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26 puts ("stdin ready"); 26 puts ("stdin ready");
27 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher 27 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
28 // with its corresponding stop function. 28 // with its corresponding stop function.
29 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 29 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
30 30
31 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating 31 // this causes all nested ev_run's to stop iterating
32 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); 32 ev_break (EV_A_ EVBREAK_ALL);
33 } 33 }
34 34
35 // another callback, this time for a time-out 35 // another callback, this time for a time-out
36 static void 36 static void
37 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 37 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
38 { 38 {
39 puts ("timeout"); 39 puts ("timeout");
40 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating 40 // this causes the innermost ev_run to stop iterating
41 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); 41 ev_break (EV_A_ EVBREAK_ONE);
42 } 42 }
43 43
44 int 44 int
45 main (void) 45 main (void)
46 { 46 {
47 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs 47 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
48 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 48 struct ev_loop *loop = EV_DEFAULT;
49 49
50 // initialise an io watcher, then start it 50 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
51 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable 51 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
52 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 52 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
53 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 53 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
56 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout 56 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
57 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 57 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
58 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 58 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
59 59
60 // now wait for events to arrive 60 // now wait for events to arrive
61 ev_loop (loop, 0); 61 ev_run (loop, 0);
62 62
63 // unloop was called, so exit 63 // unloop was called, so exit
64 return 0; 64 return 0;
65 } 65 }
66 66
77on event-based programming, nor will it introduce event-based programming 77on event-based programming, nor will it introduce event-based programming
78with libev. 78with libev.
79 79
80Familiarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed 80Familiarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed
81throughout this document. 81throughout this document.
82
83=head1 WHAT TO READ WHEN IN A HURRY
84
85This manual tries to be very detailed, but unfortunately, this also makes
86it very long. If you just want to know the basics of libev, I suggest
87reading L<ANATOMY OF A WATCHER>, then the L<EXAMPLE PROGRAM> above and
88look up the missing functions in L<GLOBAL FUNCTIONS> and the C<ev_io> and
89C<ev_timer> sections in L<WATCHER TYPES>.
82 90
83=head1 ABOUT LIBEV 91=head1 ABOUT LIBEV
84 92
85Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 93Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
86file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage 94file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
124this argument. 132this argument.
125 133
126=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION 134=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
127 135
128Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing 136Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing
129the (fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (in practise 137the (fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (in practice
130somewhere near the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't 138somewhere near the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't
131ask). This type is called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use 139ask). This type is called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use
132too. It usually aliases to the C<double> type in C. When you need to do 140too. It usually aliases to the C<double> type in C. When you need to do
133any calculations on it, you should treat it as some floating point value. 141any calculations on it, you should treat it as some floating point value.
134 142
165 173
166=item ev_tstamp ev_time () 174=item ev_tstamp ev_time ()
167 175
168Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 176Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
169C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp 177C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
170you actually want to know. 178you actually want to know. Also interesting is the combination of
179C<ev_update_now> and C<ev_now>.
171 180
172=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 181=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
173 182
174Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 183Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
175either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 184either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
192as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 201as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
193compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 202compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
194not a problem. 203not a problem.
195 204
196Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 205Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
197version (note, however, that this will not detect ABI mismatches :). 206version (note, however, that this will not detect other ABI mismatches,
207such as LFS or reentrancy).
198 208
199 assert (("libev version mismatch", 209 assert (("libev version mismatch",
200 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 210 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
201 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 211 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
202 212
213 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 223 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
214 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 224 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
215 225
216=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 226=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
217 227
218Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also 228Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and
219recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one 229also recommended for this platform, meaning it will work for most file
230descriptor types. This set is often smaller than the one returned by
220returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on 231C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on most BSDs
221most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it 232and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it (assuming
222(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that 233you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that libev will
223libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 234probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
224 235
225=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 236=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
226 237
227Returns the set of backends that are embeddable in other event loops. This 238Returns the set of backends that are embeddable in other event loops. This
228is the theoretical, all-platform, value. To find which backends 239value is platform-specific but can include backends not available on the
229might be supported on the current system, you would need to look at 240current system. To find which embeddable backends might be supported on
230C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 241the current system, you would need to look at C<ev_embeddable_backends ()
231recommended ones. 242& ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for recommended ones.
232 243
233See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 244See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
234 245
235=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT] 246=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
236 247
237Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 248Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
238semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is 249semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
239used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero 250used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
240when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort 251when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
266 } 277 }
267 278
268 ... 279 ...
269 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 280 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
270 281
271=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); [NOT REENTRANT] 282=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg))
272 283
273Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such 284Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
274as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 285as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
275indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 286indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
276callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no 287callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
288 } 299 }
289 300
290 ... 301 ...
291 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error); 302 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error);
292 303
304=item ev_feed_signal (int signum)
305
306This function can be used to "simulate" a signal receive. It is completely
307safe to call this function at any time, from any context, including signal
308handlers or random threads.
309
310Its main use is to customise signal handling in your process, especially
311in the presence of threads. For example, you could block signals
312by default in all threads (and specifying C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK> when
313creating any loops), and in one thread, use C<sigwait> or any other
314mechanism to wait for signals, then "deliver" them to libev by calling
315C<ev_feed_signal>.
316
293=back 317=back
294 318
295=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 319=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING EVENT LOOPS
296 320
297An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> 321An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> is
298is I<not> optional in this case, as there is also an C<ev_loop> 322I<not> optional in this case unless libev 3 compatibility is disabled, as
299I<function>). 323libev 3 had an C<ev_loop> function colliding with the struct name).
300 324
301The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which 325The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
302supports signals and child events, and dynamically created loops which do 326supports child process events, and dynamically created event loops which
303not. 327do not.
304 328
305=over 4 329=over 4
306 330
307=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 331=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
308 332
309This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised 333This returns the "default" event loop object, which is what you should
310yet and return it. If the default loop could not be initialised, returns 334normally use when you just need "the event loop". Event loop objects and
311false. If it already was initialised it simply returns it (and ignores the 335the C<flags> parameter are described in more detail in the entry for
312flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 336C<ev_loop_new>.
337
338If the default loop is already initialised then this function simply
339returns it (and ignores the flags. If that is troubling you, check
340C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). Otherwise it will create it with the given
341flags, which should almost always be C<0>, unless the caller is also the
342one calling C<ev_run> or otherwise qualifies as "the main program".
313 343
314If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 344If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
315function. 345function (or via the C<EV_DEFAULT> macro).
316 346
317Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it 347Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
318from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely, 348from multiple threads, you have to employ some kind of mutex (note also
319as loops cannot be shared easily between threads anyway). 349that this case is unlikely, as loops cannot be shared easily between
350threads anyway).
