #define EV_IDLE_ENABLE 1
2720 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 4292 #define EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE 1
2721 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 4293 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
4294 #define EV_USE_STDEXCEPT 0
2722 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 4295 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2723 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2724 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2725 4296
2726 #include "ev++.h" 4297 #include "ev++.h"
2727 4298
2728And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 4299And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
2729 4300
2730 #include "ev_cpp.h" 4301 #include "ev_cpp.h"
2731 #include "ev.c" 4302 #include "ev.c"
2732 4303
4304=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS OR LIBRARIES
2733 4305
2734=head1 COMPLEXITIES 4306=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES
2735 4307
2736In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 4308=head3 THREADS
2737libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2738documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2739 4309
2740All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be 4310All libev functions are reentrant and thread-safe unless explicitly
2741extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this 4311documented otherwise, but libev implements no locking itself. This means
2742happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might 4312that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as there
2743mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average 4313are no concurrent calls into any libev function with the same loop
2744it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time. 4314parameter (C<ev_default_*> calls have an implicit default loop parameter,
4315of course): libev guarantees that different event loops share no data
4316structures that need any locking.
4317
4318Or to put it differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done
4319concurrently from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter
4320must be done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as
4321only one thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using
4322a mutex per loop).
4323
4324Specifically to support threads (and signal handlers), libev implements
4325so-called C<ev_async> watchers, which allow some limited form of
4326concurrency on the same event loop, namely waking it up "from the
4327outside".
4328
4329If you want to know which design (one loop, locking, or multiple loops
4330without or something else still) is best for your problem, then I cannot
4331help you, but here is some generic advice:
2745 4332
2746=over 4 4333=over 4
2747 4334
2748=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 4335=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop
4336in that thread, or create a separate thread running only the default loop.
2749 4337
2750This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and 4338This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev
2751there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will 4339themselves and don't care/know about threading.
2752have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
2753 4340
2754=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 4341=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model.
2755 4342
2756That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them 4343Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model
2757as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for. 4344exists, but it is always a good start.
2758 4345
2759=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 4346=item * other models exist, such as the leader/follower pattern, where one
4347loop is handed through multiple threads in a kind of round-robin fashion.
2760 4348
2761These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list. 4349Choosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you can do
4350better than you currently do :-)
2762 4351
2763=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 4352=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the
4353event loop.
2764 4354
2765=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE)) 4355C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other threads safely
4356(or from signal contexts...).
2766 4357
2767These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the 4358An example use would be to communicate signals or other events that only
2768correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually 4359work in the default loop by registering the signal watcher with the
2769have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal). 4360default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
2770 4361watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
2771=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
2772
2773By virtue of using a binary heap, the next timer is always found at the
2774beginning of the storage array.
2775
2776=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2777
2778A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2779libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
2780on backend and wether C<ev_io_set> was used).
2781
2782=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
2783
2784=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2785
2786Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2787priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2788linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
2789watchers becomes O(1) w.r.t. prioritiy handling.
2790 4362
2791=back 4363=back
2792 4364
4365=head4 THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE
2793 4366
2794=head1 Win32 platform limitations and workarounds 4367Here is a fictitious example of how to run an event loop in a different
4368thread than where callbacks are being invoked and watchers are
4369created/added/removed.
4370
4371For a real-world example, see the C<EV::Loop::Async> perl module,
4372which uses exactly this technique (which is suited for many high-level
4373languages).
4374
4375The example uses a pthread mutex to protect the loop data, a condition
4376variable to wait for callback invocations, an async watcher to notify the
4377event loop thread and an unspecified mechanism to wake up the main thread.
4378
4379First, you need to associate some data with the event loop:
4380
4381 typedef struct {
4382 mutex_t lock; /* global loop lock */
4383 ev_async async_w;
4384 thread_t tid;
4385 cond_t invoke_cv;
4386 } userdata;
4387
4388 void prepare_loop (EV_P)
4389 {
4390 // for simplicity, we use a static userdata struct.
