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8 8
9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10 10
11 // a single header file is required 11 // a single header file is required
12 #include <ev.h> 12 #include <ev.h>
13
14 #include <stdio.h> // for puts
13 15
14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct 16 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct
15 // with the name ev_TYPE 17 // with the name ev_TYPE
16 ev_io stdin_watcher; 18 ev_io stdin_watcher;
17 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 19 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
24 puts ("stdin ready"); 26 puts ("stdin ready");
25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher 27 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
26 // with its corresponding stop function. 28 // with its corresponding stop function.
27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 29 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
28 30
29 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating 31 // this causes all nested ev_run's to stop iterating
30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); 32 ev_break (EV_A_ EVBREAK_ALL);
31 } 33 }
32 34
33 // another callback, this time for a time-out 35 // another callback, this time for a time-out
34 static void 36 static void
35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 37 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
36 { 38 {
37 puts ("timeout"); 39 puts ("timeout");
38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating 40 // this causes the innermost ev_run to stop iterating
39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); 41 ev_break (EV_A_ EVBREAK_ONE);
40 } 42 }
41 43
42 int 44 int
43 main (void) 45 main (void)
44 { 46 {
45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs 47 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
46 ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 48 struct ev_loop *loop = EV_DEFAULT;
47 49
48 // initialise an io watcher, then start it 50 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable 51 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
50 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);
51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 53 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
54 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout 56 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
55 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 57 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
56 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 58 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
57 59
58 // now wait for events to arrive 60 // now wait for events to arrive
59 ev_loop (loop, 0); 61 ev_run (loop, 0);
60 62
61 // unloop was called, so exit 63 // unloop was called, so exit
62 return 0; 64 return 0;
63 } 65 }
64 66
65=head1 DESCRIPTION 67=head1 ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
68
69This document documents the libev software package.
66 70
67The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted 71The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted
68web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first 72web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
69time: L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod>. 73time: L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod>.
74
75While this document tries to be as complete as possible in documenting
76libev, its usage and the rationale behind its design, it is not a tutorial
77on event-based programming, nor will it introduce event-based programming
78with libev.
79
80Familiarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed
81throughout this document.
82
83=head1 WHAT TO READ WHEN IN A HURRY
84
85This manual tries to be very detailed, but unfortunately, this also makes
86it very long. If you just want to know the basics of libev, I suggest
87reading L<ANATOMY OF A WATCHER>, then the L<EXAMPLE PROGRAM> above and
88look up the missing functions in L<GLOBAL FUNCTIONS> and the C<ev_io> and
89C<ev_timer> sections in L<WATCHER TYPES>.
90
91=head1 ABOUT LIBEV
70 92
71Libev 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
72file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage 94file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
73these event sources and provide your program with events. 95these event sources and provide your program with events.
74 96
84=head2 FEATURES 106=head2 FEATURES
85 107
86Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the 108Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
87BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms 109BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
88for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface 110for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
89(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers 111(for C<ev_stat>), Linux eventfd/signalfd (for faster and cleaner
90with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals 112inter-thread wakeup (C<ev_async>)/signal handling (C<ev_signal>)) relative
91(C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and event 113timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers with customised rescheduling
92watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>, 114(C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals (C<ev_signal>), process status
93C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as 115change events (C<ev_child>), and event watchers dealing with the event
94file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events 116loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>, C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and
95(C<ev_fork>). 117C<ev_check> watchers) as well as file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even
118limited support for fork events (C<ev_fork>).
96 119
97It also is quite fast (see this 120It also is quite fast (see this
98L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent 121L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
99for example). 122for example).
100 123
103Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common) 126Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
104configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For 127configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
105more info about various configuration options please have a look at 128more info about various configuration options please have a look at
106B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support 129B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
107for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of 130for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of
108name C<loop> (which is always of type C<ev_loop *>) will not have 131name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have
109this argument. 132this argument.
110 133
111=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION 134=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
112 135
113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 136Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing
114(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 137the (fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (in practice
115the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 138somewhere near the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't
116called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 139ask). This type is called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use
117to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 140too. It usually aliases to the C<double> type in C. When you need to do
118it, you should treat it as some floating point value. Unlike the name 141any calculations on it, you should treat it as some floating point value.
142
119component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences 143Unlike the name component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for
120throughout libev. 144time differences (e.g. delays) throughout libev.
121 145
122=head1 ERROR HANDLING 146=head1 ERROR HANDLING
123 147
124Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors 148Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors
125and internal errors (bugs). 149and internal errors (bugs).
149 173
150=item ev_tstamp ev_time () 174=item ev_tstamp ev_time ()
151 175
152Returns 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
153C<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
154you actually want to know. 178you actually want to know. Also interesting is the combination of
179C<ev_update_now> and C<ev_now>.
155 180
156=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 181=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
157 182
158Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 183Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
159either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 184either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
176as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 201as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
177compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 202compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
178not a problem. 203not a problem.
179 204
180Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 205Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
181version. 206version (note, however, that this will not detect other ABI mismatches,
207such as LFS or reentrancy).
182 208
183 assert (("libev version mismatch", 209 assert (("libev version mismatch",
184 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 210 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
185 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 211 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
186 212
197 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 223 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
198 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 224 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
199 225
200=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 226=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
201 227
202Return 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
203recommended 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
204returned 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
205most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it 232and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it (assuming
206(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
207libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 234probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
208 235
209=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 236=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
210 237
211Returns 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
212is the theoretical, all-platform, value. To find which backends 239value is platform-specific but can include backends not available on the
213might be supported on the current system, you would need to look at 240current system. To find which embeddable backends might be supported on
214C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 241the current system, you would need to look at C<ev_embeddable_backends ()
215recommended ones. 242& ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for recommended ones.
216 243
217See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 244See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
218 245
219=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT] 246=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
220 247
221Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 248Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
222semantics 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
223used 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
224when 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
250 } 277 }
251 278
252 ... 279 ...
253 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 280 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
254 281
255=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); [NOT REENTRANT] 282=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg))
256 283
257Set 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
258as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 285as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
259indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 286indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
260callback 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
272 } 299 }
273 300
274 ... 301 ...
275 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error); 302 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error);
276 303
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
277=back 317=back
278 318
279=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 319=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING EVENT LOOPS
280 320
281An 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
282is 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
283I<function>). 323libev 3 had an C<ev_loop> function colliding with the struct name).
284 324
285The 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
286supports signals and child events, and dynamically created loops which do 326supports child process events, and dynamically created event loops which
287not. 327do not.
288 328
289=over 4 329=over 4
290 330
291=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 331=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
292 332
293This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised 333This returns the "default" event loop object, which is what you should
294yet 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
295false. 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
296flags. 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".
297 343
298If 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
299function. 345function (or via the C<EV_DEFAULT> macro).
300 346
301Note 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
302from 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
303as loops cannot be shared easily between threads anyway). 349that this case is unlikely, as loops cannot be shared easily between
350threads anyway).
304 351
305The 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,
306C<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
307for 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
308create 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
309can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling 356C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling C<ev_default_init>.
310C<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.
311 376
312The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 377The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
313backends 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>).
314 379
315The following flags are supported: 380The following flags are supported:
330useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 395useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
331around bugs. 396around bugs.
332 397
333=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK> 398=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
334 399
335Instead of calling C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork> manually after 400Instead of calling C<ev_loop_fork> manually after a fork, you can also
336a fork, you can also make libev check for a fork in each iteration by 401make libev check for a fork in each iteration by enabling this flag.
337enabling this flag.
338 402
339This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 403This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
340and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop 404and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
341iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 405iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
342GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence 406GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
348flag. 412flag.
