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Revision 1.35 by root, Fri Nov 23 19:35:09 2007 UTC vs.
Revision 1.60 by root, Wed Nov 28 18:29:30 2007 UTC

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
9=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10
11 #include <ev.h>
12
13 ev_io stdin_watcher;
14 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
15
16 /* called when data readable on stdin */
17 static void
18 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents)
19 {
20 /* puts ("stdin ready"); */
21 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); /* just a syntax example */
22 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); /* leave all loop calls */
23 }
24
25 static void
26 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
27 {
28 /* puts ("timeout"); */
29 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); /* leave one loop call */
30 }
31
32 int
33 main (void)
34 {
35 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
36
37 /* initialise an io watcher, then start it */
38 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
39 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
40
41 /* simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout */
42 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
43 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
44
45 /* loop till timeout or data ready */
46 ev_loop (loop, 0);
47
48 return 0;
49 }
8 50
9=head1 DESCRIPTION 51=head1 DESCRIPTION
10 52
11Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 53Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
12file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage 54file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage
21details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the 63details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the
22watcher. 64watcher.
23 65
24=head1 FEATURES 66=head1 FEATURES
25 67
26Libev supports select, poll, the linux-specific epoll and the bsd-specific 68Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
27kqueue mechanisms for file descriptor events, relative timers, absolute 69BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
28timers with customised rescheduling, signal events, process status change 70for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
29events (related to SIGCHLD), and event watchers dealing with the event 71(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers
30loop mechanism itself (idle, prepare and check watchers). It also is quite 72with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals
73(C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and event
74watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>,
75C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as
76file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events
77(C<ev_fork>).
78
79It also is quite fast (see this
31fast (see this L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing 80L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
32it to libevent for example). 81for example).
33 82
34=head1 CONVENTIONS 83=head1 CONVENTIONS
35 84
36Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration 85Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will
37will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info 86be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about
38about various configuration options please have a look at the file 87various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in
39F<README.embed> in the libev distribution. If libev was configured without 88this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event
40support for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial 89loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop>
41argument of name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) 90(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument.
42will not have this argument.
43 91
44=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION 92=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION
45 93
46Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 94Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
47(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 95(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
48the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 96the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
49called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 97called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
50to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 98to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
51it, you should treat it as such. 99it, you should treat it as such.
52 100
53
54=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 101=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
55 102
56These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 103These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
57library in any way. 104library in any way.
58 105
77Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch, 124Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch,
78as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 125as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
79compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 126compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
80not a problem. 127not a problem.
81 128
82Example: make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 129Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
83version: 130version.
84 131
85 assert (("libev version mismatch", 132 assert (("libev version mismatch",
86 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 133 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
87 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 134 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
88 135
118 165
119See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 166See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
120 167
121=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 168=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
122 169
123Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar to the 170Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
124realloc C function, the semantics are identical). It is used to allocate 171semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to
125and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when memory 172allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when
126needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some potentially 173memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some
127destructive action. The default is your system realloc function. 174potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc
175function.
128 176
129You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 177You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
130free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 178free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
131or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 179or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
132 180
133Example: replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 181Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
134retries: better than mine). 182retries).
135 183
136 static void * 184 static void *
137 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, long size) 185 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
138 { 186 {
139 for (;;) 187 for (;;)
140 { 188 {
141 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size); 189 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size);
142 190
158callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 206callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no
159matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 207matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
160requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 208requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
161(such as abort). 209(such as abort).
162 210
163Example: do the same thing as libev does internally: 211Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
164 212
165 static void 213 static void
166 fatal_error (const char *msg) 214 fatal_error (const char *msg)
167 { 215 {
168 perror (msg); 216 perror (msg);
314Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 362Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
315always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 363always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
316handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by 364handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
317undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 365undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
318 366
319Example: try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 367Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
320 368
321 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 369 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
322 if (!epoller) 370 if (!epoller)
323 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 371 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
324 372
325=item ev_default_destroy () 373=item ev_default_destroy ()
326 374
327Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 375Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
328etc.). This stops all registered event watchers (by not touching them in 376etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
329any way whatsoever, although you cannot rely on this :). 377sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
378responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before>
379calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
380the easiest thing, youc na just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
381for example).
