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4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
8 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 }
50
9=head1 DESCRIPTION 51=head1 DESCRIPTION
52
53The newest version of this document is also available as a html-formatted
54web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
55time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>.
10 56
11Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 57Libev 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 58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage
13these event sources and provide your program with events. 59these event sources and provide your program with events.
14 60
21details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the 67details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the
22watcher. 68watcher.
23 69
24=head1 FEATURES 70=head1 FEATURES
25 71
26Libev supports select, poll, the linux-specific epoll and the bsd-specific 72Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
27kqueue mechanisms for file descriptor events, relative timers, absolute 73BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
28timers with customised rescheduling, signal events, process status change 74for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
29events (related to SIGCHLD), and event watchers dealing with the event 75(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers
30loop mechanism itself (idle, prepare and check watchers). It also is quite 76with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals
77(C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and event
78watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>,
79C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as
80file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events
81(C<ev_fork>).
82
83It also is quite fast (see this
31fast (see this L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing 84L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
32it to libevent for example). 85for example).
33 86
34=head1 CONVENTIONS 87=head1 CONVENTIONS
35 88
36Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration 89Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will
37will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info 90be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about
38about various configuration options please have a look at the file 91various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in
39F<README.embed> in the libev distribution. If libev was configured without 92this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event
40support for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial 93loops, 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 *>) 94(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument.
42will not have this argument.
43 95
44=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION 96=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION
45 97
46Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 98Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
47(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 99(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
48the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 100the 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 101called 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 102to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
51it, you should treat it as such. 103it, you should treat it as such.
52 104
53
54=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 105=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
55 106
56These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 107These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
57library in any way. 108library in any way.
58 109
66 117
67=item int ev_version_major () 118=item int ev_version_major ()
68 119
69=item int ev_version_minor () 120=item int ev_version_minor ()
70 121
71You can find out the major and minor version numbers of the library 122You can find out the major and minor ABI version numbers of the library
72you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and 123you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and
73C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global 124C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global
74symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the 125symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the
75version of the library your program was compiled against. 126version of the library your program was compiled against.
76 127
128These version numbers refer to the ABI version of the library, not the
129release version.
130
77Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch, 131Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch,
78as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 132as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
79compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 133compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
80not a problem. 134not a problem.
81 135
82Example: make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 136Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
83version: 137version.
84 138
85 assert (("libev version mismatch", 139 assert (("libev version mismatch",
86 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 140 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
87 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 141 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
88 142
118 172
119See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 173See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
120 174
121=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 175=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
122 176
123Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar to the 177Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
124realloc C function, the semantics are identical). It is used to allocate 178semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to
125and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when memory 179allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when
126needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some potentially 180memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some
127destructive action. The default is your system realloc function. 181potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc
182function.
128 183
129You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 184You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
130free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 185free 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. 186or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
132 187
133Example: replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 188Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
134retries: better than mine). 189retries).
135 190
136 static void * 191 static void *
137 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, long size) 192 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
138 { 193 {
139 for (;;) 194 for (;;)
140 { 195 {
141 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size); 196 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size);
142 197
158callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 213callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no
159matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 214matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
160requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 215requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
161(such as abort). 216(such as abort).
162 217
163Example: do the same thing as libev does internally: 218Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
164 219
165 static void 220 static void
166 fatal_error (const char *msg) 221 fatal_error (const char *msg)
167 { 222 {
168 perror (msg); 223 perror (msg);
218C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 273C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
219override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 274override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
220useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 275useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
221around bugs. 276around bugs.
222 277
278=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
279
280Instead of calling C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork> manually after
281a fork, you can also make libev check for a fork in each iteration by
282enabling this flag.
283
284This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
285and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
286iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
287Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
288without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my Linux system also has
289C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
290
291The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
292forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
293flag.
294
295This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
296environment variable.
297
223=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 298=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
224 299
225This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 300This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
226libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 301libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
227but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 302but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
314Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 389Similar 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 390always 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 391handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
317undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 392undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
318 393
319Example: try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 394Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
320 395
321 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 396 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
322 if (!epoller) 397 if (!epoller)
323 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 398 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
324 399
325=item ev_default_destroy () 400=item ev_default_destroy ()
326 401
327Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 402Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
328etc.). This stops all registered event watchers (by not touching them in 403etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
329any way whatsoever, although you cannot rely on this :). 404sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
405responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before>
406calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
407the easiest thing, youc na just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
408for example).
330 409
331=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 410=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
332 411
333Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 412Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
334earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 413earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
357=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 436=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
358 437
359Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 438Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
360C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 439C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
361after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 440after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
441
442=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
443
444Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
445the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
446happily wraps around with enough iterations.
447
448This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
449"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
450C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls.
362 451
363=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 452=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
364 453
365Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 454Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
366use. 455use.
400libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 489libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
401usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 490usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
402 491
403Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 492Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
404 493
494 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
405 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 495 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return.
406 - Queue prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 496 - Queue all prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers.
407 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 497 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
408 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 498 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
409 - Update the "event loop time". 499 - Update the "event loop time".
410 - Calculate for how long to block. 500 - Calculate for how long to block.
411 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 501 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
419 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 509 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
420 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 510 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
421 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 511 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
422 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *. 512 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *.
423 513
424Example: queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding 514Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding
425anymore. 515anymore.
426 516
427 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 517 ... 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..) 518 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
429 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 519 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
449visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 539visible 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 540no 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 541way 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>. 542libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>.
453 543
454Example: create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 544Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
455running when nothing else is active. 545running when nothing else is active.
456 546
457 struct dv_signal exitsig; 547 struct ev_signal exitsig;
458 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 548 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
459 ev_signal_start (myloop, &exitsig); 549 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
460 evf_unref (myloop); 550 evf_unref (loop);
461 551
462Example: for some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 552Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
463 553
464 ev_ref (myloop); 554 ev_ref (loop);
465 ev_signal_stop (myloop, &exitsig); 555 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
466 556
467=back 557=back
558
468 559
469=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 560=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
470 561
471A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 562A 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 563interest 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 596*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the
506corresponding stop function (C<< ev_<type>_stop (loop, watcher *) >>. 597corresponding stop function (C<< ev_<type>_stop (loop, watcher *) >>.
507 598
508As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you 599As 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 600must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never
510reinitialise it or call its set macro. 601reinitialise 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.
516 602
517Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the 603Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the
518registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as 604registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as
519third argument. 605third argument.
520 606
544The signal specified in the C<ev_signal> watcher has been received by a thread. 630The signal specified in the C<ev_signal> watcher has been received by a thread.
545 631
546=item C<EV_CHILD> 632=item C<EV_CHILD>
547 633
548The pid specified in the C<ev_child> watcher has received a status change. 634The pid specified in the C<ev_child> watcher has received a status change.
635
636=item C<EV_STAT>
637
638The path specified in the C<ev_stat> watcher changed its attributes somehow.
549 639
550=item C<EV_IDLE> 640=item C<EV_IDLE>
551 641
552The C<ev_idle> watcher has determined that you have nothing better to do. 642The C<ev_idle> watcher has determined that you have nothing better to do.
553 643
561received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 651received 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 652many 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 653(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep
564C<ev_loop> from blocking). 654C<ev_loop> from blocking).
565 655
656=item C<EV_EMBED>
657
658The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
659
660=item C<EV_FORK>
661
662The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
663C<ev_fork>).
664
566=item C<EV_ERROR> 665=item C<EV_ERROR>
567 666
568An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 667An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might
569happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 668happen 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 669ran 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 675your 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 676with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multithreaded
578programs, though, so beware. 677programs, though, so beware.
579 678
580=back 679=back
680
681=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
682
683In the following description, C<TYPE> stands for the watcher type,
684e.g. C<timer> for C<ev_timer> watchers and C<io> for C<ev_io> watchers.
685
686=over 4
687
688=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
689
690This macro initialises the generic portion of a watcher. The contents
691of the watcher object can be arbitrary (so C<malloc> will do). Only
692the generic parts of the watcher are initialised, you I<need> to call
693the type-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> macro afterwards to initialise the
694type-specific parts. For each type there is also a C<ev_TYPE_init> macro
695which rolls both calls into one.
696
697You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped
698(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
699
700The callback is always of type C<void (*)(ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,
701int revents)>.
702
703=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args])
704
705This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
706call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
707call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this
708macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a
709difference to the C<ev_init> macro).
710
711Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
712(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
713
714=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
715
716This convinience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro
717calls into a single call. This is the most convinient method to initialise
718a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
719
720=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
721
722Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
723events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
724
725=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
726
727Stops the given watcher again (if active) and clears the pending
728status. It is possible that stopped watchers are pending (for example,
729non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending), but
730C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor pending. If
731you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is therefore a
732good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function.
733
734=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher)
735
736Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started
737and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify
738it.
739
740=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
741
742Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding
743events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher
744is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but
745C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
746make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
747it).
748
749=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
750
751Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
752
753=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
754
755Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
756(modulo threads).
757
758=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority)
759
760=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
761
762Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
763integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
764(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
765before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
766from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
767
768This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
769invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
770example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
771watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
772
773If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
774you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
775
776You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
777pending.
778
779The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
780always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
781
782Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
783fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
784or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
785
786=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
787
788Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
789C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
790can deal with that fact.
791
792=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
793
794If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status
795and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
796watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
797
798=back
799
581 800
582=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 801=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
583 802
584Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 803Each 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 804and read at any time, libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
603 { 822 {
604 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 823 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
605 ... 824 ...