349 413
350This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> 414This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
351environment variable. 415environment variable.
352 416
417=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY>
418
419When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the
420I<inotify> API for its C<ev_stat> watchers. Apart from debugging and
421testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as
422otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle.
423
424=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD>
425
426When this flag is specified, then libev will attempt to use the
427I<signalfd> API for its C<ev_signal> (and C<ev_child>) watchers. This API
428delivers signals synchronously, which makes it both faster and might make
429it possible to get the queued signal data. It can also simplify signal
430handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your
431threads that are not interested in handling them.
432
433Signalfd will not be used by default as this changes your signal mask, and
434there are a lot of shoddy libraries and programs (glib's threadpool for
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.
448
353=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 449=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
354 450
355This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 451This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
356libev 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,
357but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 453but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
381This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and 477This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and
382C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>. 478C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>.
383 479
384=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 480=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
385 481
482Use the linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9
483kernels).
484
386For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 485For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
387but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 486but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
388like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), 487like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
389epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). 488epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
390 489
391The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned 490The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
392of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently 491of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
393dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file 492dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
394descriptor (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
395so 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
396I<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
397take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) and is of course 498set, which can take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor)
398hard to detect. 499and is of course hard to detect.
399 500
400Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but 501Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but
401of 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
402I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot 503I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot
403even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially 504even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially
404on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by 505on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by
405employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the 506employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the
406events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. 507events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. Last
508not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work
509perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...).
510
511Epoll is truly the train wreck analog among event poll mechanisms.
407 512
408While 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
409will 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
410incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different 515incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different
411I<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
418starting a watcher (without re-setting it) also usually doesn't cause 523starting a watcher (without re-setting it) also usually doesn't cause
419extra overhead. A fork can both result in spurious notifications as well 524extra overhead. A fork can both result in spurious notifications as well
420as in libev having to destroy and recreate the epoll object, which can 525as in libev having to destroy and recreate the epoll object, which can
421take considerable time and thus should be avoided. 526take considerable time and thus should be avoided.
422 527
423All this means that, in practise, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> is as fast or faster 528All this means that, in practice, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> can be as fast or
424then epoll for maybe up to a hundred file descriptors. So sad. 529faster than epoll for maybe up to a hundred file descriptors, depending on
530the usage. So sad.
425 531
426While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in 532While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
427all kernel versions tested so far. 533all kernel versions tested so far.
428 534
429This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as 535This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
457 563
458While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work 564While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
459everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken 565everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
460almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets 566almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets
461(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop 567(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop
462(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and, did I mention it, 568(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (but C<poll> is of course
463using it only for sockets. 569also broken on OS X)) and, did I mention it, using it only for sockets.
464 570
465This backend maps C<EV_READ> into an C<EVFILT_READ> kevent with 571This backend maps C<EV_READ> into an C<EVFILT_READ> kevent with
466C<NOTE_EOF>, and C<EV_WRITE> into an C<EVFILT_WRITE> kevent with 572C<NOTE_EOF>, and C<EV_WRITE> into an C<EVFILT_WRITE> kevent with
467C<NOTE_EOF>. 573C<NOTE_EOF>.
468 574
476=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 582=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
477 583
478This 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,
479it'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)).
480 586
481Please note that Solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
482notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
483blocking when no data (or space) is available.
484
485While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active 587While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
486file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 588file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
487descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend 589descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
488might perform better. 590might perform better.
489 591
490On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness 592On the positive side, this backend actually performed fully to
491notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification
492in 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
493OS-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> - so bizarre that
598even sun itself gets it wrong in their code examples: The event polling
599function sometimes returning events to the caller even though an error
600occured, but with no indication whether it has done so or not (yes, it's
601even documented that way) - deadly for edge-triggered interfaces where
602you absolutely have to know whether an event occured or not because you
603have to re-arm the watcher.
604
605Fortunately libev seems to be able to work around these idiocies.
494 606
495This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as 607This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
496C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 608C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
497 609
498=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 610=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
499 611
500Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 612Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
501with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 613with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
502C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 614C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
503 615
504It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 616It is definitely not recommended to use this flag, use whatever
617C<ev_recommended_backends ()> returns, or simply do not specify a backend
618at all.
619
620=item C<EVBACKEND_MASK>
621
622Not a backend at all, but a mask to select all backend bits from a
623C<flags> value, in case you want to mask out any backends from a flags
624value (e.g. when modifying the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> environment variable).
505 625
506=back 626=back
507 627
508If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these 628If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value,
509backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are 629then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed
510specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried. 630here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends
511 631()> will be tried.
512Example: This is the most typical usage.
513
514 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
515 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
516
517Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
518environment settings to be taken into account:
519
520 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
521
522Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
523used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
524private event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of
525fds):
526
527 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
528
529=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
530
531Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
532always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
533handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
534undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
535
536Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and the recommended way to use
537libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
538default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
539 632
540Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 633Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
541 634
542 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 635 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
543 if (!epoller) 636 if (!epoller)
544 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 637 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
545 638
639Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
640used if available.
641
642 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_loop_new (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
643
546=item ev_default_destroy () 644=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
547 645
548Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 646Destroys an event loop object (frees all memory and kernel state
549etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 647etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
550sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 648sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
551responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before> 649responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
552calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 650calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
553the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 651the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
555 653
556Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal 654Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
557handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such 655handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
558as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually. 656as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
559 657
560In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 658This function is normally used on loop objects allocated by
561rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling 659C<ev_loop_new>, but it can also be used on the default loop returned by
660C<ev_default_loop>, in which case it is not thread-safe.
661
662Note that it is not advisable to call this function on the default loop
663except in the rare occasion where you really need to free its resources.
562pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use 664If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use C<ev_loop_new>
563C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>). 665and C<ev_loop_destroy>.
564 666
565=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 667=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
566 668
567Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
568earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
569
570=item ev_default_fork ()
571
572This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_loop> iterations 669This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations to
573to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the 670reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
574name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in 671name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in
575the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little 672the child process. You I<must> call it (or use C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>) in the
576sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev 673child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>.
577functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration. 674
675Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after
676a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is
677because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things
678during fork.
578 679
579On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child 680On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
580process if and only if you want to use the event library in the child. If 681process if and only if you want to use the event loop in the child. If
581you just fork+exec, you don't have to call it at all. 682you just fork+exec or create a new loop in the child, you don't have to
683call it at all (in fact, C<epoll> is so badly broken that it makes a
684difference, but libev will usually detect this case on its own and do a
685costly reset of the backend).
582 686
583The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 687The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
584it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 688it just in case after a fork.
585quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
586 689
690Example: Automate calling C<ev_loop_fork> on the default loop when
691using pthreads.
692
693 static void
694 post_fork_child (void)
695 {
696 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
697 }
698
699 ...
587 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 700 pthread_atfork (0, 0, post_fork_child);
588
589=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
590
591Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
592C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
593after fork that you want to re-use in the child, and how you do this is
594entirely your own problem.
595 701
596=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop) 702=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
597 703
598Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false 704Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
599otherwise. 705otherwise.
600 706
601=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop) 707=item unsigned int ev_iteration (loop)
602 708
603Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to 709Returns the current iteration count for the event loop, which is identical
604the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and 710to the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0>
605happily wraps around with enough iterations. 711and happily wraps around with enough iterations.
606 712
607This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it 713This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
608"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with 714"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
609C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls. 715C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls - and is incremented between the
716prepare and check phases.
717
718=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop)
719
720Returns the number of times C<ev_run> was entered minus the number of
721times C<ev_run> was exited normally, in other words, the recursion depth.