330 382
331=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 383=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
332 384
333Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 385Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
334earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 386earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
419 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 471 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
420 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 472 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
421 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 473 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
422 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *. 474 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *.
423 475
424Example: queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding 476Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding
425anymore. 477anymore.
426 478
427 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 479 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
428 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 480 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
429 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 481 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
449visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 501visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if
450no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 502no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent
451way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 503way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party
452libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>. 504libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>.
453 505
454Example: create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 506Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
455running when nothing else is active. 507running when nothing else is active.
456 508
457 struct dv_signal exitsig; 509 struct ev_signal exitsig;
458 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 510 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
459 ev_signal_start (myloop, &exitsig); 511 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
460 evf_unref (myloop); 512 evf_unref (loop);
461 513
462Example: for some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 514Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
463 515
464 ev_ref (myloop); 516 ev_ref (loop);
465 ev_signal_stop (myloop, &exitsig); 517 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
466 518
467=back 519=back
520
468 521
469=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 522=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
470 523
471A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 524A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your
472interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 525interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to
505*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the 558*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the
506corresponding stop function (C<< ev_<type>_stop (loop, watcher *) >>. 559corresponding stop function (C<< ev_<type>_stop (loop, watcher *) >>.
507 560
508As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you 561As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you
509must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never 562must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never
510reinitialise it or call its set macro. 563reinitialise it or call its C<set> macro.
511
512You can check whether an event is active by calling the C<ev_is_active
513(watcher *)> macro. To see whether an event is outstanding (but the
514callback for it has not been called yet) you can use the C<ev_is_pending
515(watcher *)> macro.
516 564
517Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the 565Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the
518registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as 566registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as
519third argument. 567third argument.
520 568
544The signal specified in the C<ev_signal> watcher has been received by a thread. 592The signal specified in the C<ev_signal> watcher has been received by a thread.
545 593
546=item C<EV_CHILD> 594=item C<EV_CHILD>
547 595
548The pid specified in the C<ev_child> watcher has received a status change. 596The pid specified in the C<ev_child> watcher has received a status change.
597
598=item C<EV_STAT>
599
600The path specified in the C<ev_stat> watcher changed its attributes somehow.
549 601
550=item C<EV_IDLE> 602=item C<EV_IDLE>
551 603
552The C<ev_idle> watcher has determined that you have nothing better to do. 604The C<ev_idle> watcher has determined that you have nothing better to do.
553 605
561received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 613received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as
562many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account 614many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account
563(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep 615(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep
564C<ev_loop> from blocking). 616C<ev_loop> from blocking).
565 617
618=item C<EV_EMBED>
619
620The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
621
622=item C<EV_FORK>
623
624The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
625C<ev_fork>).
626
566=item C<EV_ERROR> 627=item C<EV_ERROR>
567 628
568An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 629An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might
569happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 630happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
570ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 631ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
576your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope 637your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope
577with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multithreaded 638with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multithreaded
578programs, though, so beware. 639programs, though, so beware.
579 640
580=back 641=back
642
643=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
644
645In the following description, C<TYPE> stands for the watcher type,
646e.g. C<timer> for C<ev_timer> watchers and C<io> for C<ev_io> watchers.
647
648=over 4
649
650=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
651
652This macro initialises the generic portion of a watcher. The contents
653of the watcher object can be arbitrary (so C<malloc> will do). Only
654the generic parts of the watcher are initialised, you I<need> to call
655the type-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> macro afterwards to initialise the
656type-specific parts. For each type there is also a C<ev_TYPE_init> macro
657which rolls both calls into one.
658
659You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped
660(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
661
662The callback is always of type C<void (*)(ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,
663int revents)>.
664
665=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args])
666
667This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
668call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
669call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this
670macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a
671difference to the C<ev_init> macro).
672
673Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
674(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
675
676=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
677
678This convinience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro
679calls into a single call. This is the most convinient method to initialise
680a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
681
682=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
683
684Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
685events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
686
687=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
688
689Stops the given watcher again (if active) and clears the pending
690status. It is possible that stopped watchers are pending (for example,
691non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending), but
692C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor pending. If
693you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is therefore a
694good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function.
695
696=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher)
697
698Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started
699and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify
700it.
701
702=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
703
704Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding
705events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher
706is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but
707C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe) and you must make sure the watcher is available to
708libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it).