320 351
321The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and 352The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_child> watchers,
322C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler 353and to do this, it always registers a handler for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is
323for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either 354a problem for your application you can either create a dynamic loop with
324create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you 355C<ev_loop_new> which doesn't do that, or you can simply overwrite the
325can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling 356C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling C<ev_default_init>.
326C<ev_default_init>. 357
358Example: This is the most typical usage.
359
360 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
361 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
362
363Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
364environment settings to be taken into account:
365
366 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
367
368=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
369
370This will create and initialise a new event loop object. If the loop
371could not be initialised, returns false.
372
373This function is thread-safe, and one common way to use libev with
374threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the default
375loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
327 376
328The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 377The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
329backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). 378backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
330 379
331The following flags are supported: 380The following flags are supported:
366environment variable. 415environment variable.
367 416
368=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY> 417=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY>
369 418
370When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the 419When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the
371I<inotify> API for it's C<ev_stat> watchers. Apart from debugging and 420I<inotify> API for its C<ev_stat> watchers. Apart from debugging and
372testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as 421testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as
373otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle. 422otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle.
374 423
375=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD> 424=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD>
376 425
377When this flag is specified, then libev will attempt to use the 426When this flag is specified, then libev will attempt to use the
378I<signalfd> API for it's C<ev_signal> (and C<ev_child>) watchers. This API 427I<signalfd> API for its C<ev_signal> (and C<ev_child>) watchers. This API
379delivers signals synchronously, which makes it both faster and might make 428delivers signals synchronously, which makes it both faster and might make
380it possible to get the queued signal data. It can also simplify signal 429it possible to get the queued signal data. It can also simplify signal
381handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your 430handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your
382threads that are not interested in handling them. 431threads that are not interested in handling them.
383 432
384Signalfd will not be used by default as this changes your signal mask, and 433Signalfd will not be used by default as this changes your signal mask, and
385there are a lot of shoddy libraries and programs (glib's threadpool for 434there are a lot of shoddy libraries and programs (glib's threadpool for
386example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks. 435example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks.
436
437=item C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK>
438
439When this flag is specified, then libev will avoid to modify the signal
440mask. Specifically, this means you ahve to make sure signals are unblocked
441when you want to receive them.
442
443This behaviour is useful when you want to do your own signal handling, or
444want to handle signals only in specific threads and want to avoid libev
445unblocking the signals.
446
447This flag's behaviour will become the default in future versions of libev.
387 448
388=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 449=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
389 450
390This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 451This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
391libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 452libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
427epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). 488epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
428 489
429The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned 490The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
430of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently 491of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
431dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file 492dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
432descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup and 493descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup,
494returning before the timeout value, resulting in additional iterations
495(and only giving 5ms accuracy while select on the same platform gives
433so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program forks then 4960.1ms) and so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program
434I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll set, which can 497forks then I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll
435take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) and is of course 498set, which can take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor)
436hard to detect. 499and is of course hard to detect.
437 500
438Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but 501Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but
439of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally 502of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally
440I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot 503I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot
441even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially 504even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially
443employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the 506employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the
444events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. Last 507events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. Last
445not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work 508not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work
446perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...). 509perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...).
447 510
511Epoll is truly the train wreck analog among event poll mechanisms.
512
448While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 513While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
449will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such 514will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
450incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different 515incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different
451I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed 516I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
452file descriptors might not work very well if you register events for both 517file descriptors might not work very well if you register events for both
517=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 582=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
518 583
519This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 584This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
520it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 585it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
521 586
522Please note that Solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
523notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
524blocking when no data (or space) is available.
525
526While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active 587While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
527file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 588file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
528descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend 589descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
529might perform better. 590might perform better.
530 591
531On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness 592On the positive side, this backend actually performed fully to
532notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification
533in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat among the 593specification in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat
534OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed hacks). 594among the OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed
595hacks).
596
597On the negative side, the interface is I<bizarre>, with the event polling
598function sometimes returning events to the caller even though an error
599occured, but with no indication whether it has done so or not (yes, it's
600even documented that way) - deadly for edge-triggered interfaces, but
601fortunately libev seems to be able to work around it.
535 602
536This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as 603This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
537C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 604C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
538 605
539=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 606=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
540 607
541Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 608Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
542with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 609with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
543C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 610C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
544 611
545It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 612It is definitely not recommended to use this flag, use whatever
613C<ev_recommended_backends ()> returns, or simply do not specify a backend
614at all.
615
616=item C<EVBACKEND_MASK>
617
618Not a backend at all, but a mask to select all backend bits from a
619C<flags> value, in case you want to mask out any backends from a flags
620value (e.g. when modifying the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> environment variable).
546 621
547=back 622=back
548 623
549If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value, 624If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value,
550then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed 625then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed
551here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends 626here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends
552()> will be tried. 627()> will be tried.
553 628
554Example: This is the most typical usage.
555
556 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
557 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
558
559Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
560environment settings to be taken into account:
561
562 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
563
564Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
565used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
566private event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of
567fds):
568
569 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
570
571=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
572
573Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
574always distinct from the default loop.
575
576Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and one common way to use
577libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
578default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
579
580Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 629Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
581 630
582 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 631 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
583 if (!epoller) 632 if (!epoller)
584 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 633 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
585 634
635Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
636used if available.
637
638 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_loop_new (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
639
586=item ev_default_destroy () 640=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
587 641
588Destroys the default loop (frees all memory and kernel state etc.). None 642Destroys an event loop object (frees all memory and kernel state
589of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal sense, so 643etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
590e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your responsibility to 644sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
591either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before> calling this function, 645responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
592or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually the easiest thing, you 646calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
593can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them for example). 647the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
648for example).
594 649
595Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal 650Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
596handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such 651handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
597as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually. 652as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
598 653
599In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 654This function is normally used on loop objects allocated by
600rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling 655C<ev_loop_new>, but it can also be used on the default loop returned by
656C<ev_default_loop>, in which case it is not thread-safe.
657
658Note that it is not advisable to call this function on the default loop
659except in the rare occasion where you really need to free its resources.
601pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use 660If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use C<ev_loop_new>
602C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>. 661and C<ev_loop_destroy>.
603 662
604=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 663=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
605 664
606Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
607earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
608
609=item ev_default_fork ()
610
611This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_loop> iterations 665This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations to
612to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the 666reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
613name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in 667name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in
614the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little 668the child process. You I<must> call it (or use C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>) in the
615sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev 669child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>.
616functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration.
617 670
618Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after 671Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after
619a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is 672a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is
620because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things 673because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things
621during fork. 674during fork.