606 } 825 }
607 826
608More interesting and less C-conformant ways of catsing your callback type 827More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
609have been omitted.... 828instead have been omitted.
829
830Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple
831watchers:
832
833 struct my_biggy
834 {
835 int some_data;
836 ev_timer t1;
837 ev_timer t2;
838 }
839
840In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated,
841you need to use C<offsetof>:
842
843 #include <stddef.h>
844
845 static void
846 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
847 {
848 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
849 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
850 }
851
852 static void
853 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
854 {
855 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
856 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
857 }
610 858
611 859
612=head1 WATCHER TYPES 860=head1 WATCHER TYPES
613 861
614This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 862This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
615information given in the last section. 863information given in the last section. Any initialisation/set macros,
864functions and members specific to the watcher type are explained.
616 865
866Members are additionally marked with either I<[read-only]>, meaning that,
867while the watcher is active, you can look at the member and expect some
868sensible content, but you must not modify it (you can modify it while the
869watcher is stopped to your hearts content), or I<[read-write]>, which
870means you can expect it to have some sensible content while the watcher
871is active, but you can also modify it. Modifying it may not do something
872sensible or take immediate effect (or do anything at all), but libev will
873not crash or malfunction in any way.
617 874
875
618=head2 C<ev_io> - is this file descriptor readable or writable 876=head2 C<ev_io> - is this file descriptor readable or writable?
619 877
620I/O watchers check whether a file descriptor is readable or writable 878I/O watchers check whether a file descriptor is readable or writable
621in each iteration of the event loop (This behaviour is called 879in each iteration of the event loop, or, more precisely, when reading
622level-triggering because you keep receiving events as long as the 880would 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 881some data. This behaviour is called level-triggering because you keep
624act on the event and neither want to receive future events). 882receiving events as long as the condition persists. Remember you can stop
883the watcher if you don't want to act on the event and neither want to
884receive future events.
625 885
626In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 886In 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 887fd 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 888descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
629required if you know what you are doing). 889required if you know what you are doing).
630 890
631You have to be careful with dup'ed file descriptors, though. Some backends 891You 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 892(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 893descriptors correctly if you register interest in two or more fds pointing
634to the same underlying file/socket etc. description (that is, they share 894to the same underlying file/socket/etc. description (that is, they share
635the same underlying "file open"). 895the same underlying "file open").
636 896
637If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 897If 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 898(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and
639C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 899C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
640 900
901Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
902receive "spurious" readyness notifications, that is your callback might
903be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
904because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
905lot of those (for example solaris ports), it is very easy to get into
906this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus
907it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
908C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
909
910If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not
911play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test
912whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface
913such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
914its own, so its quite safe to use).
915
916=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
917
918Some backends (e.g kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
919descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means,
920such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
921descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
922this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
923registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
924fact, a different file descriptor.
925
926To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows
927the following policy: Each time C<ev_io_set> is being called, libev
928will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise
929it is assumed that the file descriptor stays the same. That means that
930you I<have> to call C<ev_io_set> (or C<ev_io_init>) when you change the
931descriptor even if the file descriptor number itself did not change.
932
933This is how one would do it normally anyway, the important point is that
934the libev application should not optimise around libev but should leave
935optimisations to libev.
936
937
641=over 4 938=over 4
642 939
643=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 940=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
644 941
645=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 942=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
646 943
647Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The fd is the file descriptor to rceeive 944Configures 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 | 945rceeive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
649EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 946C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events.
650 947
651Please note that most of the more scalable backend mechanisms (for example 948=item int fd [read-only]
652epoll and solaris ports) can result in spurious readyness notifications 949
653for file descriptors, so you practically need to use non-blocking I/O (and 950The file descriptor being watched.
654treat callback invocation as hint only), or retest separately with a safe 951
655interface before doing I/O (XLib can do this), or force the use of either 952=item int events [read-only]
656C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>, which don't suffer from this 953
657problem. Also note that it is quite easy to have your callback invoked 954The 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.
661 955
662=back 956=back
663 957
664Example: call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 958Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
665readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 959readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
666attempt to read a whole line in the callback: 960attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
667 961
668 static void 962 static void
669 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 963 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
670 { 964 {
671 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 965 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
678 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 972 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
679 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 973 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
680 ev_loop (loop, 0); 974 ev_loop (loop, 0);
681 975
682 976
683=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally recurring timeouts 977=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
684 978
685Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 979Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
686given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 980given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
687 981
688The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that 982The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that
723=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1017=item ev_timer_again (loop)
724 1018
725This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1019This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
726repeating. The exact semantics are: 1020repeating. The exact semantics are:
727 1021
1022If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1023
728If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it. 1024If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
729 1025
730If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat 1026If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
731value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value. 1027C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
732 1028
733This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1029This 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 1030example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle
735timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60 1031timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
736seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to 1032seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
737configure an C<ev_timer> with after=repeat=60 and calling ev_timer_again each 1033configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
738time you successfully read or write some data. If you go into an idle 1034C<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 1035you 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. 1036socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
1037automatically restart it if need be.