709
710=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
711
712Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
713
714=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
715
716Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
717(modulo threads).
718
719=back
720
581 721
582=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 722=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
583 723
584Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 724Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
585and read at any time, libev will completely ignore it. This can be used 725and read at any time, libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
603 { 743 {
604 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 744 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
605 ... 745 ...
606 } 746 }
607 747
608More interesting and less C-conformant ways of catsing your callback type 748More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
609have been omitted.... 749instead have been omitted.
750
751Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple
752watchers:
753
754 struct my_biggy
755 {
756 int some_data;
757 ev_timer t1;
758 ev_timer t2;
759 }
760
761In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated,
762you need to use C<offsetof>:
763
764 #include <stddef.h>
765
766 static void
767 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
768 {
769 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
770 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
771 }
772
773 static void
774 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
775 {
776 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
777 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
778 }
610 779
611 780
612=head1 WATCHER TYPES 781=head1 WATCHER TYPES
613 782
614This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 783This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
615information given in the last section. 784information given in the last section. Any initialisation/set macros,
785functions and members specific to the watcher type are explained.
616 786
787Members are additionally marked with either I<[read-only]>, meaning that,
788while the watcher is active, you can look at the member and expect some
789sensible content, but you must not modify it (you can modify it while the
790watcher is stopped to your hearts content), or I<[read-write]>, which
791means you can expect it to have some sensible content while the watcher
792is active, but you can also modify it. Modifying it may not do something
793sensible or take immediate effect (or do anything at all), but libev will
794not crash or malfunction in any way.
617 795
796
618=head2 C<ev_io> - is this file descriptor readable or writable 797=head2 C<ev_io> - is this file descriptor readable or writable?
619 798
620I/O watchers check whether a file descriptor is readable or writable 799I/O watchers check whether a file descriptor is readable or writable
621in each iteration of the event loop (This behaviour is called 800in each iteration of the event loop, or, more precisely, when reading
622level-triggering because you keep receiving events as long as the 801would not block the process and writing would at least be able to write
623condition persists. Remember you can stop the watcher if you don't want to 802some data. This behaviour is called level-triggering because you keep
624act on the event and neither want to receive future events). 803receiving events as long as the condition persists. Remember you can stop
804the watcher if you don't want to act on the event and neither want to
805receive future events.
625 806
626In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 807In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
627fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 808fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
628descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 809descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
629required if you know what you are doing). 810required if you know what you are doing).
630 811
631You have to be careful with dup'ed file descriptors, though. Some backends 812You have to be careful with dup'ed file descriptors, though. Some backends
632(the linux epoll backend is a notable example) cannot handle dup'ed file 813(the linux epoll backend is a notable example) cannot handle dup'ed file
633descriptors correctly if you register interest in two or more fds pointing 814descriptors correctly if you register interest in two or more fds pointing
634to the same underlying file/socket etc. description (that is, they share 815to the same underlying file/socket/etc. description (that is, they share
635the same underlying "file open"). 816the same underlying "file open").
636 817
637If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 818If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend
638(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and 819(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and
639C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 820C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
640 821
822Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
823receive "spurious" readyness notifications, that is your callback might
824be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
825because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
826lot of those (for example solaris ports), it is very easy to get into
827this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus
828it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
829C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
830
831If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not
832play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test
833wether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface
834such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
835its own, so its quite safe to use).
836
641=over 4 837=over 4
642 838
643=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 839=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
644 840
645=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 841=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
646 842
647Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The fd is the file descriptor to rceeive 843Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to
648events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_READ | 844rceeive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
649EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 845C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events.
650 846
651Please note that most of the more scalable backend mechanisms (for example 847=item int fd [read-only]
652epoll and solaris ports) can result in spurious readyness notifications 848
653for file descriptors, so you practically need to use non-blocking I/O (and 849The file descriptor being watched.
654treat callback invocation as hint only), or retest separately with a safe 850
655interface before doing I/O (XLib can do this), or force the use of either 851=item int events [read-only]
656C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>, which don't suffer from this 852
657problem. Also note that it is quite easy to have your callback invoked 853The events being watched.
658when the readyness condition is no longer valid even when employing
659typical ways of handling events, so its a good idea to use non-blocking
660I/O unconditionally.