622 675
623On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child 676On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
624process if and only if you want to use the event loop in the child. If you 677process if and only if you want to use the event loop in the child. If
625just fork+exec or create a new loop in the child, you don't have to call 678you just fork+exec or create a new loop in the child, you don't have to
626it at all. 679call it at all (in fact, C<epoll> is so badly broken that it makes a
680difference, but libev will usually detect this case on its own and do a
681costly reset of the backend).
627 682
628The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 683The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
629it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 684it just in case after a fork.
630quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
631 685
686Example: Automate calling C<ev_loop_fork> on the default loop when
687using pthreads.
688
689 static void
690 post_fork_child (void)
691 {
692 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
693 }
694
695 ...
632 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 696 pthread_atfork (0, 0, post_fork_child);
633
634=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
635
636Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
637C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
638after fork that you want to re-use in the child, and how you keep track of
639them is entirely your own problem.
640 697
641=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop) 698=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
642 699
643Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false 700Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
644otherwise. 701otherwise.
645 702
646=item unsigned int ev_iteration (loop) 703=item unsigned int ev_iteration (loop)
647 704
648Returns the current iteration count for the loop, which is identical to 705Returns the current iteration count for the event loop, which is identical
649the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and 706to the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0>
650happily wraps around with enough iterations. 707and happily wraps around with enough iterations.
651 708
652This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it 709This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
653"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with 710"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
654C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls - and is incremented between the 711C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls - and is incremented between the
655prepare and check phases. 712prepare and check phases.
656 713
657=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop) 714=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop)
658 715
659Returns the number of times C<ev_loop> was entered minus the number of 716Returns the number of times C<ev_run> was entered minus the number of
660times C<ev_loop> was exited, in other words, the recursion depth. 717times C<ev_run> was exited normally, in other words, the recursion depth.
661 718
662Outside C<ev_loop>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is 719Outside C<ev_run>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is
663C<1>, unless C<ev_loop> was invoked recursively (or from another thread), 720C<1>, unless C<ev_run> was invoked recursively (or from another thread),
664in which case it is higher. 721in which case it is higher.
665 722
666Leaving C<ev_loop> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread 723Leaving C<ev_run> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread,
667etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this as a hint to avoid such 724throwing an exception etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this
668ungentleman behaviour unless it's really convenient. 725as a hint to avoid such ungentleman-like behaviour unless it's really
726convenient, in which case it is fully supported.
669 727
670=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 728=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
671 729
672Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 730Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
673use. 731use.
682 740
683=item ev_now_update (loop) 741=item ev_now_update (loop)
684 742
685Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time 743Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
686returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and 744returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
687is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>. 745is usually done automatically within C<ev_run ()>.
688 746
689This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a 747This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
690very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of 748very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
691the current time is a good idea. 749the current time is a good idea.
692 750
694 752
695=item ev_suspend (loop) 753=item ev_suspend (loop)
696 754
697=item ev_resume (loop) 755=item ev_resume (loop)
698 756
699These two functions suspend and resume a loop, for use when the loop is 757These two functions suspend and resume an event loop, for use when the
700not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed. 758loop is not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed.
701 759
702A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When 760A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When
703the user presses C<^Z> to suspend the game and resumes it an hour later it 761the user presses C<^Z> to suspend the game and resumes it an hour later it
704would be best to handle timeouts as if no time had actually passed while 762would be best to handle timeouts as if no time had actually passed while
705the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<ev_suspend> 763the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<ev_suspend>
716without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>. 774without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>.
717 775
718Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the 776Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the
719event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>). 777event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>).
720 778
721=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 779=item ev_run (loop, int flags)
722 780
723Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 781Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
724after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start 782after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start
725handling events. 783handling events. It will ask the operating system for any new events, call
784the watcher callbacks, an then repeat the whole process indefinitely: This
785is why event loops are called I<loops>.
726 786
727If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until 787If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will keep handling events
728either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called. 788until either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_break> was
789called.
729 790
730Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than 791Please note that an explicit C<ev_break> is usually better than
731relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 792relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
732finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program 793finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
733that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue 794that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
734of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of 795of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
735beauty. 796beauty.
736 797
798This function is also I<mostly> exception-safe - you can break out of
799a C<ev_run> call by calling C<longjmp> in a callback, throwing a C++
800exception and so on. This does not decrement the C<ev_depth> value, nor
801will it clear any outstanding C<EVBREAK_ONE> breaks.
802
737A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 803A flags value of C<EVRUN_NOWAIT> will look for new events, will handle
738those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not block your 804those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not wait and
739process in case there are no events and will return after one iteration of 805block your process in case there are no events and will return after one
740the loop. 806iteration of the loop. This is sometimes useful to poll and handle new
807events while doing lengthy calculations, to keep the program responsive.
741 808
742A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 809A flags value of C<EVRUN_ONCE> will look for new events (waiting if
743necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It 810necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
744will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could 811will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could
745be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a 812be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a
746user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one 813user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
747iteration of the loop. 814iteration of the loop.
748 815
749This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction 816This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
750with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your 817with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
751own C<ev_loop>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 818own C<ev_run>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
752usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 819usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
753 820
754Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 821Here are the gory details of what C<ev_run> does:
755 822
823 - Increment loop depth.
824 - Reset the ev_break status.
756 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 825 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
826 LOOP:
757 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork. 827 - If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
758 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers. 828 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
759 - Queue and call all prepare watchers. 829 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
830 - If ev_break was called, goto FINISH.
760 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state 831 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
761 as to not disturb the other process. 832 as to not disturb the other process.
762 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 833 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
763 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()). 834 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
764 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all 835 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
765 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having 836 (active idle watchers, EVRUN_NOWAIT or not having
766 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 837 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
767 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 838 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
839 - Increment loop iteration counter.
768 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 840 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
769 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 841 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
770 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments. 842 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
771 - Queue all expired timers. 843 - Queue all expired timers.
772 - Queue all expired periodics. 844 - Queue all expired periodics.
773 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 845 - Queue all idle watchers with priority higher than that of pending events.
774 - Queue all check watchers. 846 - Queue all check watchers.
775 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 847 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
776 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 848 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
777 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 849 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
778 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 850 - If ev_break has been called, or EVRUN_ONCE or EVRUN_NOWAIT
779 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise 851 were used, or there are no active watchers, goto FINISH, otherwise
780 continue with step *. 852 continue with step LOOP.
853 FINISH:
854 - Reset the ev_break status iff it was EVBREAK_ONE.
855 - Decrement the loop depth.
856 - Return.
781 857
782Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding 858Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
783anymore. 859anymore.