1038
1039That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
1040altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
1041
1042 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
1043 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1044 ...
1045 timer->again = 17.;
1046 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1047 ...
1048 timer->again = 10.;
1049 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1050
1051This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1052you want to modify its timeout value.
1053
1054=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1055
1056The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1057or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
1058which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
741 1059
742=back 1060=back
743 1061
744Example: create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1062Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
745 1063
746 static void 1064 static void
747 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1065 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
748 { 1066 {
749 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1067 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
751 1069
752 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1070 struct ev_timer mytimer;
753 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1071 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
754 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1072 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
755 1073
756Example: create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1074Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
757inactivity. 1075inactivity.
758 1076
759 static void 1077 static void
760 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1078 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
761 { 1079 {
770 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 1088 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
771 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 1089 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
772 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 1090 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
773 1091
774 1092
775=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron 1093=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
776 1094
777Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 1095Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
778(and unfortunately a bit complex). 1096(and unfortunately a bit complex).
779 1097
780Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 1098Unlike 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 1099but 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 1100to 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 () 1101periodic 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 1102+ 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 1103take 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 1104roughly 10 seconds later).
787again).
788 1105
789They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1106They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as
790triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 1107triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated,
1108rules.
791 1109
792As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1110As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the
793time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1111time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
794during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1112during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
795 1113
802Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1120Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
803operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1121operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
804 1122
805=over 4 1123=over 4
806 1124
807=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1125=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
808 1126
809In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1127In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time
810C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1128C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs,
811that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1129that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the
812system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1130system time reaches or surpasses this time.
813 1131
814=item * non-repeating interval timer (interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1132=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
815 1133
816In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1134In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
817C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N) and then repeat, regardless 1135C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
818of any time jumps. 1136and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
819 1137
820This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1138This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system
821time: 1139time:
822 1140
823 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1141 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
829 1147
830Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1148Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
831C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1149C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
832time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1150time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
833 1151
1152For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1153C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1154this value.
1155
834=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 1156=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
835 1157
836In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1158In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
837ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1159ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
838reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1160reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
839current time as second argument. 1161current time as second argument.
840 1162
841NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1163NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
842ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1164ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it,
843return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by 1165return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
844starting a prepare watcher). 1166starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
845 1167
846Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1168Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,
847ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1169ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
848 1170
849 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1171 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
872Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1194Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
873when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1195when 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 1196a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
875program when the crontabs have changed). 1197program when the crontabs have changed).
876 1198
1199=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1200
1201When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1202absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1203
1204Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1205timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1206
1207=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1208
1209The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1210take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1211called.
1212
1213=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1214
1215The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1216switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1217the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1218
877=back 1219=back
878 1220
879Example: call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1221Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
880system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1222system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
881potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1223potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability.
882 1224
883 static void 1225 static void
884 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1226 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
888 1230
889 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1231 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
890 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1232 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
891 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1233 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
892 1234
893Example: the same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1235Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
894 1236
895 #include <math.h> 1237 #include <math.h>
896 1238
897 static ev_tstamp 1239 static ev_tstamp
898 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1240 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
900 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1242 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;
901 } 1243 }
902 1244
903 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1245 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
904 1246
905Example: call a callback every hour, starting now: 1247Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
906 1248
907 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1249 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
908 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1250 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
909 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1251 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
910 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1252 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
911 1253
912 1254
913=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled 1255=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
914 1256
915Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 1257Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
916signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 1258signal 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 1259will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
918normal event processing, like any other event. 1260normal event processing, like any other event.
931=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum) 1273=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)
932 1274
933Configures the watcher to trigger on the given signal number (usually one 1275Configures the watcher to trigger on the given signal number (usually one
934of the C<SIGxxx> constants). 1276of the C<SIGxxx> constants).
935 1277
1278=item int signum [read-only]
1279
1280The signal the watcher watches out for.
1281
936=back 1282=back
937 1283
938 1284
939=head2 C<ev_child> - wait for pid status changes 1285=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
940 1286
941Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1287Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
942some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1288some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies).
943 1289
944=over 4 1290=over 4
952at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see 1298at 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 1299the 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 1300C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the
955process causing the status change. 1301process causing the status change.
956 1302
1303=item int pid [read-only]
1304
1305The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id.
1306
1307=item int rpid [read-write]
1308
1309The process id that detected a status change.