661 854
662=back 855=back
663 856
664Example: call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 857Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
665readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 858readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
666attempt to read a whole line in the callback: 859attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
667 860
668 static void 861 static void
669 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 862 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
670 { 863 {
671 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 864 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
678 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 871 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
679 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 872 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
680 ev_loop (loop, 0); 873 ev_loop (loop, 0);
681 874
682 875
683=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally recurring timeouts 876=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
684 877
685Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 878Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
686given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 879given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
687 880
688The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that 881The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that
729 922
730If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat 923If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat
731value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value. 924value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value.
732 925
733This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 926This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
734example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle 927example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called
735timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60 928idle timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been,
736seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to 929say, 60 seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do
737configure an C<ev_timer> with after=repeat=60 and calling ev_timer_again each 930this is to configure an C<ev_timer> with C<after>=C<repeat>=C<60> and calling
738time you successfully read or write some data. If you go into an idle 931C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
739state where you do not expect data to travel on the socket, you can stop 932you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
740the timer, and again will automatically restart it if need be. 933socket, you can stop the timer, and again will automatically restart it if
934need be.
935
936You can also ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start> altogether
937and only ever use the C<repeat> value:
938
939 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
940 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
941 ...
942 timer->again = 17.;
943 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
944 ...
945 timer->again = 10.;
946 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
947
948This is more efficient then stopping/starting the timer eahc time you want
949to modify its timeout value.
950
951=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
952
953The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
954or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
955which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
741 956
742=back 957=back
743 958
744Example: create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 959Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
745 960
746 static void 961 static void
747 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 962 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
748 { 963 {
749 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 964 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
751 966
752 struct ev_timer mytimer; 967 struct ev_timer mytimer;
753 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 968 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
754 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 969 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
755 970
756Example: create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 971Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
757inactivity. 972inactivity.
758 973
759 static void 974 static void
760 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 975 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
761 { 976 {
770 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 985 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
771 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 986 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
772 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 987 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
773 988
774 989
775=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron 990=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
776 991
777Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 992Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
778(and unfortunately a bit complex). 993(and unfortunately a bit complex).
779 994
780Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 995Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time)
781but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 996but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
782to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 997to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
783periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. c<ev_now () 998periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now ()
784+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 999+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will
785take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger 1000take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger
786roughly 10 seconds later and of course not if you reset your system time 1001roughly 10 seconds later and of course not if you reset your system time
787again). 1002again).
788 1003
872Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1087Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
873when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1088when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
874a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1089a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
875program when the crontabs have changed). 1090program when the crontabs have changed).
876 1091
1092=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1093
1094The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1095take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1096called.
1097
1098=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1099
1100The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1101switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1102the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1103
877=back 1104=back
878 1105
879Example: call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1106Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
880system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1107system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
881potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1108potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability.
882 1109
883 static void 1110 static void
884 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1111 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
888 1115
889 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1116 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
890 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1117 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
891 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1118 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
892 1119
893Example: the same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1120Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
894 1121
895 #include <math.h> 1122 #include <math.h>
896 1123
897 static ev_tstamp 1124 static ev_tstamp
898 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1125 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
900 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1127 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;
901 } 1128 }
902 1129
903 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1130 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
904 1131
905Example: call a callback every hour, starting now: 1132Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
906 1133
907 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1134 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
908 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1135 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
909 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1136 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
910 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1137 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
911 1138
912 1139
913=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled 1140=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
914 1141
915Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 1142Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
916signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 1143signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
917will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 1144will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
918normal event processing, like any other event. 1145normal event processing, like any other event.
931=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum) 1158=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)
932 1159
933Configures the watcher to trigger on the given signal number (usually one 1160Configures the watcher to trigger on the given signal number (usually one
934of the C<SIGxxx> constants). 1161of the C<SIGxxx> constants).
935 1162
1163=item int signum [read-only]
1164
1165The signal the watcher watches out for.
1166
936=back 1167=back
937 1168
938 1169
939=head2 C<ev_child> - wait for pid status changes 1170=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
940 1171
941Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1172Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
942some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1173some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies).
943 1174
944=over 4 1175=over 4
952at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see 1183at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see
953the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems 1184the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems
954C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the 1185C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the
955process causing the status change. 1186process causing the status change.
956 1187
1188=item int pid [read-only]
1189
1190The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id.