784 860
785 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 861 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
786 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 862 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
787 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 863 ev_run (my_loop, 0);
788 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah! 864 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
789 865
790=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 866=item ev_break (loop, how)
791 867
792Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 868Can be used to make a call to C<ev_run> return early (but only after it
793has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 869has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
794C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 870C<EVBREAK_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_run> call return, or
795C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 871C<EVBREAK_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_run> calls return.
796 872
797This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again. 873This "break state" will be cleared on the next call to C<ev_run>.
798 874
799It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from outside any C<ev_loop> calls. 875It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls, too, in
876which case it will have no effect.
800 877
801=item ev_ref (loop) 878=item ev_ref (loop)
802 879
803=item ev_unref (loop) 880=item ev_unref (loop)
804 881
805Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 882Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
806loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference 883loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
807count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. 884count is nonzero, C<ev_run> will not return on its own.
808 885
809This is useful when you have a watcher that you never intend to 886This is useful when you have a watcher that you never intend to
810unregister, but that nevertheless should not keep C<ev_loop> from 887unregister, but that nevertheless should not keep C<ev_run> from
811returning. In such a case, call C<ev_unref> after starting, and C<ev_ref> 888returning. In such a case, call C<ev_unref> after starting, and C<ev_ref>
812before stopping it. 889before stopping it.
813 890
814As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It 891As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It
815is not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from 892is not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_run> from
816exiting if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an 893exiting if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an
817excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within 894excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within
818third-party libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref 895third-party libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref
819before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active 896before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active
820before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself 897before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself
821(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref> 898(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref>
822in the callback). 899in the callback).
823 900
824Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 901Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_run>
825running when nothing else is active. 902running when nothing else is active.
826 903
827 ev_signal exitsig; 904 ev_signal exitsig;
828 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 905 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
829 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 906 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
830 evf_unref (loop); 907 ev_unref (loop);
831 908
832Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 909Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
833 910
834 ev_ref (loop); 911 ev_ref (loop);
835 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 912 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
892 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01); 969 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01);
893 970
894=item ev_invoke_pending (loop) 971=item ev_invoke_pending (loop)
895 972
896This call will simply invoke all pending watchers while resetting their 973This call will simply invoke all pending watchers while resetting their
897pending state. Normally, C<ev_loop> does this automatically when required, 974pending state. Normally, C<ev_run> does this automatically when required,
898but when overriding the invoke callback this call comes handy. 975but when overriding the invoke callback this call comes handy. This
976function can be invoked from a watcher - this can be useful for example
977when you want to do some lengthy calculation and want to pass further
978event handling to another thread (you still have to make sure only one
979thread executes within C<ev_invoke_pending> or C<ev_run> of course).
899 980
900=item int ev_pending_count (loop) 981=item int ev_pending_count (loop)
901 982
902Returns the number of pending watchers - zero indicates that no watchers 983Returns the number of pending watchers - zero indicates that no watchers
903are pending. 984are pending.
904 985
905=item ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (loop, void (*invoke_pending_cb)(EV_P)) 986=item ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (loop, void (*invoke_pending_cb)(EV_P))
906 987
907This overrides the invoke pending functionality of the loop: Instead of 988This overrides the invoke pending functionality of the loop: Instead of
908invoking all pending watchers when there are any, C<ev_loop> will call 989invoking all pending watchers when there are any, C<ev_run> will call
909this callback instead. This is useful, for example, when you want to 990this callback instead. This is useful, for example, when you want to
910invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.). 991invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.).
911 992
912If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new 993If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new
913callback. 994callback.
916 997
917Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This 998Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This
918can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around 999can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around
919each call to a libev function. 1000each call to a libev function.
920 1001
921However, C<ev_loop> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible to 1002However, C<ev_run> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible
922wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the loop via 1003to wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the event
923C<ev_unloop> and C<av_async_send>, another way is to set these I<release> 1004loop via C<ev_break> and C<av_async_send>, another way is to set these
924and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop. 1005I<release> and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop.
925 1006
926When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is 1007When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is
927suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just 1008suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just
928afterwards. 1009afterwards.
929 1010
932 1013
933While event loop modifications are allowed between invocations of 1014While event loop modifications are allowed between invocations of
934C<release> and C<acquire> (that's their only purpose after all), no 1015C<release> and C<acquire> (that's their only purpose after all), no
935modifications done will affect the event loop, i.e. adding watchers will 1016modifications done will affect the event loop, i.e. adding watchers will
936have no effect on the set of file descriptors being watched, or the time 1017have no effect on the set of file descriptors being watched, or the time
937waited. Use an C<ev_async> watcher to wake up C<ev_loop> when you want it 1018waited. Use an C<ev_async> watcher to wake up C<ev_run> when you want it
938to take note of any changes you made. 1019to take note of any changes you made.
939 1020
940In theory, threads executing C<ev_loop> will be async-cancel safe between 1021In theory, threads executing C<ev_run> will be async-cancel safe between
941invocations of C<release> and C<acquire>. 1022invocations of C<release> and C<acquire>.
942 1023
943See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this 1024See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this
944document. 1025document.
945 1026
946=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data) 1027=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data)
947 1028
948=item ev_userdata (loop) 1029=item void *ev_userdata (loop)
949 1030
950Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When 1031Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When
951C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns 1032C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns
952C<0.> 1033C<0>.
953 1034
954These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop, 1035These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop,
955and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and 1036and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and
956C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for 1037C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for
957any other purpose as well. 1038any other purpose as well.
975 1056
976In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the 1057In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the
977watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer 1058watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer
978watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers. 1059watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
979 1060
980A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 1061A watcher is an opaque structure that you allocate and register to record
981interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 1062your interest in some event. To make a concrete example, imagine you want
982become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 1063to wait for STDIN to become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher
1064for that:
983 1065
984 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1066 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
985 { 1067 {
986 ev_io_stop (w); 1068 ev_io_stop (w);
987 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1069 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
988 } 1070 }
989 1071
990 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 1072 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
991 1073
992 ev_io stdin_watcher; 1074 ev_io stdin_watcher;
993 1075
994 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 1076 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
995 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1077 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
996 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 1078 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
997 1079
998 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1080 ev_run (loop, 0);
999 1081
1000As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 1082As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
1001watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the 1083watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
1002stack). 1084stack).
1003 1085
1004Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE> 1086Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
1005or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs). 1087or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
1006 1088
1007Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 1089Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init (watcher
1008(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 1090*, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This callback is
1009callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O 1091invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O watchers, each
1010watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 1092time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given is readable
1011is readable and/or writable). 1093and/or writable).