1310
1311=item int rstatus [read-write]
1312
1313The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1314C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1315
957=back 1316=back
958 1317
959Example: try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1318Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
960 1319
961 static void 1320 static void
962 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1321 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
963 { 1322 {
964 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1323 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
967 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1326 struct ev_signal signal_watcher;
968 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1327 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
969 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1328 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb);
970 1329
971 1330
1331=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1332
1333This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1334C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed
1335compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did.
1336
1337The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1338not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1339not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is
1340otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of
1341the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1342
1343The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1344relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1345
1346Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply
1347calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You
1348can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify
1349a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,
1350unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around
1351five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also
1352impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats
1353usually overkill.
1354
1355This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1356as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1357resource-intensive.
1358
1359At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1360implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the
1361reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the
1362semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
1363to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1364usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1365polling.
1366
1367=over 4
1368
1369=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1370
1371=item ev_stat_set (ev_stat *, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1372
1373Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of the given
1374C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to
1375be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose
1376a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1377path for as long as the watcher is active.
1378
1379The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected,
1380relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the
1381last change was detected).
1382
1383=item ev_stat_stat (ev_stat *)
1384
1385Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1386watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid
1387detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be
1388useful simply to find out the new values.
1389
1390=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1391
1392The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of
1393C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types
1394suitable for your system. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there
1395was some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1396
1397=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1398
1399The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1400C<prev> != C<attr>.
1401
1402=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1403
1404The specified interval.
1405
1406=item const char *path [read-only]
1407
1408The filesystem path that is being watched.
1409
1410=back
1411
1412Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1413
1414 static void
1415 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1416 {
1417 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1418 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1419 {
1420 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1421 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1422 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1423 }
1424 else
1425 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1426 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1427 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1428 }
1429
1430 ...
1431 ev_stat passwd;
1432
1433 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd");
1434 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1435
1436
972=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do 1437=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
973 1438
974Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1439Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
975(prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count). That is, as long 1440priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
976as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1441count).
977imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1442
978watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration - 1443That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1444(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1445triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1446are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
979until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1447iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
980busy. 1448and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
981 1449
982The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 1450The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
983active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1451active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
984 1452
985Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1453Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
995kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 1463kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
996believe me. 1464believe me.
997 1465
998=back 1466=back
999 1467
1000Example: dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle>, start it, and in the 1468Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1001callback, free it. Alos, use no error checking, as usual. 1469callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1002 1470
1003 static void 1471 static void
1004 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1472 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1005 { 1473 {
1006 free (w); 1474 free (w);
1011 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 1479 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle));
1012 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 1480 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1013 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 1481 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1014 1482
1015 1483
1016=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop 1484=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
1017 1485
1018Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem: 1486Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem:
1019prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 1487prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
1020afterwards. 1488afterwards.
1021 1489
1490You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter
1491the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
1492watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The
1493rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in
1494those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,
1495C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
1496called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.
1497
1022Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and 1498Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and
1023their use is somewhat advanced. This could be used, for example, to track 1499their use is somewhat advanced. This could be used, for example, to track
1024variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a 1500variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a
1025coroutine library and lots more. 1501coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if
1502you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example,
1503in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare>
1504watcher).
1026 1505
1027This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 1506This 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 1507to 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 1508them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries
1030provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for 1509provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for
1040with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 1519with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine
1041of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event 1520of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
1042loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 1521loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1043low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 1522low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1044 1523
1524It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1525priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1526after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1527too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1528supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers did
1529their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other event
1530loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
1531C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
1532others).
1533
1045=over 4 1534=over 4
1046 1535
1047=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1536=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
1048 1537
1049=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1538=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1052parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 1541parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1053macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1542macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1054 1543
1055=back 1544=back
1056 1545
1057Example: *TODO*. 1546There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1547into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1548(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1549use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib>
1550embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV
1551into the Glib event loop).
1058 1552
1553Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1554and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1555is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1556priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1557the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1059 1558
1559 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1560 static ev_timer tw;
1561
1562 static void
1563 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1564 {
1565 }
1566
1567 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1568 static void
1569 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1570 {
1571 int timeout = 3600000;
1572 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1573 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1574 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1575
1576 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1577 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1578 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1579
1580 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1581 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1582 {
1583 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1584 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1585 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1586
1587 fds [i].revents = 0;
1588 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1589 }
1590 }
1591
1592 // stop all watchers after blocking
1593 static void
1594 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1595 {
1596 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1597
1598 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1599 {
1600 // set the relevant poll flags
1601 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1602 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1603 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1604 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1605 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1606
1607 // now stop the watcher
1608 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1609 }
1610
1611 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1612 }
1613
1614Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1615in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1616
1617Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1618notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1619callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1620
1621 static void
1622 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1623 {
1624 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1625 update_now (EV_A);
1626
1627 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1628 }
1629
1630 static void
1631 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1632 {
1633 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1634 update_now (EV_A);
1635
1636 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1637 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1638 }
1639
1640 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1641
1642Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1643want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override
1644their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
1645loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
1646this.