1191
1192=item int rpid [read-write]
1193
1194The process id that detected a status change.
1195
1196=item int rstatus [read-write]
1197
1198The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1199C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1200
957=back 1201=back
958 1202
959Example: try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1203Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
960 1204
961 static void 1205 static void
962 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1206 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
963 { 1207 {
964 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1208 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
967 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1211 struct ev_signal signal_watcher;
968 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1212 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
969 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1213 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb);
970 1214
971 1215
1216=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1217
1218This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1219C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed
1220compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did.
1221
1222The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1223not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1224not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is
1225otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of
1226the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1227
1228The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1229relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1230
1231Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply
1232calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You
1233can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify
1234a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,
1235unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around
1236five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also
1237impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats
1238usually overkill.
1239
1240This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1241as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1242resource-intensive.
1243
1244At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1245implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the
1246reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the
1247semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
1248to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1249usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1250polling.
1251
1252=over 4
1253
1254=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1255
1256=item ev_stat_set (ev_stat *, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1257
1258Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of the given
1259C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to
1260be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose
1261a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1262path for as long as the watcher is active.
1263
1264The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected,
1265relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the
1266last change was detected).
1267
1268=item ev_stat_stat (ev_stat *)
1269
1270Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1271watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid
1272detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be
1273useful simply to find out the new values.
1274
1275=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1276
1277The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of
1278C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types
1279suitable for your system. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there
1280was some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1281
1282=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1283
1284The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1285C<prev> != C<attr>.
1286
1287=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1288
1289The specified interval.
1290
1291=item const char *path [read-only]
1292
1293The filesystem path that is being watched.
1294
1295=back
1296
1297Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1298
1299 static void
1300 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1301 {
1302 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1303 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1304 {
1305 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1306 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1307 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1308 }
1309 else
1310 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1311 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1312 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1313 }
1314
1315 ...
1316 ev_stat passwd;
1317
1318 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd");
1319 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1320
1321
972=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do 1322=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
973 1323
974Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1324Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending
975(prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count). That is, as long 1325(prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count). That is, as long
976as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1326as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals,
977imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1327imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle
995kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 1345kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
996believe me. 1346believe me.
997 1347
998=back 1348=back
999 1349
1000Example: dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle>, start it, and in the 1350Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1001callback, free it. Alos, use no error checking, as usual. 1351callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1002 1352
1003 static void 1353 static void
1004 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1354 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1005 { 1355 {
1006 free (w); 1356 free (w);
1011 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 1361 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle));
1012 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 1362 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1013 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 1363 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1014 1364
1015 1365
1016=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop 1366=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
1017 1367
1018Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem: 1368Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem:
1019prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 1369prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
1020afterwards. 1370afterwards.
1021 1371
1372You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter
1373the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
1374watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The
1375rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in
1376those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,
1377C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
1378called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.
1379
1022Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and 1380Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and
1023their use is somewhat advanced. This could be used, for example, to track 1381their use is somewhat advanced. This could be used, for example, to track
1024variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a 1382variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a
1025coroutine library and lots more. 1383coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if
1384you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example,
1385in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare>
1386watcher).
1026 1387
1027This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 1388This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need
1028to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for 1389to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for
1029them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries 1390them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries
1030provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for 1391provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for
1052parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 1413parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1053macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1414macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1054 1415
1055=back 1416=back
1056 1417
1057Example: *TODO*. 1418Example: To include a library such as adns, you would add IO watchers
1419and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, as required by libadns, and
1420in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows is
1421pseudo-code only of course:
1058 1422
1423 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1424 static ev_timer tw;
1059 1425
1426 static void
1427 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1428 {
1429 // set the relevant poll flags
1430 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1431 struct pollfd *fd = (struct pollfd *)w->data;
1432 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1433 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1434 }
1435
1436 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1437 static void
1438 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1439 {
1440 int timeout = 3600000;truct pollfd fds [nfd];
1441 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1442 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1443
1444 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1445 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1446 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1447
1448 // create on ev_io per pollfd
1449 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1450 {
1451 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1452 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1453 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1454
1455 fds [i].revents = 0;
1456 iow [i].data = fds + i;
1457 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1458 }
1459 }
1460
1461 // stop all watchers after blocking
1462 static void
1463 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1464 {
1465 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1466
1467 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1468 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1469
1470 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1471 }
1472
1473
1060=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough 1474=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1061 1475
1062This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 1476This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
1063into another. 1477into another (currently only C<ev_io> events are supported in the embedded
1478loop, other types of watchers might be handled in a delayed or incorrect
1479fashion and must not be used).