722
723Outside C<ev_run>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is
724C<1>, unless C<ev_run> was invoked recursively (or from another thread),
725in which case it is higher.
726
727Leaving C<ev_run> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread,
728throwing an exception etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this
729as a hint to avoid such ungentleman-like behaviour unless it's really
730convenient, in which case it is fully supported.
610 731
611=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 732=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
612 733
613Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 734Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
614use. 735use.
623 744
624=item ev_now_update (loop) 745=item ev_now_update (loop)
625 746
626Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time 747Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
627returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and 748returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
628is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>. 749is usually done automatically within C<ev_run ()>.
629 750
630This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a 751This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
631very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of 752very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
632the current time is a good idea. 753the current time is a good idea.
633 754
634See also "The special problem of time updates" in the C<ev_timer> section. 755See also L<The special problem of time updates> in the C<ev_timer> section.
635 756
757=item ev_suspend (loop)
758
759=item ev_resume (loop)
760
761These two functions suspend and resume an event loop, for use when the
762loop is not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed.
763
764A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When
765the user presses C<^Z> to suspend the game and resumes it an hour later it
766would be best to handle timeouts as if no time had actually passed while
767the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<ev_suspend>
768in your C<SIGTSTP> handler, sending yourself a C<SIGSTOP> and calling
769C<ev_resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing.
770
771Effectively, all C<ev_timer> watchers will be delayed by the time spend
772between C<ev_suspend> and C<ev_resume>, and all C<ev_periodic> watchers
773will be rescheduled (that is, they will lose any events that would have
774occurred while suspended).
775
776After calling C<ev_suspend> you B<must not> call I<any> function on the
777given loop other than C<ev_resume>, and you B<must not> call C<ev_resume>
778without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>.
779
780Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the
781event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>).
782
636=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 783=item ev_run (loop, int flags)
637 784
638Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 785Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
639after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 786after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start
640events. 787handling events. It will ask the operating system for any new events, call
788the watcher callbacks, an then repeat the whole process indefinitely: This
789is why event loops are called I<loops>.
641 790
642If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until 791If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will keep handling events
643either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called. 792until either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_break> was
793called.
644 794
645Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than 795Please note that an explicit C<ev_break> is usually better than
646relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 796relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
647finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program 797finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
648that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue 798that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
649of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of 799of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
650beauty. 800beauty.
651 801
802This function is also I<mostly> exception-safe - you can break out of
803a C<ev_run> call by calling C<longjmp> in a callback, throwing a C++
804exception and so on. This does not decrement the C<ev_depth> value, nor
805will it clear any outstanding C<EVBREAK_ONE> breaks.
806
652A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 807A flags value of C<EVRUN_NOWAIT> will look for new events, will handle
653those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not block your 808those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not wait and
654process in case there are no events and will return after one iteration of 809block your process in case there are no events and will return after one
655the loop. 810iteration of the loop. This is sometimes useful to poll and handle new
811events while doing lengthy calculations, to keep the program responsive.
656 812
657A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 813A flags value of C<EVRUN_ONCE> will look for new events (waiting if
658necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It 814necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
659will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could 815will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could
660be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a 816be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a
661user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one 817user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
662iteration of the loop. 818iteration of the loop.
663 819
664This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction 820This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
665with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your 821with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
666own C<ev_loop>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 822own C<ev_run>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
667usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 823usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
668 824
669Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 825Here are the gory details of what C<ev_run> does:
670 826
827 - Increment loop depth.
828 - Reset the ev_break status.
671 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 829 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
830 LOOP:
672 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork. 831 - If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
673 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers. 832 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
674 - Queue and call all prepare watchers. 833 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
834 - If ev_break was called, goto FINISH.
675 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state 835 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
676 as to not disturb the other process. 836 as to not disturb the other process.
677 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 837 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
678 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()). 838 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
679 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all 839 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
680 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having 840 (active idle watchers, EVRUN_NOWAIT or not having
681 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 841 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
682 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 842 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
843 - Increment loop iteration counter.
683 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 844 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
684 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 845 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
685 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments. 846 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
686 - Queue all expired timers. 847 - Queue all expired timers.
687 - Queue all expired periodics. 848 - Queue all expired periodics.
688 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 849 - Queue all idle watchers with priority higher than that of pending events.
689 - Queue all check watchers. 850 - Queue all check watchers.
690 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 851 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
691 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 852 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
692 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 853 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
693 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 854 - If ev_break has been called, or EVRUN_ONCE or EVRUN_NOWAIT
694 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise 855 were used, or there are no active watchers, goto FINISH, otherwise
695 continue with step *. 856 continue with step LOOP.
857 FINISH:
858 - Reset the ev_break status iff it was EVBREAK_ONE.
859 - Decrement the loop depth.
860 - Return.
696 861
697Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding 862Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
698anymore. 863anymore.
699 864
700 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 865 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
701 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 866 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
702 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 867 ev_run (my_loop, 0);
703 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah! 868 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
704 869
705=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 870=item ev_break (loop, how)
706 871
707Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 872Can be used to make a call to C<ev_run> return early (but only after it
708has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 873has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
709C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 874C<EVBREAK_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_run> call return, or
710C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 875C<EVBREAK_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_run> calls return.
711 876
712This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again. 877This "break state" will be cleared on the next call to C<ev_run>.
713 878
714It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from otuside any C<ev_loop> calls. 879It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls, too, in
880which case it will have no effect.
715 881
716=item ev_ref (loop) 882=item ev_ref (loop)
717 883
718=item ev_unref (loop) 884=item ev_unref (loop)
719 885
720Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 886Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
721loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference 887loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
722count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. 888count is nonzero, C<ev_run> will not return on its own.
723 889
724If you have a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop> 890This is useful when you have a watcher that you never intend to
725from returning, call ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before 891unregister, but that nevertheless should not keep C<ev_run> from
892returning. In such a case, call C<ev_unref> after starting, and C<ev_ref>
726stopping it. 893before stopping it.
727 894
728As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is 895As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It
729not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting 896is not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_run> from
730if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 897exiting if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an
731way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 898excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within
732libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop> 899third-party libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref
733(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before, 900before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active
734respectively). 901before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself
902(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref>
903in the callback).
735 904
736Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 905Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_run>
737running when nothing else is active. 906running when nothing else is active.
738 907
739 ev_signal exitsig; 908 ev_signal exitsig;
740 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 909 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
741 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 910 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
742 evf_unref (loop); 911 ev_unref (loop);
743 912
744Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 913Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
745 914
746 ev_ref (loop); 915 ev_ref (loop);
747 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 916 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
768 937
769By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more 938By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
770time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration, 939time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
771at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and 940at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
772C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will 941C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
773introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. 942introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. The
943sleep time ensures that libev will not poll for I/O events more often then
944once per this interval, on average.
774 945
775Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev 946Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
776to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 947to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
777latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called 948latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
778later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null 949later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null
780 951
781Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect 952Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect
782interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for 953interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
783interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It 954interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
784usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>, 955usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
785as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems. 956as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems. Note that if
957you do transactions with the outside world and you can't increase the
958parallelity, then this setting will limit your transaction rate (if you
959need to poll once per transaction and the I/O collect interval is 0.01,
960then you can't do more than 100 transactions per second).
786 961
787Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for 962Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
788saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that 963saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
789are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of 964are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
790times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to 965times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
791reduce iterations/wake-ups is to use C<ev_periodic> watchers and make sure 966reduce iterations/wake-ups is to use C<ev_periodic> watchers and make sure
792they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only. 967they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.