1647
1648 static gint
1649 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1650 {
1651 int got_events = 0;
1652
1653 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1654 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1655
1656 if (timeout >= 0)
1657 // create/start timer
1658
1659 // poll
1660 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1661
1662 // stop timer again
1663 if (timeout >= 0)
1664 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1665
1666 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1667 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1668 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1669
1670 return got_events;
1671 }
1672
1673
1060=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough 1674=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1061 1675
1062This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 1676This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
1063into another. 1677into another (currently only C<ev_io> events are supported in the embedded
1678loop, other types of watchers might be handled in a delayed or incorrect
1679fashion and must not be used).
1064 1680
1065There are primarily two reasons you would want that: work around bugs and 1681There are primarily two reasons you would want that: work around bugs and
1066prioritise I/O. 1682prioritise I/O.
1067 1683
1068As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support 1684As 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 1692As 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 1693to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency), and even
1078priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In this case 1694priorities 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 1695you 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. 1696a second one, and embed the second one in the first.
1697
1698As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every time
1699there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback must then
1700call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single sweep and invoke
1701their callbacks (you could also start an idle watcher to give the embedded
1702loop strictly lower priority for example). You can also set the callback
1703to C<0>, in which case the embed watcher will automatically execute the
1704embedded loop sweep.
1081 1705
1082As long as the watcher is started it will automatically handle events. The 1706As long as the watcher is started it will automatically handle events. The
1083callback will be invoked whenever some events have been handled. You can 1707callback 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 1708set the callback to C<0> to avoid having to specify one if you are not
1085interested in that. 1709interested in that.
1117 else 1741 else
1118 loop_lo = loop_hi; 1742 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1119 1743
1120=over 4 1744=over 4
1121 1745
1122=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *loop) 1746=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1123 1747
1124=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *loop) 1748=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1125 1749
1126Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be embeddable. 1750Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
1751embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1752invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1753to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
1754if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1755
1756=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1757
1758Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1759similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1760apropriate way for embedded loops.
1761
1762=item struct ev_loop *loop [read-only]
1763
1764The embedded event loop.
1765
1766=back
1767
1768
1769=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
1770
1771Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
1772whoever is a good citizen cared to tell libev about it by calling
1773C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork>). The invocation is done before the
1774event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
1775and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
1776C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
1777handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
1778
1779=over 4
1780
1781=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1782
1783Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
1784kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1785believe me.
1127 1786
1128=back 1787=back
1129 1788
1130 1789
1131=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 1790=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
1164 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 1823 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
1165 } 1824 }
1166 1825
1167 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 1826 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
1168 1827
1169=item ev_feed_event (loop, watcher, int events) 1828=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
1170 1829
1171Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event 1830Feeds 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 1831had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
1173initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). 1832initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).
1174 1833
1175=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents) 1834=item ev_feed_fd_event (ev_loop *, int fd, int revents)
1176 1835
1177Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 1836Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
1178the given events it. 1837the given events it.
1179 1838
1180=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum) 1839=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum)
1181 1840
1182Feed an event as if the given signal occured (loop must be the default loop!). 1841Feed an event as if the given signal occured (C<loop> must be the default
1842loop!).
1183 1843
1184=back 1844=back
1185 1845
1186 1846
1187=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION 1847=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION
1211 1871
1212=back 1872=back
1213 1873
1214=head1 C++ SUPPORT 1874=head1 C++ SUPPORT
1215 1875
1216TBD. 1876Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
1877you to use some convinience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
1878the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
1879
1880To use it,
1881
1882 #include <ev++.h>
1883
1884This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
1885of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1886put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
1887options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
1888
1889Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
1890classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
1891that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
1892you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
1893
1894Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be
1895used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only
1896need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other
1897types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing
1898it).
1899
1900Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1901
1902=over 4
1903
1904=item C<ev::READ>, C<ev::WRITE> etc.
1905
1906These are just enum values with the same values as the C<EV_READ> etc.
1907macros from F<ev.h>.
1908
1909=item C<ev::tstamp>, C<ev::now>
1910
1911Aliases to the same types/functions as with the C<ev_> prefix.
1912
1913=item C<ev::io>, C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic>, C<ev::idle>, C<ev::sig> etc.
1914
1915For each C<ev_TYPE> watcher in F<ev.h> there is a corresponding class of
1916the same name in the C<ev> namespace, with the exception of C<ev_signal>
1917which is called C<ev::sig> to avoid clashes with the C<signal> macro
1918defines by many implementations.
1919
1920All of those classes have these methods:
1921
1922=over 4
1923
1924=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1925
1926=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1927
1928=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1929
1930The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1931with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
1932
1933The constructor calls C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the
1934C<set> method before starting it.