1064 1480
1065There are primarily two reasons you would want that: work around bugs and 1481There are primarily two reasons you would want that: work around bugs and
1066prioritise I/O. 1482prioritise I/O.
1067 1483
1068As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support 1484As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support
1076As for prioritising I/O: rarely you have the case where some fds have 1492As for prioritising I/O: rarely you have the case where some fds have
1077to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency), and even 1493to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency), and even
1078priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In this case 1494priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In this case
1079you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all the rest in 1495you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all the rest in
1080a second one, and embed the second one in the first. 1496a second one, and embed the second one in the first.
1497
1498As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every time
1499there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback must then
1500call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single sweep and invoke
1501their callbacks (you could also start an idle watcher to give the embedded
1502loop strictly lower priority for example). You can also set the callback
1503to C<0>, in which case the embed watcher will automatically execute the
1504embedded loop sweep.
1081 1505
1082As long as the watcher is started it will automatically handle events. The 1506As long as the watcher is started it will automatically handle events. The
1083callback will be invoked whenever some events have been handled. You can 1507callback will be invoked whenever some events have been handled. You can
1084set the callback to C<0> to avoid having to specify one if you are not 1508set the callback to C<0> to avoid having to specify one if you are not
1085interested in that. 1509interested in that.
1117 else 1541 else
1118 loop_lo = loop_hi; 1542 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1119 1543
1120=over 4 1544=over 4
1121 1545
1122=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *loop) 1546=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1123 1547
1124=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *loop) 1548=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1125 1549
1126Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be embeddable. 1550Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
1551embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1552invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1553to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
1554if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1555
1556=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1557
1558Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1559similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1560apropriate way for embedded loops.
1561
1562=item struct ev_loop *loop [read-only]
1563
1564The embedded event loop.
1565
1566=back
1567
1568
1569=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
1570
1571Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
1572whoever is a good citizen cared to tell libev about it by calling
1573C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork>). The invocation is done before the
1574event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
1575and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
1576C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
1577handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
1578
1579=over 4
1580
1581=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1582
1583Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
1584kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1585believe me.
1127 1586
1128=back 1587=back
1129 1588
1130 1589
1131=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 1590=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
1164 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 1623 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
1165 } 1624 }
1166 1625
1167 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 1626 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
1168 1627
1169=item ev_feed_event (loop, watcher, int events) 1628=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
1170 1629
1171Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event 1630Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
1172had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an 1631had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
1173initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). 1632initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).
1174 1633
1175=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents) 1634=item ev_feed_fd_event (ev_loop *, int fd, int revents)
1176 1635
1177Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 1636Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
1178the given events it. 1637the given events it.
1179 1638
1180=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum) 1639=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum)
1181 1640
1182Feed an event as if the given signal occured (loop must be the default loop!). 1641Feed an event as if the given signal occured (C<loop> must be the default
1642loop!).
1183 1643
1184=back 1644=back
1185 1645
1186 1646
1187=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION 1647=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION
1211 1671
1212=back 1672=back
1213 1673
1214=head1 C++ SUPPORT 1674=head1 C++ SUPPORT
1215 1675
1216TBD. 1676Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
1677you to use some convinience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
1678the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
1679
1680To use it,
1681
1682 #include <ev++.h>
1683
1684(it is not installed by default). This automatically includes F<ev.h>
1685and puts all of its definitions (many of them macros) into the global
1686namespace. All C++ specific things are put into the C<ev> namespace.
1687
1688It should support all the same embedding options as F<ev.h>, most notably
1689C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
1690
1691Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1692
1693=over 4
1694
1695=item C<ev::READ>, C<ev::WRITE> etc.
1696
1697These are just enum values with the same values as the C<EV_READ> etc.
1698macros from F<ev.h>.
1699
1700=item C<ev::tstamp>, C<ev::now>
1701
1702Aliases to the same types/functions as with the C<ev_> prefix.