4391 static userdata u;
4392
4393 ev_async_init (&u->async_w, async_cb);
4394 ev_async_start (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4395
4396 pthread_mutex_init (&u->lock, 0);
4397 pthread_cond_init (&u->invoke_cv, 0);
4398
4399 // now associate this with the loop
4400 ev_set_userdata (EV_A_ u);
4401 ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (EV_A_ l_invoke);
4402 ev_set_loop_release_cb (EV_A_ l_release, l_acquire);
4403
4404 // then create the thread running ev_loop
4405 pthread_create (&u->tid, 0, l_run, EV_A);
4406 }
4407
4408The callback for the C<ev_async> watcher does nothing: the watcher is used
4409solely to wake up the event loop so it takes notice of any new watchers
4410that might have been added:
4411
4412 static void
4413 async_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
4414 {
4415 // just used for the side effects
4416 }
4417
4418The C<l_release> and C<l_acquire> callbacks simply unlock/lock the mutex
4419protecting the loop data, respectively.
4420
4421 static void
4422 l_release (EV_P)
4423 {
4424 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4425 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4426 }
4427
4428 static void
4429 l_acquire (EV_P)
4430 {
4431 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4432 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4433 }
4434
4435The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
4436into C<ev_run>:
4437
4438 void *
4439 l_run (void *thr_arg)
4440 {
4441 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg;
4442
4443 l_acquire (EV_A);
4444 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0);
4445 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
4446 l_release (EV_A);
4447
4448 return 0;
4449 }
4450
4451Instead of invoking all pending watchers, the C<l_invoke> callback will
4452signal the main thread via some unspecified mechanism (signals? pipe
4453writes? C<Async::Interrupt>?) and then waits until all pending watchers
4454have been called (in a while loop because a) spurious wakeups are possible
4455and b) skipping inter-thread-communication when there are no pending
4456watchers is very beneficial):
4457
4458 static void
4459 l_invoke (EV_P)
4460 {
4461 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4462
4463 while (ev_pending_count (EV_A))
4464 {
4465 wake_up_other_thread_in_some_magic_or_not_so_magic_way ();
4466 pthread_cond_wait (&u->invoke_cv, &u->lock);
4467 }
4468 }
4469
4470Now, whenever the main thread gets told to invoke pending watchers, it
4471will grab the lock, call C<ev_invoke_pending> and then signal the loop
4472thread to continue:
4473
4474 static void
4475 real_invoke_pending (EV_P)
4476 {
4477 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4478
4479 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4480 ev_invoke_pending (EV_A);
4481 pthread_cond_signal (&u->invoke_cv);
4482 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4483 }
4484
4485Whenever you want to start/stop a watcher or do other modifications to an
4486event loop, you will now have to lock:
4487
4488 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
4489 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4490
4491 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
4492
4493 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4494 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ &timeout_watcher);
4495 ev_async_send (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4496 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4497
4498Note that sending the C<ev_async> watcher is required because otherwise
4499an event loop currently blocking in the kernel will have no knowledge
4500about the newly added timer. By waking up the loop it will pick up any new
4501watchers in the next event loop iteration.
4502
4503=head3 COROUTINES
4504
4505Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
4506libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
4507coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_run> on the same loop from two
4508different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running
4509the loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is
4510that you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
4511
4512Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside
4513C<ev_run>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
4514they do not call any callbacks.
4515
4516=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
4517
4518Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
4519lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently
4520scared by this.
4521
4522However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler
4523has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding
4524warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when
4525targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version.
4526
4527Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate
4528workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
4529maintainable.
4530
4531And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
4532wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
4533seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some
4534warnings that resulted in an extreme number of false positives. These have
4535been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with
4536such buggy versions.
4537
4538While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
4539"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
4540with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with
4541them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
4542warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
4543
4544
4545=head2 VALGRIND
4546
4547Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is
4548highly useful. Unfortunately, valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
4549
4550If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.)
4551in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like:
4552
4553 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
4554 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
4555 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
4556
4557Then there is no memory leak, just as memory accounted to global variables
4558is not a memleak - the memory is still being referenced, and didn't leak.
4559
4560Similarly, under some circumstances, valgrind might report kernel bugs
4561as if it were a bug in libev (e.g. in realloc or in the poll backend,
4562although an acceptable workaround has been found here), or it might be
4563confused.
4564
4565Keep in mind that valgrind is a very good tool, but only a tool. Don't
4566make it into some kind of religion.
4567
4568If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list
4569with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this
4570is a bug in libev (best check the archives, too :). However, don't be
4571annoyed when you get a brisk "this is no bug" answer and take the chance
4572of learning how to interpret valgrind properly.