1935
1936It will not set a callback, however: You have to call the templated C<set>
1937method to set a callback before you can start the watcher.
1938
1939(The reason why you have to use a method is a limitation in C++ which does
1940not allow explicit template arguments for constructors).
1941
1942The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active.
1943
1944=item w->set<class, &class::method> (object *)
1945
1946This method sets the callback method to call. The method has to have a
1947signature of C<void (*)(ev_TYPE &, int)>, it receives the watcher as
1948first argument and the C<revents> as second. The object must be given as
1949parameter and is stored in the C<data> member of the watcher.
1950
1951This method synthesizes efficient thunking code to call your method from
1952the C callback that libev requires. If your compiler can inline your
1953callback (i.e. it is visible to it at the place of the C<set> call and
1954your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
1955thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
1956
1957Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
1958
1959 struct myclass
1960 {
1961 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
1962 }
1963
1964 myclass obj;
1965 ev::io iow;
1966 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
1967
1968=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
1969
1970Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
1971callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
1972C<data> member and is free for you to use.
1973
1974The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
1975
1976See the method-C<set> above for more details.
1977
1978Example:
1979
1980 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
1981 iow.set <io_cb> ();
1982
1983=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1984
1985Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
1986do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1987
1988=item w->set ([args])
1989
1990Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be
1991called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1992automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
1993method.
1994
1995=item w->start ()
1996
1997Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
1998constructor already stores the event loop.
1999
2000=item w->stop ()
2001
2002Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
2003
2004=item w->again () C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only
2005
2006For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding
2007C<ev_TYPE_again> function.
2008
2009=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only
2010
2011Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
2012
2013=item w->update () C<ev::stat> only
2014
2015Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
2016
2017=back
2018
2019=back
2020
2021Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
2022the constructor.
2023
2024 class myclass
2025 {
2026 ev_io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2027 ev_idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2028
2029 myclass ();
2030 }
2031
2032 myclass::myclass (int fd)
2033 {
2034 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2035 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2036
2037 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
2038 }
2039
2040
2041=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2042
2043Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is
2044C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) functions and
2045callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2046
2047To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2048following macros are defined:
2049
2050=over 4
2051
2052=item C<EV_A>, C<EV_A_>
2053
2054This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2055loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
2056C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2057
2058 ev_unref (EV_A);
2059 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2060 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2061
2062It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2063which is often provided by the following macro.
2064
2065=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2066
2067This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2068loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
2069C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2070
2071 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
2072 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2073
2074 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
2075 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2076
2077It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
2078suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2079
2080=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2081
2082Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
2083loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
2084
2085=back
2086
2087Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2088macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2089or not.
2090
2091 static void
2092 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2093 {
2094 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
2095 }
2096
2097 ev_check check;
2098 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
2099 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
2100 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
2101
2102=head1 EMBEDDING
2103
2104Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
2105applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
2106Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe)
2107and rxvt-unicode.
2108
2109The goal is to enable you to just copy the neecssary files into your
2110source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so
2111you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of
2112libev somewhere in your source tree).
2113
2114=head2 FILESETS
2115
2116Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files
2117in your app.
2118
2119=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP
2120
2121To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual
2122configuration (no autoconf):
2123
2124 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2125 #include "ev.c"
2126
2127This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a
2128single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use
2129it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best
2130done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and
2131where you can put other configuration options):
2132
2133 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2134 #include "ev.h"
2135
2136Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
2137compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
2138as a bug).
2139
2140You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
2141in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
2142
2143 ev.h
2144 ev.c
2145 ev_vars.h
2146 ev_wrap.h
2147
2148 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
2149
2150 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
2151 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2152 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2153 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2154 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2155
2156F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
2157to compile this single file.
2158
2159=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
2160
2161To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:
2162
2163 #include "event.c"
2164
2165in the file including F<ev.c>, and:
2166
2167 #include "event.h"
2168
2169in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>.
2170
2171You need the following additional files for this:
2172
2173 event.h
2174 event.c
2175
2176=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT
2177
2178Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in
2179whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your
2180F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then
2181include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.
2182
2183For this of course you need the m4 file:
2184
2185 libev.m4
2186
2187=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
2188
2189Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to define
2190before including any of its files. The default is not to build for multiplicity
2191and only include the select backend.
2192
2193=over 4
2194
2195=item EV_STANDALONE
2196
2197Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which
2198keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy
2199implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not
2200supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in
2201F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
2202
2203=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
2204
2205If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2206monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use
2207of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
2208usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
2209the functionality isn't available is safe, though, althoguh you have
2210to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
2211function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
2212
2213=item EV_USE_REALTIME
2214
2215If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2216realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at
2217runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will
2218be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
2219(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See tzhe note about libraries
2220in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2221
2222=item EV_USE_SELECT
2223
2224If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
2225C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no
2226other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
2227will not be compiled in.