1012 1094
1013Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >> 1095Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
1014macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There 1096macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
1015is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< 1097is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
1016ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 1098ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
1067 1149
1068=item C<EV_PREPARE> 1150=item C<EV_PREPARE>
1069 1151
1070=item C<EV_CHECK> 1152=item C<EV_CHECK>
1071 1153
1072All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_loop> starts 1154All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_run> starts
1073to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after 1155to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after
1074C<ev_loop> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any 1156C<ev_run> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any
1075received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 1157received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as
1076many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account 1158many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account
1077(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep 1159(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep
1078C<ev_loop> from blocking). 1160C<ev_run> from blocking).
1079 1161
1080=item C<EV_EMBED> 1162=item C<EV_EMBED>
1081 1163
1082The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention. 1164The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
1083 1165
1084=item C<EV_FORK> 1166=item C<EV_FORK>
1085 1167
1086The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see 1168The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
1087C<ev_fork>). 1169C<ev_fork>).
1170
1171=item C<EV_CLEANUP>
1172
1173The event loop is about to be destroyed (see C<ev_cleanup>).
1088 1174
1089=item C<EV_ASYNC> 1175=item C<EV_ASYNC>
1090 1176
1091The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 1177The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
1092 1178
1264 1350
1265See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related 1351See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
1266functions that do not need a watcher. 1352functions that do not need a watcher.
1267 1353
1268=back 1354=back
1269
1270 1355
1271=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1356=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
1272 1357
1273Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 1358Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
1274and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used 1359and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
1330 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1415 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1331 { 1416 {
1332 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *) 1417 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1333 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1418 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1334 } 1419 }
1420
1421=head2 WATCHER STATES
1422
1423There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual -
1424active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to
1425transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these
1426rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing".
1427
1428=over 4
1429
1430=item initialiased
1431
1432Before a watcher can be registered with the event looop it has to be
1433initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to
1434C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function.
1435
1436In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for use
1437in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at will.
1438
1439=item started/running/active
1440
1441Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes
1442property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in
1443this state it cannot be accessed (except in a few documented ways), moved,
1444freed or anything else - the only legal thing is to keep a pointer to it,
1445and call libev functions on it that are documented to work on active watchers.
1446
1447=item pending
1448
1449If a watcher is active and libev determines that an event it is interested
1450in has occurred (such as a timer expiring), it will become pending. It will
1451stay in this pending state until either it is stopped or its callback is
1452about to be invoked, so it is not normally pending inside the watcher
1453callback.
1454
1455The watcher might or might not be active while it is pending (for example,
1456an expired non-repeating timer can be pending but no longer active). If it
1457is stopped, it can be freely accessed (e.g. by calling C<ev_TYPE_set>),
1458but it is still property of the event loop at this time, so cannot be
1459moved, freed or reused. And if it is active the rules described in the
1460previous item still apply.
1461
1462It is also possible to feed an event on a watcher that is not active (e.g.
1463via C<ev_feed_event>), in which case it becomes pending without being
1464active.
1465
1466=item stopped
1467
1468A watcher can be stopped implicitly by libev (in which case it might still
1469be pending), or explicitly by calling its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. The
1470latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless
1471of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before
1472freeing it is often a good idea.
1473
1474While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the
1475initialised state, that is it can be reused, moved, modified in any way
1476you wish.
1477
1478=back
1335 1479
1336=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS 1480=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS
1337 1481
1338Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small 1482Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small
1339integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation 1483integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation
1624 ... 1768 ...
1625 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1769 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1626 ev_io stdin_readable; 1770 ev_io stdin_readable;
1627 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1771 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1628 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1772 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1629 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1773 ev_run (loop, 0);
1630 1774
1631 1775
1632=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1776=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1633 1777
1634Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1778Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1643The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has 1787The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1644passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this 1788passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this
1645might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the 1789might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the
1646same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked 1790same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked
1647before ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is 1791before ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is
1648no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_loop> recursively). 1792no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1649 1793
1650=head3 Be smart about timeouts 1794=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1651 1795
1652Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error 1796Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1653recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs, 1797recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1824 1968
1825=head3 The special problem of time updates 1969=head3 The special problem of time updates
1826 1970
1827Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at 1971Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1828least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current 1972least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1829time only before and after C<ev_loop> collects new events, which causes a 1973time only before and after C<ev_run> collects new events, which causes a
1830growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling 1974growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1831lots of events in one iteration. 1975lots of events in one iteration.
1832 1976
1833The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1977The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1834time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1978time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1951 } 2095 }
1952 2096
1953 ev_timer mytimer; 2097 ev_timer mytimer;
1954 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 2098 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1955 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 2099 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1956 ev_loop (loop, 0); 2100 ev_run (loop, 0);
1957 2101
1958 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 2102 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1959 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 2103 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1960 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 2104 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1961 2105
1987 2131
1988As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the 2132As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1989point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple 2133point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple
1990timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with 2134timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with
1991earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values 2135earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values
1992(but this is no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_loop> recursively). 2136(but this is no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1993 2137
1994=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2138=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1995 2139
1996=over 4 2140=over 4
1997 2141
2158 2302
2159=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 2303=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
2160 2304
2161Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 2305Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
2162signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 2306signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
2163will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 2307will try its best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
2164normal event processing, like any other event. 2308normal event processing, like any other event.
2165 2309
2166If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use 2310If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use
2167C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing 2311C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing
2168the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to 2312the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to
2211 2355
2212So I can't stress this enough: I<If you do not reset your signal mask when 2356So I can't stress this enough: I<If you do not reset your signal mask when
2213you expect it to be empty, you have a race condition in your code>. This 2357you expect it to be empty, you have a race condition in your code>. This
2214is not a libev-specific thing, this is true for most event libraries. 2358is not a libev-specific thing, this is true for most event libraries.
2215 2359
2360=head3 The special problem of threads signal handling
2361
2362POSIX threads has problematic signal handling semantics, specifically,
2363a lot of functionality (sigfd, sigwait etc.) only really works if all
2364threads in a process block signals, which is hard to achieve.
2365
2366When you want to use sigwait (or mix libev signal handling with your own
2367for the same signals), you can tackle this problem by globally blocking
2368all signals before creating any threads (or creating them with a fully set
2369sigprocmask) and also specifying the C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK> when creating
2370loops. Then designate one thread as "signal receiver thread" which handles
2371these signals. You can pass on any signals that libev might be interested
2372in by calling C<ev_feed_signal>.