4573
4574If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project
4575I suggest using suppression lists.
4576
4577
4578=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES
4579
4580=head2 GNU/LINUX 32 BIT LIMITATIONS
4581
4582GNU/Linux is the only common platform that supports 64 bit file/large file
4583interfaces but I<disables> them by default.
4584
4585That means that libev compiled in the default environment doesn't support
4586files larger than 2GiB or so, which mainly affects C<ev_stat> watchers.
4587
4588Unfortunately, many programs try to work around this GNU/Linux issue
4589by enabling the large file API, which makes them incompatible with the
4590standard libev compiled for their system.
4591
4592Likewise, libev cannot enable the large file API itself as this would
4593suddenly make it incompatible to the default compile time environment,
4594i.e. all programs not using special compile switches.
4595
4596=head2 OS/X AND DARWIN BUGS
4597
4598The whole thing is a bug if you ask me - basically any system interface
4599you touch is broken, whether it is locales, poll, kqueue or even the
4600OpenGL drivers.
4601
4602=head3 C<kqueue> is buggy
4603
4604The kqueue syscall is broken in all known versions - most versions support
4605only sockets, many support pipes.
4606
4607Libev tries to work around this by not using C<kqueue> by default on this
4608rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating a
4609loop - embedding a socket-only kqueue loop into a select-based one is
4610probably going to work well.
4611
4612=head3 C<poll> is buggy
4613
4614Instead of fixing C<kqueue>, Apple replaced their (working) C<poll>
4615implementation by something calling C<kqueue> internally around the 10.5.6
4616release, so now C<kqueue> I<and> C<poll> are broken.
4617
4618Libev tries to work around this by not using C<poll> by default on
4619this rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating
4620a loop.
4621
4622=head3 C<select> is buggy
4623
4624All that's left is C<select>, and of course Apple found a way to fuck this
4625one up as well: On OS/X, C<select> actively limits the number of file
4626descriptors you can pass in to 1024 - your program suddenly crashes when
4627you use more.
4628
4629There is an undocumented "workaround" for this - defining
4630C<_DARWIN_UNLIMITED_SELECT>, which libev tries to use, so select I<should>
4631work on OS/X.
4632
4633=head2 SOLARIS PROBLEMS AND WORKAROUNDS
4634
4635=head3 C<errno> reentrancy
4636
4637The default compile environment on Solaris is unfortunately so
4638thread-unsafe that you can't even use components/libraries compiled
4639without C<-D_REENTRANT> in a threaded program, which, of course, isn't
4640defined by default. A valid, if stupid, implementation choice.
4641
4642If you want to use libev in threaded environments you have to make sure
4643it's compiled with C<_REENTRANT> defined.
4644
4645=head3 Event port backend
4646
4647The scalable event interface for Solaris is called "event
4648ports". Unfortunately, this mechanism is very buggy in all major
4649releases. If you run into high CPU usage, your program freezes or you get
4650a large number of spurious wakeups, make sure you have all the relevant
4651and latest kernel patches applied. No, I don't know which ones, but there
4652are multiple ones to apply, and afterwards, event ports actually work
4653great.
4654
4655If you can't get it to work, you can try running the program by setting
4656the environment variable C<LIBEV_FLAGS=3> to only allow C<poll> and
4657C<select> backends.
4658
4659=head2 AIX POLL BUG
4660
4661AIX unfortunately has a broken C<poll.h> header. Libev works around
4662this by trying to avoid the poll backend altogether (i.e. it's not even
4663compiled in), which normally isn't a big problem as C<select> works fine
4664with large bitsets on AIX, and AIX is dead anyway.
4665
4666=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
4667
4668=head3 General issues
2795 4669
2796Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 4670Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
2797requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 4671requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
2798model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 4672model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
2799the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 4673the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
2800descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 4674descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
2801e.g. cygwin. 4675e.g. cygwin. Actually, it only applies to the microsofts own compilers,
4676as every compielr comes with a slightly differently broken/incompatible
4677environment.
4678
4679Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
4680re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into this kind of thing,
4681then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable way (note
4682also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
2802 4683
2803There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 4684There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
2804embedding it into other applications. 4685embedding it into other applications.
2805 4686
4687Sensible signal handling is officially unsupported by Microsoft - libev
4688tries its best, but under most conditions, signals will simply not work.