793 968
969Example: we only need 0.1s timeout granularity, and we wish not to poll
970more often than 100 times per second:
971
972 ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.1);
973 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01);
974
975=item ev_invoke_pending (loop)
976
977This call will simply invoke all pending watchers while resetting their
978pending state. Normally, C<ev_run> does this automatically when required,
979but when overriding the invoke callback this call comes handy. This
980function can be invoked from a watcher - this can be useful for example
981when you want to do some lengthy calculation and want to pass further
982event handling to another thread (you still have to make sure only one
983thread executes within C<ev_invoke_pending> or C<ev_run> of course).
984
985=item int ev_pending_count (loop)
986
987Returns the number of pending watchers - zero indicates that no watchers
988are pending.
989
990=item ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (loop, void (*invoke_pending_cb)(EV_P))
991
992This overrides the invoke pending functionality of the loop: Instead of
993invoking all pending watchers when there are any, C<ev_run> will call
994this callback instead. This is useful, for example, when you want to
995invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.).
996
997If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new
998callback.
999
1000=item ev_set_loop_release_cb (loop, void (*release)(EV_P), void (*acquire)(EV_P))
1001
1002Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This
1003can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around
1004each call to a libev function.
1005
1006However, C<ev_run> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible
1007to wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the event
1008loop via C<ev_break> and C<av_async_send>, another way is to set these
1009I<release> and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop.
1010
1011When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is
1012suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just
1013afterwards.
1014
1015Ideally, C<release> will just call your mutex_unlock function, and
1016C<acquire> will just call the mutex_lock function again.
1017
1018While event loop modifications are allowed between invocations of
1019C<release> and C<acquire> (that's their only purpose after all), no
1020modifications done will affect the event loop, i.e. adding watchers will
1021have no effect on the set of file descriptors being watched, or the time
1022waited. Use an C<ev_async> watcher to wake up C<ev_run> when you want it
1023to take note of any changes you made.
1024
1025In theory, threads executing C<ev_run> will be async-cancel safe between
1026invocations of C<release> and C<acquire>.
1027
1028See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this
1029document.
1030
1031=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data)
1032
1033=item void *ev_userdata (loop)
1034
1035Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When
1036C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns
1037C<0>.
1038
1039These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop,
1040and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and
1041C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for
1042any other purpose as well.
1043
794=item ev_loop_verify (loop) 1044=item ev_verify (loop)
795 1045
796This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been 1046This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
797compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go 1047compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
798through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything 1048through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
799is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard 1049is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
810 1060
811In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the 1061In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the
812watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer 1062watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer
813watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers. 1063watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
814 1064
815A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 1065A watcher is an opaque structure that you allocate and register to record
816interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 1066your interest in some event. To make a concrete example, imagine you want
817become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 1067to wait for STDIN to become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher
1068for that:
818 1069
819 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1070 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
820 { 1071 {
821 ev_io_stop (w); 1072 ev_io_stop (w);
822 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1073 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
823 } 1074 }
824 1075
825 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 1076 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
826 1077
827 ev_io stdin_watcher; 1078 ev_io stdin_watcher;
828 1079
829 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 1080 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
830 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1081 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
831 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 1082 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
832 1083
833 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1084 ev_run (loop, 0);
834 1085
835As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 1086As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
836watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the 1087watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
837stack). 1088stack).
838 1089
839Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE> 1090Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
840or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs). 1091or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
841 1092
842Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 1093Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init (watcher
843(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 1094*, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This callback is
844callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O 1095invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O watchers, each
845watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 1096time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given is readable
846is readable and/or writable). 1097and/or writable).
847 1098
848Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >> 1099Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
849macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There 1100macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
850is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< 1101is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
851ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 1102ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
874=item C<EV_WRITE> 1125=item C<EV_WRITE>
875 1126
876The file descriptor in the C<ev_io> watcher has become readable and/or 1127The file descriptor in the C<ev_io> watcher has become readable and/or
877writable. 1128writable.
878 1129
879=item C<EV_TIMEOUT> 1130=item C<EV_TIMER>
880 1131
881The C<ev_timer> watcher has timed out. 1132The C<ev_timer> watcher has timed out.
882 1133
883=item C<EV_PERIODIC> 1134=item C<EV_PERIODIC>
884 1135
902 1153
903=item C<EV_PREPARE> 1154=item C<EV_PREPARE>
904 1155
905=item C<EV_CHECK> 1156=item C<EV_CHECK>
906 1157
907All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_loop> starts 1158All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_run> starts
908to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after 1159to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after
909C<ev_loop> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any 1160C<ev_run> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any
910received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 1161received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as
911many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account 1162many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account
912(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep 1163(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep
913C<ev_loop> from blocking). 1164C<ev_run> from blocking).
914 1165
915=item C<EV_EMBED> 1166=item C<EV_EMBED>
916 1167
917The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention. 1168The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
918 1169
919=item C<EV_FORK> 1170=item C<EV_FORK>
920 1171
921The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see 1172The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
922C<ev_fork>). 1173C<ev_fork>).
923 1174
1175=item C<EV_CLEANUP>
1176
1177The event loop is about to be destroyed (see C<ev_cleanup>).
1178
924=item C<EV_ASYNC> 1179=item C<EV_ASYNC>
925 1180
926The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 1181The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
1182
1183=item C<EV_CUSTOM>
1184
1185Not ever sent (or otherwise used) by libev itself, but can be freely used
1186by libev users to signal watchers (e.g. via C<ev_feed_event>).
927 1187
928=item C<EV_ERROR> 1188=item C<EV_ERROR>
929 1189
930An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might 1190An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
931happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 1191happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
969 1229
970 ev_io w; 1230 ev_io w;
971 ev_init (&w, my_cb); 1231 ev_init (&w, my_cb);
972 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1232 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
973 1233
974=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args]) 1234=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *watcher, [args])
975 1235
976This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to 1236This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
977call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can 1237call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
978call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this 1238call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this
979macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a 1239macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a
992 1252
993Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step. 1253Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
994 1254
995 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1255 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
996 1256
997=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1257=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
998 1258
999Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 1259Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
1000events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen. 1260events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
1001 1261
1002Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this 1262Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
1003whole section. 1263whole section.
1004 1264
1005 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w); 1265 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
1006 1266
1007=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1267=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1008 1268
1009Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether 1269Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
1010the watcher was active or not). 1270the watcher was active or not).
1011 1271
1012It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example, 1272It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
1037=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 1297=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1038 1298
1039Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 1299Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
1040(modulo threads). 1300(modulo threads).
1041 1301
1042=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority) 1302=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, int priority)
1043 1303
1044=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1304=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1045 1305
1046Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small 1306Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
1047integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI> 1307integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
1048(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked 1308(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
1049before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers 1309before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
1050from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers). 1310from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
1051 1311
1052This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
1053invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
1054example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
1055watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
1056
1057If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending 1312If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
1058you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality. 1313you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
1059 1314
1060You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or 1315You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
1061pending. 1316pending.
1062
1063The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
1064always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
1065 1317
1066Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is 1318Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
1067fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might 1319fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
1068or might not have been clamped to the valid range. 1320or might not have been clamped to the valid range.
1321
1322The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
1323always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
1324
1325See L<WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS>, below, for a more thorough treatment of
1326priorities.
1069 1327
1070=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents) 1328=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1071 1329
1072Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither 1330Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
1073C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback 1331C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
1081watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>. 1339watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
1082 1340
1083Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its 1341Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
1084callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function. 1342callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
1085 1343
1344=item ev_feed_event (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1345
1346Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
1347had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
1348initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). Obviously you must
1349not free the watcher as long as it has pending events.
1350
1351Stopping the watcher, letting libev invoke it, or calling
1352C<ev_clear_pending> will clear the pending event, even if the watcher was
1353not started in the first place.