2373
2216=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2374=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2217 2375
2218=over 4 2376=over 4
2219 2377
2220=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 2378=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
2235Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT. 2393Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
2236 2394
2237 static void 2395 static void
2238 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents) 2396 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
2239 { 2397 {
2240 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 2398 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
2241 } 2399 }
2242 2400
2243 ev_signal signal_watcher; 2401 ev_signal signal_watcher;
2244 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 2402 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
2245 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher); 2403 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
2631 2789
2632Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs: 2790Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
2633prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2791prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
2634afterwards. 2792afterwards.
2635 2793
2636You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter 2794You I<must not> call C<ev_run> or similar functions that enter
2637the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 2795the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
2638watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The 2796watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The
2639rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in 2797rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in
2640those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking, 2798those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,
2641C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be 2799C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
2809 2967
2810 if (timeout >= 0) 2968 if (timeout >= 0)
2811 // create/start timer 2969 // create/start timer
2812 2970
2813 // poll 2971 // poll
2814 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2972 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
2815 2973
2816 // stop timer again 2974 // stop timer again
2817 if (timeout >= 0) 2975 if (timeout >= 0)
2818 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2976 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
2819 2977
2897if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 3055if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
2898 3056
2899=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 3057=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2900 3058
2901Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 3059Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2902similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 3060similarly to C<ev_run (embedded_loop, EVRUN_NOWAIT)>, but in the most
2903appropriate way for embedded loops. 3061appropriate way for embedded loops.
2904 3062
2905=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 3063=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2906 3064
2907The embedded event loop. 3065The embedded event loop.
2993disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support 3151disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support
2994signal watchers). 3152signal watchers).
2995 3153
2996When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for 3154When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for
2997other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call 3155other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call
2998C<ev_default_destroy ()> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>. Destroying 3156C<ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT)> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>.
2999the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered watchers, so you 3157Destroying the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered
3000have to be careful not to execute code that modifies those watchers. Note 3158watchers, so you have to be careful not to execute code that modifies
3001also that in that case, you have to re-register any signal watchers. 3159those watchers. Note also that in that case, you have to re-register any
3160signal watchers.
3002 3161
3003=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 3162=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
3004 3163
3005=over 4 3164=over 4
3006 3165
3007=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 3166=item ev_fork_init (ev_fork *, callback)
3008 3167
3009Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 3168Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
3010kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 3169kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
3011believe me. 3170really.
3012 3171
3013=back 3172=back
3014 3173
3015 3174
3175=head2 C<ev_cleanup> - even the best things end
3176
3177Cleanup watchers are called just before the event loop is being destroyed
3178by a call to C<ev_loop_destroy>.
3179
3180While there is no guarantee that the event loop gets destroyed, cleanup
3181watchers provide a convenient method to install cleanup hooks for your
3182program, worker threads and so on - you just to make sure to destroy the
3183loop when you want them to be invoked.
3184
3185Cleanup watchers are invoked in the same way as any other watcher. Unlike
3186all other watchers, they do not keep a reference to the event loop (which
3187makes a lot of sense if you think about it). Like all other watchers, you
3188can call libev functions in the callback, except C<ev_cleanup_start>.
3189
3190=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
3191
3192=over 4
3193
3194=item ev_cleanup_init (ev_cleanup *, callback)
3195
3196Initialises and configures the cleanup watcher - it has no parameters of
3197any kind. There is a C<ev_cleanup_set> macro, but using it is utterly
3198pointless, I assure you.
3199
3200=back
3201
3202Example: Register an atexit handler to destroy the default loop, so any
3203cleanup functions are called.
3204
3205 static void
3206 program_exits (void)
3207 {
3208 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
3209 }
3210
3211 ...
3212 atexit (program_exits);
3213
3214
3016=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop 3215=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop
3017 3216
3018In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other 3217In general, you cannot use an C<ev_run> from multiple threads or other
3019asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event 3218asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
3020loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads). 3219loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
3021 3220
3022Sometimes, however, you need to wake up an event loop you do not control, 3221Sometimes, however, you need to wake up an event loop you do not control,
3023for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what C<ev_async> 3222for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what C<ev_async>
3025it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe. 3224it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe.
3026 3225
3027This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals, 3226This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
3028too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed 3227too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
3029(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of 3228(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
3030C<ev_async_sent> calls). 3229C<ev_async_sent> calls). In fact, you could use signal watchers as a kind
3230of "global async watchers" by using a watcher on an otherwise unused
3231signal, and C<ev_feed_signal> to signal this watcher from another thread,
3232even without knowing which loop owns the signal.
3031 3233
3032Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not 3234Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not
3033just the default loop. 3235just the default loop.
3034 3236
3035=head3 Queueing 3237=head3 Queueing
3211Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 3413Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
3212the given events it. 3414the given events it.
3213 3415
3214=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum) 3416=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum)
3215 3417
3216Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default 3418Feed an event as if the given signal occurred. See also C<ev_feed_signal>,
3217loop!). 3419which is async-safe.
3420
3421=back
3422
3423
3424=head1 COMMON OR USEFUL IDIOMS (OR BOTH)
3425
3426This section explains some common idioms that are not immediately
3427obvious. Note that examples are sprinkled over the whole manual, and this
3428section only contains stuff that wouldn't fit anywhere else.
3429
3430=over 4
3431
3432=item Model/nested event loop invocations and exit conditions.
3433
3434Often (especially in GUI toolkits) there are places where you have
3435I<modal> interaction, which is most easily implemented by recursively
3436invoking C<ev_run>.
3437
3438This brings the problem of exiting - a callback might want to finish the
3439main C<ev_run> call, but not the nested one (e.g. user clicked "Quit", but
3440a modal "Are you sure?" dialog is still waiting), or just the nested one
3441and not the main one (e.g. user clocked "Ok" in a modal dialog), or some
3442other combination: In these cases, C<ev_break> will not work alone.
3443
3444The solution is to maintain "break this loop" variable for each C<ev_run>
3445invocation, and use a loop around C<ev_run> until the condition is
3446triggered, using C<EVRUN_ONCE>:
3447
3448 // main loop
3449 int exit_main_loop = 0;
3450
3451 while (!exit_main_loop)
3452 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3453
3454 // in a model watcher
3455 int exit_nested_loop = 0;
3456
3457 while (!exit_nested_loop)
3458 ev_run (EV_A_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3459
3460To exit from any of these loops, just set the corresponding exit variable:
3461
3462 // exit modal loop
3463 exit_nested_loop = 1;
3464
3465 // exit main program, after modal loop is finished
3466 exit_main_loop = 1;
3467
3468 // exit both
3469 exit_main_loop = exit_nested_loop = 1;
3218 3470
3219=back 3471=back
3220 3472
3221 3473
3222=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION 3474=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION
3223 3475
3224Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot 3476Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot
3225emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints: 3477emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints:
3226 3478
3227=over 4 3479=over 4
3480
3481=item * Only the libevent-1.4.1-beta API is being emulated.