4689
4690Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
4691accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
4692either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large,
4693so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a
4694megabyte seems safe, but this apparently depends on the amount of memory
4695available).
4696
2806Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and the 4697Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and
2807abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets is not 4698the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
2808recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use more than 4699is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use
2809a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally different 4700more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally
2810implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX model, which cannot 4701different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
2811be implemented efficiently on windows (microsoft monopoly games). 4702notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
4703(due to Microsoft monopoly games).
2812 4704
2813=over 4 4705A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding
4706section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead
4707of F<ev.h>:
2814 4708
4709 #define EV_STANDALONE /* keeps ev from requiring config.h */
4710 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* configure libev for windows select */
4711
4712 #include "ev.h"
4713
4714And compile the following F<evwrap.c> file into your project (make sure
4715you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!):
4716
4717 #include "evwrap.h"
4718 #include "ev.c"
4719
2815=item The winsocket select function 4720=head3 The winsocket C<select> function
2816 4721
2817The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it requires 4722The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
2818socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors>. This makes select 4723requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
2819very inefficient, and also requires a mapping from file descriptors 4724also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
2820to socket handles. See the discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, 4725requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
2821C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor 4726C runtime provides the function C<_open_osfhandle> for this). See the
2822symbols for more info. 4727discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and
4728C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor symbols for more info.
2823 4729
2824The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the microsoft runtime 4730The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the Microsoft runtime
2825libraries and raw winsocket select is: 4731libraries and raw winsocket select is:
2826 4732
2827 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1 4733 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
2828 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */ 4734 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
2829 4735
2830Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a 4736Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
2831complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 4737complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
2832 4738
2833=item Limited number of file descriptors 4739=head3 Limited number of file descriptors
2834 4740
2835Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. Early versions 4741Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
2836of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a max. of C<64> handles 4742
4743Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
2837(probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels can only wait for 4744of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
2838C<64> things at the same time internally; microsoft recommends spawning a 4745can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft
2839chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the previous thread in each). 4746recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
4747previous thread in each. Sounds great!).
2840 4748
2841Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE> 4749Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
2842to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select 4750to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
2843call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own 4751call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl and many
2844select emulation on windows). 4752other interpreters do their own select emulation on windows).
2845 4753
2846Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the microsoft runtime 4754Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime
2847libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish 4755libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64>
2848or something like this inside microsoft). You can increase this by calling 4756fetish or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this
2849C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another 4757by calling C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048>
2850arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the microsoft runtime 4758(another arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft
2851libraries.
2852
2853This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on 4759runtime libraries. This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets
2854windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to 4760(depending on windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more,
2855wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of 4761you need to wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but
2856calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 4762the cost of calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
4763
4764=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
4765
4766In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the
4767backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions:
4768
4769=over 4
4770
4771=item C<void (*)(ev_watcher_type *, int revents)> must have compatible
4772calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>.
4773
4774Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
4775structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
4776assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
4777callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
4778calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
4779
4780=item pointer accesses must be thread-atomic
4781
4782Accessing a pointer value must be atomic, it must both be readable and
4783writable in one piece - this is the case on all current architectures.
4784
4785=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
4786
4787The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
4788C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
4789threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
4790believed to be sufficiently portable.
4791
4792=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment
4793
4794Libev uses C<sigprocmask> to temporarily block signals. This is not
4795allowed in a threaded program (C<pthread_sigmask> has to be used). Typical
4796pthread implementations will either allow C<sigprocmask> in the "main
4797thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would
4798be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and
4799C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however.
4800
4801The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads
4802except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as
4803well.
4804
4805=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
4806
4807To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally
4808instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX
4809systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but is still at
4810least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of millions of
4811watchers.
4812
4813=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
4814
4815The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
4816have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is
4817good enough for at least into the year 4000 with millisecond accuracy
4818(the design goal for libev). This requirement is overfulfilled by
4819implementations using IEEE 754, which is basically all existing ones. With
4820IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least 2200.