1354
1355See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
1356functions that do not need a watcher.
1357
1086=back 1358=back
1087
1088 1359
1089=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1360=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
1090 1361
1091Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 1362Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
1092and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used 1363and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
1138 #include <stddef.h> 1409 #include <stddef.h>
1139 1410
1140 static void 1411 static void
1141 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1412 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1142 { 1413 {
1143 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1414 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1144 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1415 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
1145 } 1416 }
1146 1417
1147 static void 1418 static void
1148 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1419 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1149 { 1420 {
1150 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1421 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1151 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1422 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1152 } 1423 }
1424
1425=head2 WATCHER STATES
1426
1427There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual -
1428active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to
1429transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these
1430rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing".
1431
1432=over 4
1433
1434=item initialiased
1435
1436Before a watcher can be registered with the event looop it has to be
1437initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to
1438C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function.
1439
1440In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for use
1441in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at will.
1442
1443=item started/running/active
1444
1445Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes
1446property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in
1447this state it cannot be accessed (except in a few documented ways), moved,
1448freed or anything else - the only legal thing is to keep a pointer to it,
1449and call libev functions on it that are documented to work on active watchers.
1450
1451=item pending
1452
1453If a watcher is active and libev determines that an event it is interested
1454in has occurred (such as a timer expiring), it will become pending. It will
1455stay in this pending state until either it is stopped or its callback is
1456about to be invoked, so it is not normally pending inside the watcher
1457callback.
1458
1459The watcher might or might not be active while it is pending (for example,
1460an expired non-repeating timer can be pending but no longer active). If it
1461is stopped, it can be freely accessed (e.g. by calling C<ev_TYPE_set>),
1462but it is still property of the event loop at this time, so cannot be
1463moved, freed or reused. And if it is active the rules described in the
1464previous item still apply.
1465
1466It is also possible to feed an event on a watcher that is not active (e.g.
1467via C<ev_feed_event>), in which case it becomes pending without being
1468active.
1469
1470=item stopped
1471
1472A watcher can be stopped implicitly by libev (in which case it might still
1473be pending), or explicitly by calling its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. The
1474latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless
1475of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before
1476freeing it is often a good idea.
1477
1478While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the
1479initialised state, that is it can be reused, moved, modified in any way
1480you wish.
1481
1482=back
1483
1484=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS
1485
1486Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small
1487integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation
1488between watchers in some way, all else being equal.
1489
1490In libev, Watcher priorities can be set using C<ev_set_priority>. See its
1491description for the more technical details such as the actual priority
1492range.
1493
1494There are two common ways how these these priorities are being interpreted
1495by event loops:
1496
1497In the more common lock-out model, higher priorities "lock out" invocation
1498of lower priority watchers, which means as long as higher priority
1499watchers receive events, lower priority watchers are not being invoked.
1500
1501The less common only-for-ordering model uses priorities solely to order
1502callback invocation within a single event loop iteration: Higher priority
1503watchers are invoked before lower priority ones, but they all get invoked
1504before polling for new events.
1505
1506Libev uses the second (only-for-ordering) model for all its watchers
1507except for idle watchers (which use the lock-out model).
1508
1509The rationale behind this is that implementing the lock-out model for
1510watchers is not well supported by most kernel interfaces, and most event
1511libraries will just poll for the same events again and again as long as
1512their callbacks have not been executed, which is very inefficient in the
1513common case of one high-priority watcher locking out a mass of lower
1514priority ones.
1515
1516Static (ordering) priorities are most useful when you have two or more
1517watchers handling the same resource: a typical usage example is having an
1518C<ev_io> watcher to receive data, and an associated C<ev_timer> to handle
1519timeouts. Under load, data might be received while the program handles
1520other jobs, but since timers normally get invoked first, the timeout
1521handler will be executed before checking for data. In that case, giving
1522the timer a lower priority than the I/O watcher ensures that I/O will be
1523handled first even under adverse conditions (which is usually, but not
1524always, what you want).
1525
1526Since idle watchers use the "lock-out" model, meaning that idle watchers
1527will only be executed when no same or higher priority watchers have
1528received events, they can be used to implement the "lock-out" model when
1529required.
1530
1531For example, to emulate how many other event libraries handle priorities,
1532you can associate an C<ev_idle> watcher to each such watcher, and in
1533the normal watcher callback, you just start the idle watcher. The real
1534processing is done in the idle watcher callback. This causes libev to
1535continuously poll and process kernel event data for the watcher, but when
1536the lock-out case is known to be rare (which in turn is rare :), this is
1537workable.
1538
1539Usually, however, the lock-out model implemented that way will perform
1540miserably under the type of load it was designed to handle. In that case,
1541it might be preferable to stop the real watcher before starting the
1542idle watcher, so the kernel will not have to process the event in case
1543the actual processing will be delayed for considerable time.
1544
1545Here is an example of an I/O watcher that should run at a strictly lower
1546priority than the default, and which should only process data when no
1547other events are pending:
1548
1549 ev_idle idle; // actual processing watcher
1550 ev_io io; // actual event watcher
1551
1552 static void
1553 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1554 {
1555 // stop the I/O watcher, we received the event, but
1556 // are not yet ready to handle it.
1557 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
1558
1559 // start the idle watcher to handle the actual event.
1560 // it will not be executed as long as other watchers
1561 // with the default priority are receiving events.
1562 ev_idle_start (EV_A_ &idle);
1563 }
1564
1565 static void
1566 idle_cb (EV_P_ ev_idle *w, int revents)
1567 {
1568 // actual processing
1569 read (STDIN_FILENO, ...);
1570
1571 // have to start the I/O watcher again, as
1572 // we have handled the event
1573 ev_io_start (EV_P_ &io);
1574 }
1575
1576 // initialisation
1577 ev_idle_init (&idle, idle_cb);
1578 ev_io_init (&io, io_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1579 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &io);
1580
1581In the "real" world, it might also be beneficial to start a timer, so that
1582low-priority connections can not be locked out forever under load. This
1583enables your program to keep a lower latency for important connections
1584during short periods of high load, while not completely locking out less
1585important ones.
1153 1586
1154 1587
1155=head1 WATCHER TYPES 1588=head1 WATCHER TYPES
1156 1589
1157This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 1590This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
1183descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1616descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
1184required if you know what you are doing). 1617required if you know what you are doing).
1185 1618
1186If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a 1619If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a
1187known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only 1620known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
1188C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1621C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). The same applies to file
1622descriptors for which non-blocking operation makes no sense (such as
1623files) - libev doesn't guarantee any specific behaviour in that case.
1189 1624
1190Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1625Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1191receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might 1626receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1192be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1627be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
1193because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1628because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
1258 1693
1259So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you 1694So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1260ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon 1695ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1261somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue). 1696somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1262 1697
1698=head3 The special problem of accept()ing when you can't
1699
1700Many implementations of the POSIX C<accept> function (for example,
1701found in post-2004 Linux) have the peculiar behaviour of not removing a
1702connection from the pending queue in all error cases.
1703
1704For example, larger servers often run out of file descriptors (because
1705of resource limits), causing C<accept> to fail with C<ENFILE> but not
1706rejecting the connection, leading to libev signalling readiness on
1707the next iteration again (the connection still exists after all), and
1708typically causing the program to loop at 100% CPU usage.
1709
1710Unfortunately, the set of errors that cause this issue differs between
1711operating systems, there is usually little the app can do to remedy the
1712situation, and no known thread-safe method of removing the connection to
1713cope with overload is known (to me).
1714
1715One of the easiest ways to handle this situation is to just ignore it
1716- when the program encounters an overload, it will just loop until the
1717situation is over. While this is a form of busy waiting, no OS offers an
1718event-based way to handle this situation, so it's the best one can do.