3482
3483This was the newest libevent version available when libev was implemented,
3484and is still mostly unchanged in 2010.
3228 3485
3229=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual. 3486=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual.
3230 3487
3231=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback, 3488=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback,
3232ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events. 3489ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events.
3238=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 3495=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
3239will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 3496will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
3240is an ev_pri field. 3497is an ev_pri field.
3241 3498
3242=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the 3499=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
3243first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals. 3500base that registered the signal gets the signals.
3244 3501
3245=item * Other members are not supported. 3502=item * Other members are not supported.
3246 3503
3247=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 3504=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
3248to use the libev header file and library. 3505to use the libev header file and library.
3267Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++ 3524Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
3268classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer 3525classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
3269that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if 3526that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
3270you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev). 3527you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
3271 3528
3272Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be 3529Currently, functions, static and non-static member functions and classes
3273used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only 3530with C<operator ()> can be used as callbacks. Other types should be easy
3274need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other 3531to add as long as they only need one additional pointer for context. If
3275types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing 3532you need support for other types of functors please contact the author
3276it). 3533(preferably after implementing it).
3277 3534
3278Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 3535Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
3279 3536
3280=over 4 3537=over 4
3281 3538
3530loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 3787loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
3531C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 3788C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
3532 3789
3533 ev_unref (EV_A); 3790 ev_unref (EV_A);
3534 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 3791 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
3535 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 3792 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
3536 3793
3537It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 3794It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
3538which is often provided by the following macro. 3795which is often provided by the following macro.
3539 3796
3540=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 3797=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
3580 } 3837 }
3581 3838
3582 ev_check check; 3839 ev_check check;
3583 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 3840 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
3584 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 3841 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
3585 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 3842 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
3586 3843
3587=head1 EMBEDDING 3844=head1 EMBEDDING
3588 3845
3589Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 3846Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
3590applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 3847applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
3681to a compiled library. All other symbols change the ABI, which means all 3938to a compiled library. All other symbols change the ABI, which means all
3682users of libev and the libev code itself must be compiled with compatible 3939users of libev and the libev code itself must be compiled with compatible
3683settings. 3940settings.
3684 3941
3685=over 4 3942=over 4
3943
3944=item EV_COMPAT3 (h)
3945
3946Backwards compatibility is a major concern for libev. This is why this
3947release of libev comes with wrappers for the functions and symbols that
3948have been renamed between libev version 3 and 4.
3949
3950You can disable these wrappers (to test compatibility with future
3951versions) by defining C<EV_COMPAT3> to C<0> when compiling your
3952sources. This has the additional advantage that you can drop the C<struct>
3953from C<struct ev_loop> declarations, as libev will provide an C<ev_loop>
3954typedef in that case.
3955
3956In some future version, the default for C<EV_COMPAT3> will become C<0>,
3957and in some even more future version the compatibility code will be
3958removed completely.
3686 3959
3687=item EV_STANDALONE (h) 3960=item EV_STANDALONE (h)
3688 3961
3689Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which 3962Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which
3690keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy 3963keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy
4265 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A); 4538 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4266 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock); 4539 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4267 } 4540 }
4268 4541
4269The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight 4542The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
4270into C<ev_loop>: 4543into C<ev_run>:
4271 4544
4272 void * 4545 void *
4273 l_run (void *thr_arg) 4546 l_run (void *thr_arg)
4274 { 4547 {
4275 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg; 4548 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg;
4276 4549
4277 l_acquire (EV_A); 4550 l_acquire (EV_A);
4278 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0); 4551 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0);
4279 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 4552 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
4280 l_release (EV_A); 4553 l_release (EV_A);
4281 4554
4282 return 0; 4555 return 0;
4283 } 4556 }
4284 4557
4336 4609
4337=head3 COROUTINES 4610=head3 COROUTINES
4338 4611
4339Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 4612Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
4340libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different 4613libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
4341coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two 4614coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_run> on the same loop from two
4342different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running 4615different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running
4343the loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is 4616the loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is
4344that you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks. 4617that you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
4345 4618
4346Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside 4619Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside
4347C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as 4620C<ev_run>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
4348they do not call any callbacks. 4621they do not call any callbacks.
4349 4622
4350=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS 4623=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
4351 4624
4352Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a 4625Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
4436=head3 C<kqueue> is buggy 4709=head3 C<kqueue> is buggy
4437 4710
4438The kqueue syscall is broken in all known versions - most versions support 4711The kqueue syscall is broken in all known versions - most versions support
4439only sockets, many support pipes. 4712only sockets, many support pipes.
4440 4713
4441Libev tries to work around this by not using C<kqueue> by default on 4714Libev tries to work around this by not using C<kqueue> by default on this
4442this rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating 4715rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating a
4443a loop. 4716loop - embedding a socket-only kqueue loop into a select-based one is
4717probably going to work well.
4444 4718
4445=head3 C<poll> is buggy 4719=head3 C<poll> is buggy
4446 4720
4447Instead of fixing C<kqueue>, Apple replaced their (working) C<poll> 4721Instead of fixing C<kqueue>, Apple replaced their (working) C<poll>
4448implementation by something calling C<kqueue> internally around the 10.5.6 4722implementation by something calling C<kqueue> internally around the 10.5.6
4467 4741
4468=head3 C<errno> reentrancy 4742=head3 C<errno> reentrancy
4469 4743
4470The default compile environment on Solaris is unfortunately so 4744The default compile environment on Solaris is unfortunately so
4471thread-unsafe that you can't even use components/libraries compiled 4745thread-unsafe that you can't even use components/libraries compiled
4472without C<-D_REENTRANT> (as long as they use C<errno>), which, of course, 4746without C<-D_REENTRANT> in a threaded program, which, of course, isn't
4473isn't defined by default. 4747defined by default. A valid, if stupid, implementation choice.
4474 4748
4475If you want to use libev in threaded environments you have to make sure 4749If you want to use libev in threaded environments you have to make sure
4476it's compiled with C<_REENTRANT> defined. 4750it's compiled with C<_REENTRANT> defined.
4477 4751
4478=head3 Event port backend 4752=head3 Event port backend
4479 4753
4480The scalable event interface for Solaris is called "event ports". Unfortunately, 4754The scalable event interface for Solaris is called "event
4481this mechanism is very buggy. If you run into high CPU usage, your program 4755ports". Unfortunately, this mechanism is very buggy in all major
4756releases. If you run into high CPU usage, your program freezes or you get
4482freezes or you get a large number of spurious wakeups, make sure you have 4757a large number of spurious wakeups, make sure you have all the relevant
4483all the relevant and latest kernel patches applied. No, I don't know which 4758and latest kernel patches applied. No, I don't know which ones, but there
4484ones, but there are multiple ones. 4759are multiple ones to apply, and afterwards, event ports actually work
4760great.