1703
1704=item C<ev::io>, C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic>, C<ev::idle>, C<ev::sig> etc.
1705
1706For each C<ev_TYPE> watcher in F<ev.h> there is a corresponding class of
1707the same name in the C<ev> namespace, with the exception of C<ev_signal>
1708which is called C<ev::sig> to avoid clashes with the C<signal> macro
1709defines by many implementations.
1710
1711All of those classes have these methods:
1712
1713=over 4
1714
1715=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *)
1716
1717=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *, struct ev_loop *)
1718
1719=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1720
1721The constructor takes a pointer to an object and a method pointer to
1722the event handler callback to call in this class. The constructor calls
1723C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the C<set> method
1724before starting it. If you do not specify a loop then the constructor
1725automatically associates the default loop with this watcher.
1726
1727The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active.
1728
1729=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1730
1731Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
1732do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1733
1734=item w->set ([args])
1735
1736Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be
1737called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1738automatically stopped and restarted.
1739
1740=item w->start ()
1741
1742Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument as the
1743constructor already takes the loop.
1744
1745=item w->stop ()
1746
1747Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1748
1749=item w->again () C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only
1750
1751For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding
1752C<ev_TYPE_again> function.
1753
1754=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only
1755
1756Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
1757
1758=item w->update () C<ev::stat> only
1759
1760Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
1761
1762=back
1763
1764=back
1765
1766Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
1767the constructor.
1768
1769 class myclass
1770 {
1771 ev_io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
1772 ev_idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
1773
1774 myclass ();
1775 }
1776
1777 myclass::myclass (int fd)
1778 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb),
1779 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb)
1780 {
1781 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
1782 }
1783
1784
1785=head1 MACRO MAGIC
1786
1787Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is
1788C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines wether (most) functions and
1789callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
1790
1791To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
1792following macros are defined:
1793
1794=over 4
1795
1796=item C<EV_A>, C<EV_A_>
1797
1798This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
1799loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
1800C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
1801
1802 ev_unref (EV_A);
1803 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
1804 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1805
1806It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
1807which is often provided by the following macro.
1808
1809=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
1810
1811This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
1812loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
1813C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
1814
1815 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
1816 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
1817
1818 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
1819 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1820
1821It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
1822suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
1823
1824=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
1825
1826Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
1827loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
1828
1829=back
1830
1831Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, working regardless of
1832wether multiple loops are supported or not.
1833
1834 static void
1835 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1836 {
1837 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
1838 }
1839
1840 ev_check check;
1841 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
1842 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
1843 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1844
1845
1846=head1 EMBEDDING
1847
1848Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1849applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1850Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe)
1851and rxvt-unicode.
1852
1853The goal is to enable you to just copy the neecssary files into your
1854source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so
1855you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of
1856libev somewhere in your source tree).
1857
1858=head2 FILESETS
1859
1860Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files
1861in your app.
1862
1863=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP
1864
1865To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual
1866configuration (no autoconf):
1867
1868 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
1869 #include "ev.c"
1870
1871This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a
1872single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use
1873it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best
1874done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and
1875where you can put other configuration options):
1876
1877 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
1878 #include "ev.h"
1879
1880Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
1881compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
1882as a bug).
1883
1884You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
1885in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
1886
1887 ev.h
1888 ev.c
1889 ev_vars.h
1890 ev_wrap.h
1891
1892 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1893
1894 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is by default)
1895 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1896 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1897 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1898 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1899
1900F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
1901to compile this single file.
1902
1903=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
1904
1905To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:
1906
1907 #include "event.c"
1908
1909in the file including F<ev.c>, and:
1910
1911 #include "event.h"
1912
1913in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>.
1914
1915You need the following additional files for this:
1916
1917 event.h
1918 event.c
1919
1920=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT
1921
1922Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in
1923whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your
1924F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then
1925include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.
1926
1927For this of course you need the m4 file:
1928
1929 libev.m4
1930
1931=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
1932
1933Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to define
1934before including any of its files. The default is not to build for multiplicity
1935and only include the select backend.