1719
1720A better way to handle the situation is to log any errors other than
1721C<EAGAIN> and C<EWOULDBLOCK>, making sure not to flood the log with such
1722messages, and continue as usual, which at least gives the user an idea of
1723what could be wrong ("raise the ulimit!"). For extra points one could stop
1724the C<ev_io> watcher on the listening fd "for a while", which reduces CPU
1725usage.
1726
1727If your program is single-threaded, then you could also keep a dummy file
1728descriptor for overload situations (e.g. by opening F</dev/null>), and
1729when you run into C<ENFILE> or C<EMFILE>, close it, run C<accept>,
1730close that fd, and create a new dummy fd. This will gracefully refuse
1731clients under typical overload conditions.
1732
1733The last way to handle it is to simply log the error and C<exit>, as
1734is often done with C<malloc> failures, but this results in an easy
1735opportunity for a DoS attack.
1263 1736
1264=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions 1737=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1265 1738
1266=over 4 1739=over 4
1267 1740
1299 ... 1772 ...
1300 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1773 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1301 ev_io stdin_readable; 1774 ev_io stdin_readable;
1302 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1775 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1303 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1776 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1304 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1777 ev_run (loop, 0);
1305 1778
1306 1779
1307=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1780=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1308 1781
1309Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1782Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1314year, it will still time out after (roughly) one hour. "Roughly" because 1787year, it will still time out after (roughly) one hour. "Roughly" because
1315detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1788detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1316monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1789monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1317 1790
1318The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has 1791The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1319passed, but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration 1792passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this
1320then order of execution is undefined. 1793might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the
1794same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked
1795before ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is
1796no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1321 1797
1322=head3 Be smart about timeouts 1798=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1323 1799
1324Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error 1800Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1325recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs, 1801recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1369C<after> argument to C<ev_timer_set>, and only ever use the C<repeat> 1845C<after> argument to C<ev_timer_set>, and only ever use the C<repeat>
1370member and C<ev_timer_again>. 1846member and C<ev_timer_again>.
1371 1847
1372At start: 1848At start:
1373 1849
1374 ev_timer_init (timer, callback); 1850 ev_init (timer, callback);
1375 timer->repeat = 60.; 1851 timer->repeat = 60.;
1376 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1852 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1377 1853
1378Each time there is some activity: 1854Each time there is some activity:
1379 1855
1411 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.; 1887 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.;
1412 1888
1413 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out 1889 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out
1414 if (timeout < now) 1890 if (timeout < now)
1415 { 1891 {
1416 // timeout occured, take action 1892 // timeout occurred, take action
1417 } 1893 }
1418 else 1894 else
1419 { 1895 {
1420 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm 1896 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm
1421 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is 1897 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is
1422 // guaranteed to be in the future, so "again" is positive: 1898 // guaranteed to be in the future, so "again" is positive:
1423 w->again = timeout - now; 1899 w->repeat = timeout - now;
1424 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ w); 1900 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ w);
1425 } 1901 }
1426 } 1902 }
1427 1903
1428To summarise the callback: first calculate the real timeout (defined 1904To summarise the callback: first calculate the real timeout (defined
1441 1917
1442To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity> 1918To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity>
1443to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the 1919to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the
1444callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer: 1920callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer:
1445 1921
1446 ev_timer_init (timer, callback); 1922 ev_init (timer, callback);
1447 last_activity = ev_now (loop); 1923 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1448 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMEOUT); 1924 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMER);
1449 1925
1450And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in 1926And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1451C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all: 1927C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1452 1928
1453 last_actiivty = ev_now (loop); 1929 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1454 1930
1455This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the 1931This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1456time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient. 1932time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1457 1933
1458Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the 1934Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1496 1972
1497=head3 The special problem of time updates 1973=head3 The special problem of time updates
1498 1974
1499Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at 1975Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1500least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current 1976least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1501time only before and after C<ev_loop> collects new events, which causes a 1977time only before and after C<ev_run> collects new events, which causes a
1502growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling 1978growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1503lots of events in one iteration. 1979lots of events in one iteration.
1504 1980
1505The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1981The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1506time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1982time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1512 1988
1513If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an 1989If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
1514update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update 1990update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
1515()>. 1991()>.
1516 1992
1993=head3 The special problems of suspended animation
1994
1995When you leave the server world it is quite customary to hit machines that
1996can suspend/hibernate - what happens to the clocks during such a suspend?
1997
1998Some quick tests made with a Linux 2.6.28 indicate that a suspend freezes
1999all processes, while the clocks (C<times>, C<CLOCK_MONOTONIC>) continue
2000to run until the system is suspended, but they will not advance while the
2001system is suspended. That means, on resume, it will be as if the program
2002was frozen for a few seconds, but the suspend time will not be counted
2003towards C<ev_timer> when a monotonic clock source is used. The real time
2004clock advanced as expected, but if it is used as sole clocksource, then a
2005long suspend would be detected as a time jump by libev, and timers would
2006be adjusted accordingly.
2007
2008I would not be surprised to see different behaviour in different between
2009operating systems, OS versions or even different hardware.
2010
2011The other form of suspend (job control, or sending a SIGSTOP) will see a
2012time jump in the monotonic clocks and the realtime clock. If the program
2013is suspended for a very long time, and monotonic clock sources are in use,
2014then you can expect C<ev_timer>s to expire as the full suspension time
2015will be counted towards the timers. When no monotonic clock source is in
2016use, then libev will again assume a timejump and adjust accordingly.
2017
2018It might be beneficial for this latter case to call C<ev_suspend>
2019and C<ev_resume> in code that handles C<SIGTSTP>, to at least get
2020deterministic behaviour in this case (you can do nothing against
2021C<SIGSTOP>).
2022
1517=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2023=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1518 2024
1519=over 4 2025=over 4
1520 2026
1521=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 2027=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1544If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 2050If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1545 2051
1546If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 2052If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1547C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 2053C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1548 2054
1549This sounds a bit complicated, see "Be smart about timeouts", above, for a 2055This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a
1550usage example. 2056usage example.
2057
2058=item ev_tstamp ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *)
2059
2060Returns the remaining time until a timer fires. If the timer is active,
2061then this time is relative to the current event loop time, otherwise it's
2062the timeout value currently configured.
2063
2064That is, after an C<ev_timer_set (w, 5, 7)>, C<ev_timer_remaining> returns
2065C<5>. When the timer is started and one second passes, C<ev_timer_remaining>
2066will return C<4>. When the timer expires and is restarted, it will return
2067roughly C<7> (likely slightly less as callback invocation takes some time,
2068too), and so on.
1551 2069
1552=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 2070=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1553 2071
1554The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 2072The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1555or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any), 2073or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any),
1581 } 2099 }
1582 2100
1583 ev_timer mytimer; 2101 ev_timer mytimer;
1584 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 2102 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1585 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 2103 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1586 ev_loop (loop, 0); 2104 ev_run (loop, 0);
1587 2105
1588 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 2106 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1589 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 2107 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1590 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 2108 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1591 2109
1593=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron? 2111=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
1594 2112
1595Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 2113Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
1596(and unfortunately a bit complex). 2114(and unfortunately a bit complex).
1597 2115
1598Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 2116Unlike C<ev_timer>, periodic watchers are not based on real time (or
1599but on wall clock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 2117relative time, the physical time that passes) but on wall clock time
1600to trigger after some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 2118(absolute time, the thing you can read on your calender or clock). The
1601periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifying e.g. C<ev_now () 2119difference is that wall clock time can run faster or slower than real
1602+ 10.>, that is, an absolute time not a delay) and then reset your system 2120time, and time jumps are not uncommon (e.g. when you adjust your
1603clock to January of the previous year, then it will take more than year 2121wrist-watch).