2228
2229=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
2230
2231If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set>
2232structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing
2233C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it misguesses the bitset layout on
2234exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some
2235low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only
2236allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might
2237influence the size of the C<fd_set> used.
2238
2239=item EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET
2240
2241When defined to C<1>, the select backend will assume that
2242select/socket/connect etc. don't understand file descriptors but
2243wants osf handles on win32 (this is the case when the select to
2244be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call
2245C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise,
2246it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
2247on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.
2248
2249=item EV_USE_POLL
2250
2251If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
2252backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
2253takes precedence over select.
2254
2255=item EV_USE_EPOLL
2256
2257If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux
2258C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
2259otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the
2260preferred backend for GNU/Linux systems.
2261
2262=item EV_USE_KQUEUE
2263
2264If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style
2265C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,
2266otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2267backend for BSD and BSD-like systems, although on most BSDs kqueue only
2268supports some types of fds correctly (the only platform we found that
2269supports ptys for example was NetBSD), so kqueue might be compiled in, but
2270not be used unless explicitly requested. The best way to use it is to find
2271out whether kqueue supports your type of fd properly and use an embedded
2272kqueue loop.
2273
2274=item EV_USE_PORT
2275
2276If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Solaris
227710 port style backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
2278otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2279backend for Solaris 10 systems.
2280
2281=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
2282
2283reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
2284
2285=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2286
2287If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2288interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2289be detected at runtime.
2290
2291=item EV_H
2292
2293The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
2294undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This
2295can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
2296
2297=item EV_CONFIG_H
2298
2299If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
2300F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
2301C<EV_H>, above.
2302
2303=item EV_EVENT_H
2304
2305Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
2306of how the F<event.h> header can be found.
2307
2308=item EV_PROTOTYPES
2309
2310If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
2311prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
2312occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions
2313around libev functions.
2314
2315=item EV_MULTIPLICITY
2316
2317If undefined or defined to C<1>, then all event-loop-specific functions
2318will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
2319additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
2320for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
2321argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
2322
2323=item EV_MINPRI
2324
2325=item EV_MAXPRI
2326
2327The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
2328C<EV_MAXPRI>, but otherwise there are no non-obvious limitations. You can
2329provide for more priorities by overriding those symbols (usually defined
2330to be C<-2> and C<2>, respectively).
2331
2332When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2333all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2334and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2335fine.
2336
2337If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2338C<0> will save some memory and cpu.
2339
2340=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2341
2342If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2343defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2344code.
2345
2346=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE
2347
2348If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
2349defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2350code.
2351
2352=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2353
2354If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
2355defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2356
2357=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
2358
2359If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
2360defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2361
2362=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
2363
2364If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
2365defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2366
2367=item EV_MINIMAL
2368
2369If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2370speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override
2371some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64.
2372
2373=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2374
2375C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2376pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2377than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to
2378increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
2379
2380=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
2381
2382C<ev_staz> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2383inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2384usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2385watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2386two).
2387
2388=item EV_COMMON
2389
2390By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
2391this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
2392members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
2393though, and it must be identical each time.
2394
2395For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
2396
2397 #define EV_COMMON \
2398 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \
2399 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */
2400
2401=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)
2402
2403=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)
2404
2405=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb)
2406
2407Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher,
2408and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member
2409definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.v> header file for
2410their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
2411avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
2412method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2413
2414=head2 EXAMPLES
2415
2416For a real-world example of a program the includes libev
2417verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module
2418(L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV.html>). It has the libev files in
2419the F<libev/> subdirectory and includes them in the F<EV/EVAPI.h> (public
2420interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file
2421will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header
2422file.
2423
2424The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2425that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2426
2427 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
2428 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2429 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2430 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2431 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2432 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2433 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2434 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2435 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2436
2437 #include "ev++.h"
2438
2439And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
2440
2441 #include "ev_cpp.h"
2442 #include "ev.c"
2443
2444
2445=head1 COMPLEXITIES
2446
2447In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2448libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2449documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2450
2451All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
2452extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
2453happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
2454mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
2455it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
2456
2457=over 4
2458
2459=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
2460
2461This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
2462there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
2463have to skip those 100 watchers.
2464
2465=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
2466
2467That means that for changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
2468as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
2469
2470=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)
2471
2472These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
2473=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)
2474
2475=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2476
2477These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
2478correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2479have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
2480
2481=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1)
2482
2483=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2484
2485A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2486libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel).
2487
2488=item Activating one watcher: O(1)
2489
2490=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2491
2492Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2493priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2494linearly search all the priorities.
2495
2496=back
2497
1217 2498
1218=head1 AUTHOR 2499=head1 AUTHOR
1219 2500
1220Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 2501Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
1221 2502

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