4485 4761
4486If you can't get it to work, you can try running the program by setting 4762If you can't get it to work, you can try running the program by setting
4487the environment variable C<LIBEV_FLAGS=3> to only allow C<poll> and 4763the environment variable C<LIBEV_FLAGS=3> to only allow C<poll> and
4488C<select> backends. 4764C<select> backends.
4489 4765
4490=head2 AIX POLL BUG 4766=head2 AIX POLL BUG
4491 4767
4492AIX unfortunately has a broken C<poll.h> header. Libev works around 4768AIX unfortunately has a broken C<poll.h> header. Libev works around
4493this by trying to avoid the poll backend altogether (i.e. it's not even 4769this by trying to avoid the poll backend altogether (i.e. it's not even
4494compiled in), which normally isn't a big problem as C<select> works fine 4770compiled in), which normally isn't a big problem as C<select> works fine
4495with large bitsets, and AIX is dead anyway. 4771with large bitsets on AIX, and AIX is dead anyway.
4496 4772
4497=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS 4773=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
4498 4774
4499=head3 General issues 4775=head3 General issues
4500 4776
4606structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also 4882structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
4607assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher 4883assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
4608callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev 4884callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
4609calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally. 4885calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
4610 4886
4887=item pointer accesses must be thread-atomic
4888
4889Accessing a pointer value must be atomic, it must both be readable and
4890writable in one piece - this is the case on all current architectures.
4891
4611=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well 4892=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
4612 4893
4613The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as 4894The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
4614C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different 4895C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
4615threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is 4896threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
4721=back 5002=back
4722 5003
4723 5004
4724=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X 5005=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X
4725 5006
4726The major version 4 introduced some minor incompatible changes to the API. 5007The major version 4 introduced some incompatible changes to the API.
4727 5008
4728At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file tries to implement superficial 5009At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file provides compatibility definitions
4729compatibility, so most programs should still compile. Those might be 5010for all changes, so most programs should still compile. The compatibility
4730removed in later versions of libev, so better update early than late. 5011layer might be removed in later versions of libev, so better update to the
5012new API early than late.
4731 5013
4732=over 4 5014=over 4
4733 5015
4734=item C<ev_loop_count> renamed to C<ev_iteration> 5016=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
4735 5017
4736=item C<ev_loop_depth> renamed to C<ev_depth> 5018The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
5019C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L<PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L<EMBEDDING>
5020section.
4737 5021
4738=item C<ev_loop_verify> renamed to C<ev_verify> 5022=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed
5023
5024These calls can be replaced easily by their C<ev_loop_xxx> counterparts:
5025
5026 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
5027 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
5028
5029=item function/symbol renames
5030
5031A number of functions and symbols have been renamed:
5032
5033 ev_loop => ev_run
5034 EVLOOP_NONBLOCK => EVRUN_NOWAIT
5035 EVLOOP_ONESHOT => EVRUN_ONCE
5036
5037 ev_unloop => ev_break
5038 EVUNLOOP_CANCEL => EVBREAK_CANCEL
5039 EVUNLOOP_ONE => EVBREAK_ONE
5040 EVUNLOOP_ALL => EVBREAK_ALL
5041
5042 EV_TIMEOUT => EV_TIMER
5043
5044 ev_loop_count => ev_iteration
5045 ev_loop_depth => ev_depth
5046 ev_loop_verify => ev_verify
4739 5047
4740Most functions working on C<struct ev_loop> objects don't have an 5048Most functions working on C<struct ev_loop> objects don't have an
4741C<ev_loop_> prefix, so it was removed. Note that C<ev_loop_fork> is 5049C<ev_loop_> prefix, so it was removed; C<ev_loop>, C<ev_unloop> and
5050associated constants have been renamed to not collide with the C<struct
5051ev_loop> anymore and C<EV_TIMER> now follows the same naming scheme
5052as all other watcher types. Note that C<ev_loop_fork> is still called
4742still called C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the 5053C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the C<ev_fork>
4743C<ev_fork> typedef. 5054typedef.
4744
4745=item C<EV_TIMEOUT> renamed to C<EV_TIMER> in C<revents>
4746
4747This is a simple rename - all other watcher types use their name
4748as revents flag, and now C<ev_timer> does, too.
4749
4750Both C<EV_TIMER> and C<EV_TIMEOUT> symbols were present in 3.x versions
4751and continue to be present for the foreseeable future, so this is mostly a
4752documentation change.
4753 5055
4754=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES> 5056=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES>
4755 5057
4756The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different 5058The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different
4757mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile 5059mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile
4764 5066
4765=over 4 5067=over 4
4766 5068
4767=item active 5069=item active
4768 5070
4769A watcher is active as long as it has been started (has been attached to 5071A watcher is active as long as it has been started and not yet stopped.
4770an event loop) but not yet stopped (disassociated from the event loop). 5072See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
4771 5073
4772=item application 5074=item application
4773 5075
4774In this document, an application is whatever is using libev. 5076In this document, an application is whatever is using libev.
5077
5078=item backend
5079
5080The part of the code dealing with the operating system interfaces.
4775 5081
4776=item callback 5082=item callback
4777 5083
4778The address of a function that is called when some event has been 5084The address of a function that is called when some event has been
4779detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that 5085detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that
4780received the event, and the actual event bitset. 5086received the event, and the actual event bitset.
4781 5087
4782=item callback invocation 5088=item callback/watcher invocation
4783 5089
4784The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher. 5090The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4785 5091
4786=item event 5092=item event
4787 5093
4806The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes 5112The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes
4807watchers and events. 5113watchers and events.
4808 5114
4809=item pending 5115=item pending
4810 5116
4811A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been detected, 5117A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been
4812and stops being pending as soon as the watcher will be invoked or its 5118detected. See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
4813pending status is explicitly cleared by the application.
4814
4815A watcher can be pending, but not active. Stopping a watcher also clears
4816its pending status.
4817 5119
4818=item real time 5120=item real time
4819 5121
4820The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :) 5122The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
4821 5123
4828=item watcher 5130=item watcher
4829 5131
4830A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need 5132A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need
4831to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events. 5133to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events.
4832 5134
4833=item watcher invocation
4834
4835The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4836
4837=back 5135=back
4838 5136
4839=head1 AUTHOR 5137=head1 AUTHOR
4840 5138
4841Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson. 5139Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael
5140Magnusson and Emanuele Giaquinta.
4842 5141

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