1604to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger
1605roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout).
1606 2122
2123You can tell a periodic watcher to trigger after some specific point
2124in time: for example, if you tell a periodic watcher to trigger "in 10
2125seconds" (by specifying e.g. C<ev_now () + 10.>, that is, an absolute time
2126not a delay) and then reset your system clock to January of the previous
2127year, then it will take a year or more to trigger the event (unlike an
2128C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger roughly 10 seconds after starting
2129it, as it uses a relative timeout).
2130
1607C<ev_periodic>s can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, 2131C<ev_periodic> watchers can also be used to implement vastly more complex
1608such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or other 2132timers, such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or
1609complicated rules. 2133other complicated rules. This cannot be done with C<ev_timer> watchers, as
2134those cannot react to time jumps.
1610 2135
1611As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the 2136As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1612time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 2137point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple
1613during the same loop iteration, then order of execution is undefined. 2138timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with
2139earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values
2140(but this is no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1614 2141
1615=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2142=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1616 2143
1617=over 4 2144=over 4
1618 2145
1619=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 2146=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp offset, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1620 2147
1621=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 2148=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp offset, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1622 2149
1623Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 2150Lots of arguments, let's sort it out... There are basically three modes of
1624operation, and we will explain them from simplest to most complex: 2151operation, and we will explain them from simplest to most complex:
1625 2152
1626=over 4 2153=over 4
1627 2154
1628=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 2155=item * absolute timer (offset = absolute time, interval = 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1629 2156
1630In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock 2157In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock
1631time C<at> has passed. It will not repeat and will not adjust when a time 2158time C<offset> has passed. It will not repeat and will not adjust when a
1632jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will 2159time jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it
1633only run when the system clock reaches or surpasses this time. 2160will be stopped and invoked when the system clock reaches or surpasses
2161this point in time.
1634 2162
1635=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 2163=item * repeating interval timer (offset = offset within interval, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1636 2164
1637In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 2165In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1638C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative) 2166C<offset + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be
1639and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. 2167negative) and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. The C<offset>
2168argument is merely an offset into the C<interval> periods.
1640 2169
1641This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to the 2170This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to the
1642system clock, for example, here is a C<ev_periodic> that triggers each 2171system clock, for example, here is an C<ev_periodic> that triggers each
1643hour, on the hour: 2172hour, on the hour (with respect to UTC):
1644 2173
1645 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 2174 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1646 2175
1647This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers, 2176This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers,
1648but only that the callback will be called when the system time shows a 2177but only that the callback will be called when the system time shows a
1649full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible 2178full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
1650by 3600. 2179by 3600.
1651 2180
1652Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 2181Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1653C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 2182C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1654time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 2183time where C<time = offset (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1655 2184
1656For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near 2185For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<offset> value is near
1657C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for 2186C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1658this value, and in fact is often specified as zero. 2187this value, and in fact is often specified as zero.
1659 2188
1660Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU 2189Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
1661speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability 2190speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
1662will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one 2191will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
1663millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough). 2192millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
1664 2193
1665=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback) 2194=item * manual reschedule mode (offset ignored, interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1666 2195
1667In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 2196In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<offset> are both being
1668ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 2197ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1669reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 2198reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1670current time as second argument. 2199current time as second argument.
1671 2200
1672NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 2201NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, ever,
1673ever, or make ANY event loop modifications whatsoever>. 2202or make ANY other event loop modifications whatsoever, unless explicitly
2203allowed by documentation here>.
1674 2204
1675If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop 2205If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop
1676it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the 2206it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the
1677only event loop modification you are allowed to do). 2207only event loop modification you are allowed to do).
1678 2208
1708a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 2238a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1709program when the crontabs have changed). 2239program when the crontabs have changed).
1710 2240
1711=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *) 2241=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *)
1712 2242
1713When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to 2243When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed
1714trigger next. 2244to trigger next. This is not the same as the C<offset> argument to
2245C<ev_periodic_set>, but indeed works even in interval and manual
2246rescheduling modes.
1715 2247
1716=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write] 2248=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1717 2249
1718When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the 2250When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1719absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>). 2251absolute point in time (the C<offset> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>,
2252although libev might modify this value for better numerical stability).
1720 2253
1721Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic 2254Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1722timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 2255timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1723 2256
1724=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 2257=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1740Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 2273Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1741system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 2274system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1742potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability. 2275potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1743 2276
1744 static void 2277 static void
1745 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2278 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_periodic *w, int revents)
1746 { 2279 {
1747 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 2280 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1748 } 2281 }
1749 2282
1750 ev_periodic hourly_tick; 2283 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1773 2306
1774=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 2307=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
1775 2308
1776Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 2309Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1777signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 2310signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
1778will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 2311will try its best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
1779normal event processing, like any other event. 2312normal event processing, like any other event.
1780 2313
1781If you want signals asynchronously, just use C<sigaction> as you would 2314If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use
1782do without libev and forget about sharing the signal. You can even use 2315C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing
1783C<ev_async> from a signal handler to synchronously wake up an event loop. 2316the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to
2317synchronously wake up an event loop.
1784 2318
1785You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the 2319You can configure as many watchers as you like for the same signal, but
2320only within the same loop, i.e. you can watch for C<SIGINT> in your
2321default loop and for C<SIGIO> in another loop, but you cannot watch for
2322C<SIGINT> in both the default loop and another loop at the same time. At
2323the moment, C<SIGCHLD> is permanently tied to the default loop.
2324
1786first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal handler 2325When the first watcher gets started will libev actually register something
1787with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as 2326with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as
1788you don't register any with libev for the same signal). Similarly, when 2327you don't register any with libev for the same signal).
1789the last signal watcher for a signal is stopped, libev will reset the
1790signal handler to SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1791 2328
1792If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with 2329If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1793C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly 2330C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should
1794interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by 2331not be unduly interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting
1795signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock 2332interrupted by signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher
1796them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher. 2333and unblock them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
2334
2335=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create
2336
2337Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition
2338(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after
2339stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal,
2340and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler.
2341
2342While this does not matter for the signal disposition (libev never
2343sets signals to C<SIG_IGN>, so handlers will be reset to C<SIG_DFL> on
2344C<execve>), this matters for the signal mask: many programs do not expect
2345certain signals to be blocked.
2346
2347This means that before calling C<exec> (from the child) you should reset
2348the signal mask to whatever "default" you expect (all clear is a good
2349choice usually).
2350
2351The simplest way to ensure that the signal mask is reset in the child is
2352to install a fork handler with C<pthread_atfork> that resets it. That will
2353catch fork calls done by libraries (such as the libc) as well.
2354
2355In current versions of libev, the signal will not be blocked indefinitely
2356unless you use the C<signalfd> API (C<EV_SIGNALFD>). While this reduces
2357the window of opportunity for problems, it will not go away, as libev
2358I<has> to modify the signal mask, at least temporarily.
2359
2360So I can't stress this enough: I<If you do not reset your signal mask when
2361you expect it to be empty, you have a race condition in your code>. This
2362is not a libev-specific thing, this is true for most event libraries.
2363
2364=head3 The special problem of threads signal handling
2365
2366POSIX threads has problematic signal handling semantics, specifically,
2367a lot of functionality (sigfd, sigwait etc.) only really works if all
2368threads in a process block signals, which is hard to achieve.