1936
1937=over 4
1938
1939=item EV_STANDALONE
1940
1941Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which
1942keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy
1943implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not
1944supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in
1945F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
1946
1947=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
1948
1949If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1950monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use
1951of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
1952usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
1953the functionality isn't available is safe, though, althoguh you have
1954to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
1955function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
1956
1957=item EV_USE_REALTIME
1958
1959If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1960realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at
1961runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will
1962be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
1963(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See tzhe note about libraries
1964in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
1965
1966=item EV_USE_SELECT
1967
1968If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
1969C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no
1970other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
1971will not be compiled in.
1972
1973=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
1974
1975If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set>
1976structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing
1977C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it misguesses the bitset layout on
1978exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some
1979low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only
1980allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might
1981influence the size of the C<fd_set> used.
1982
1983=item EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET
1984
1985When defined to C<1>, the select backend will assume that
1986select/socket/connect etc. don't understand file descriptors but
1987wants osf handles on win32 (this is the case when the select to
1988be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call
1989C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise,
1990it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
1991on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.
1992
1993=item EV_USE_POLL
1994
1995If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
1996backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
1997takes precedence over select.
1998
1999=item EV_USE_EPOLL
2000
2001If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux
2002C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
2003otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the
2004preferred backend for GNU/Linux systems.
2005
2006=item EV_USE_KQUEUE
2007
2008If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style
2009C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,
2010otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2011backend for BSD and BSD-like systems, although on most BSDs kqueue only
2012supports some types of fds correctly (the only platform we found that
2013supports ptys for example was NetBSD), so kqueue might be compiled in, but
2014not be used unless explicitly requested. The best way to use it is to find
2015out whether kqueue supports your type of fd properly and use an embedded
2016kqueue loop.
2017
2018=item EV_USE_PORT
2019
2020If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Solaris
202110 port style backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
2022otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2023backend for Solaris 10 systems.
2024
2025=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
2026
2027reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
2028
2029=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2030
2031If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2032interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2033be detected at runtime.
2034
2035=item EV_H
2036
2037The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
2038undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This
2039can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
2040
2041=item EV_CONFIG_H
2042
2043If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
2044F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
2045C<EV_H>, above.
2046
2047=item EV_EVENT_H
2048
2049Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
2050of how the F<event.h> header can be found.
2051
2052=item EV_PROTOTYPES
2053
2054If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
2055prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
2056occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions
2057around libev functions.
2058
2059=item EV_MULTIPLICITY
2060
2061If undefined or defined to C<1>, then all event-loop-specific functions
2062will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
2063additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
2064for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
2065argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
2066
2067=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2068
2069If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2070defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2071code.
2072
2073=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2074
2075If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
2076defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2077
2078=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
2079
2080If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
2081defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2082
2083=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
2084
2085If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
2086defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2087
2088=item EV_MINIMAL
2089
2090If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2091speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override
2092some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64.
2093
2094=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2095
2096C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2097pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2098than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to
2099increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
2100
2101=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
2102
2103C<ev_staz> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2104inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2105usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2106watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2107two).
2108
2109=item EV_COMMON
2110
2111By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
2112this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
2113members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
2114though, and it must be identical each time.
2115
2116For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
2117
2118 #define EV_COMMON \
2119 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \
2120 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */
2121
2122=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)
2123
2124=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)
2125
2126=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb)
2127
2128Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher,
2129and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member
2130definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.v> header file for
2131their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
2132avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
2133method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2134
2135=head2 EXAMPLES
2136
2137For a real-world example of a program the includes libev
2138verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module
2139(L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV.html>). It has the libev files in
2140the F<libev/> subdirectory and includes them in the F<EV/EVAPI.h> (public
2141interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file
2142will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header
2143file.
2144
2145The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2146that everybody includes and which overrides some autoconf choices:
2147
2148 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2149 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2150 #define EV_PERIODICS 0
2151 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2152
2153 #include "ev++.h"
2154
2155And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
2156
2157 #include "ev_cpp.h"
2158 #include "ev.c"
2159
2160
2161=head1 COMPLEXITIES
2162
2163In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2164libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2165documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2166
2167=over 4
2168
2169=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
2170
2171=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
2172
2173=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)
2174
2175=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)
2176
2177=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2178
2179=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1)
2180
2181=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2182
2183=item Activating one watcher: O(1)
2184
2185=back
2186
1217 2187
1218=head1 AUTHOR 2188=head1 AUTHOR
1219 2189
1220Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 2190Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
1221 2191

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