2857 4821
2858=back 4822=back
2859 4823
4824If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
4825
4826
4827=head1 ALGORITHMIC COMPLEXITIES
4828
4829In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
4830libev will be documented. For complexity discussions about backends see
4831the documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
4832
4833All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
4834extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
4835happens asymptotically rarer with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
4836mean that libev does a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on
4837average it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
4838
4839=over 4
4840
4841=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
4842
4843This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
4844there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that, then inserting will
4845have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
4846
4847=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
4848
4849That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them,
4850as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
4851
4852=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1)
4853
4854These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
4855
4856=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1)
4857
4858=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
4859
4860These watchers are stored in lists, so they need to be walked to find the
4861correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
4862have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal: one is typical, two
4863is rare).
4864
4865=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
4866
4867By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a
4868fixed position in the storage array.
4869
4870=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
4871
4872A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
4873libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
4874on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
4875
4876=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
4877
4878=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
4879
4880Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
4881priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
4882linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
4883watchers becomes O(1) with respect to priority handling.
4884
4885=item Sending an ev_async: O(1)
4886
4887=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
4888
4889=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
4890
4891Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
4892calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
4893involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
4894
4895=back
4896
4897
4898=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X
4899
4900The major version 4 introduced some incompatible changes to the API.
4901
4902At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file provides compatibility definitions
4903for all changes, so most programs should still compile. The compatibility
4904layer might be removed in later versions of libev, so better update to the
4905new API early than late.
4906
4907=over 4
4908
4909=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
4910
4911The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
4912C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L<PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L<EMBEDDING>
4913section.
4914
4915=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed
4916
4917These calls can be replaced easily by their C<ev_loop_xxx> counterparts:
4918
4919 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
4920 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
4921
4922=item function/symbol renames
4923
4924A number of functions and symbols have been renamed:
4925
4926 ev_loop => ev_run
4927 EVLOOP_NONBLOCK => EVRUN_NOWAIT
4928 EVLOOP_ONESHOT => EVRUN_ONCE
4929
4930 ev_unloop => ev_break
4931 EVUNLOOP_CANCEL => EVBREAK_CANCEL
4932 EVUNLOOP_ONE => EVBREAK_ONE
4933 EVUNLOOP_ALL => EVBREAK_ALL
4934
4935 EV_TIMEOUT => EV_TIMER
4936
4937 ev_loop_count => ev_iteration
4938 ev_loop_depth => ev_depth
4939 ev_loop_verify => ev_verify
4940
4941Most functions working on C<struct ev_loop> objects don't have an
4942C<ev_loop_> prefix, so it was removed; C<ev_loop>, C<ev_unloop> and
4943associated constants have been renamed to not collide with the C<struct
4944ev_loop> anymore and C<EV_TIMER> now follows the same naming scheme
4945as all other watcher types. Note that C<ev_loop_fork> is still called
4946C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the C<ev_fork>
4947typedef.
4948
4949=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES>
4950
4951The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different
4952mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile
4953and work, but the library code will of course be larger.
4954
4955=back
4956
4957
4958=head1 GLOSSARY
4959
4960=over 4
4961
4962=item active
4963
4964A watcher is active as long as it has been started and not yet stopped.
4965See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
4966
4967=item application
4968
4969In this document, an application is whatever is using libev.
4970
4971=item backend
4972
4973The part of the code dealing with the operating system interfaces.
4974
4975=item callback
4976
4977The address of a function that is called when some event has been
4978detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that
4979received the event, and the actual event bitset.
4980
4981=item callback/watcher invocation
4982
4983The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4984
4985=item event
4986
4987A change of state of some external event, such as data now being available
4988for reading on a file descriptor, time having passed or simply not having
4989any other events happening anymore.
4990
4991In libev, events are represented as single bits (such as C<EV_READ> or
4992C<EV_TIMER>).
4993
4994=item event library
4995
4996A software package implementing an event model and loop.
4997
4998=item event loop
4999
5000An entity that handles and processes external events and converts them
5001into callback invocations.
5002
5003=item event model
5004
5005The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes
5006watchers and events.
5007
5008=item pending
5009
5010A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been
5011detected. See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
5012
5013=item real time
5014
5015The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
5016
5017=item wall-clock time
5018
5019The time and date as shown on clocks. Unlike real time, it can actually
5020be wrong and jump forwards and backwards, e.g. when the you adjust your
5021clock.
5022
5023=item watcher
5024
5025A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need
5026to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events.
5027
5028=back
2860 5029
2861=head1 AUTHOR 5030=head1 AUTHOR
2862 5031
2863Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 5032Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael
5033Magnusson and Emanuele Giaquinta.
2864 5034

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