2369
2370When you want to use sigwait (or mix libev signal handling with your own
2371for the same signals), you can tackle this problem by globally blocking
2372all signals before creating any threads (or creating them with a fully set
2373sigprocmask) and also specifying the C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK> when creating
2374loops. Then designate one thread as "signal receiver thread" which handles
2375these signals. You can pass on any signals that libev might be interested
2376in by calling C<ev_feed_signal>.
1797 2377
1798=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2378=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1799 2379
1800=over 4 2380=over 4
1801 2381
1817Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT. 2397Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
1818 2398
1819 static void 2399 static void
1820 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents) 2400 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
1821 { 2401 {
1822 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 2402 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
1823 } 2403 }
1824 2404
1825 ev_signal signal_watcher; 2405 ev_signal signal_watcher;
1826 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 2406 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1827 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher); 2407 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
1833some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies or 2413some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies or
1834exits). It is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child 2414exits). It is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child
1835has been forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long 2415has been forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long
1836as the event loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher), i.e., 2416as the event loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher), i.e.,
1837forking and then immediately registering a watcher for the child is fine, 2417forking and then immediately registering a watcher for the child is fine,
1838but forking and registering a watcher a few event loop iterations later is 2418but forking and registering a watcher a few event loop iterations later or
1839not. 2419in the next callback invocation is not.
1840 2420
1841Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore 2421Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
1842you can only register child watchers in the default event loop. 2422you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
1843 2423
2424Due to some design glitches inside libev, child watchers will always be
2425handled at maximum priority (their priority is set to C<EV_MAXPRI> by
2426libev)
2427
1844=head3 Process Interaction 2428=head3 Process Interaction
1845 2429
1846Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is 2430Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
1847initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if 2431initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if the
1848the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence 2432first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
1849of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done 2433of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
1850synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all 2434synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
1851children, even ones not watched. 2435children, even ones not watched.
1852 2436
1853=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing 2437=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
1863=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher 2447=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
1864 2448
1865Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the 2449Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
1866child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the 2450child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
1867callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically 2451callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
1868when a child exit is detected. 2452when a child exit is detected (calling C<ev_child_stop> twice is not a
2453problem).
1869 2454
1870=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2455=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1871 2456
1872=over 4 2457=over 4
1873 2458
2009the process. The exception are C<ev_stat> watchers - those call C<stat 2594the process. The exception are C<ev_stat> watchers - those call C<stat
2010()>, which is a synchronous operation. 2595()>, which is a synchronous operation.
2011 2596
2012For local paths, this usually doesn't matter: unless the system is very 2597For local paths, this usually doesn't matter: unless the system is very
2013busy or the intervals between stat's are large, a stat call will be fast, 2598busy or the intervals between stat's are large, a stat call will be fast,
2014as the path data is suually in memory already (except when starting the 2599as the path data is usually in memory already (except when starting the
2015watcher). 2600watcher).
2016 2601
2017For networked file systems, calling C<stat ()> can block an indefinite 2602For networked file systems, calling C<stat ()> can block an indefinite
2018time due to network issues, and even under good conditions, a stat call 2603time due to network issues, and even under good conditions, a stat call
2019often takes multiple milliseconds. 2604often takes multiple milliseconds.
2176 2761
2177=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2762=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2178 2763
2179=over 4 2764=over 4
2180 2765
2181=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 2766=item ev_idle_init (ev_idle *, callback)
2182 2767
2183Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any 2768Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any
2184kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 2769kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2185believe me. 2770believe me.
2186 2771
2199 // no longer anything immediate to do. 2784 // no longer anything immediate to do.
2200 } 2785 }
2201 2786
2202 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle)); 2787 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle));
2203 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 2788 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
2204 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 2789 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_watcher);
2205 2790
2206 2791
2207=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 2792=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
2208 2793
2209Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs: 2794Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
2210prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2795prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
2211afterwards. 2796afterwards.
2212 2797
2213You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter 2798You I<must not> call C<ev_run> or similar functions that enter
2214the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 2799the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
2215watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The 2800watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The
2216rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in 2801rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in
2217those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking, 2802those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,
2218C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be 2803C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
2302 struct pollfd fds [nfd]; 2887 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
2303 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 2888 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
2304 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 2889 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
2305 2890
2306 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 2891 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
2307 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 2892 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3, 0.);
2308 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 2893 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
2309 2894
2310 // create one ev_io per pollfd 2895 // create one ev_io per pollfd
2311 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2896 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
2312 { 2897 {
2386 2971
2387 if (timeout >= 0) 2972 if (timeout >= 0)
2388 // create/start timer 2973 // create/start timer
2389 2974
2390 // poll 2975 // poll
2391 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2976 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
2392 2977
2393 // stop timer again 2978 // stop timer again
2394 if (timeout >= 0) 2979 if (timeout >= 0)
2395 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2980 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
2396 2981
2425some fds have to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency), 3010some fds have to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency),
2426and even priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In 3011and even priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In
2427this case you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all 3012this case you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all
2428the rest in a second one, and embed the second one in the first. 3013the rest in a second one, and embed the second one in the first.
2429 3014
2430As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every time 3015As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every
2431there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback must then 3016time there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback
2432call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single sweep and invoke 3017must then call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single
2433their callbacks (you could also start an idle watcher to give the embedded 3018sweep and invoke their callbacks (the callback doesn't need to invoke the
2434loop strictly lower priority for example). You can also set the callback 3019C<ev_embed_sweep> function directly, it could also start an idle watcher
2435to C<0>, in which case the embed watcher will automatically execute the 3020to give the embedded loop strictly lower priority for example).
2436embedded loop sweep.
2437 3021
2438As long as the watcher is started it will automatically handle events. The 3022You can also set the callback to C<0>, in which case the embed watcher
2439callback will be invoked whenever some events have been handled. You can 3023will automatically execute the embedded loop sweep whenever necessary.
2440set the callback to C<0> to avoid having to specify one if you are not
2441interested in that.
2442 3024
2443Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking: 3025Fork detection will be handled transparently while the C<ev_embed> watcher
2444when you fork, you not only have to call C<ev_loop_fork> on both loops, 3026is active, i.e., the embedded loop will automatically be forked when the
2445but you will also have to stop and restart any C<ev_embed> watchers 3027embedding loop forks. In other cases, the user is responsible for calling
2446yourself - but you can use a fork watcher to handle this automatically, 3028C<ev_loop_fork> on the embedded loop.
2447and future versions of libev might do just that.
2448 3029
2449Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable: only the ones returned by 3030Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable: only the ones returned by
2450C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any 3031C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any
2451portable one. 3032portable one.
2452 3033
2478if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 3059if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
2479 3060
2480=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 3061=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2481 3062
2482Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 3063Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2483similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 3064similarly to C<ev_run (embedded_loop, EVRUN_NOWAIT)>, but in the most
2484appropriate way for embedded loops. 3065appropriate way for embedded loops.
2485 3066
2486=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 3067=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2487 3068
2488The embedded event loop. 3069The embedded event loop.
2546event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 3127event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
2547and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling 3128and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
2548C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 3129C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
2549handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 3130handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
2550 3131
3132=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible?
3133
3134Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to set
3135up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This
3136sequence should be handled by libev without any problems.
3137
3138This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling
3139in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the
3140fork.
3141
3142The default mode of operation (for libev, with application help to detect
3143forks) is to duplicate all the state in the child, as would be expected
3144when I<either> the parent I<or> the child process continues.
3145
3146When both processes want to continue using libev, then this is usually the
3147wrong result. In that case, usually one process (typically the parent) is
3148supposed to continue with all watchers in place as before, while the other
3149process typically wants to start fresh, i.e. without any active watchers.
3150
3151The cleanest and most efficient way to achieve that with libev is to
3152simply create a new event loop, which of course will be "empty", and
3153use that for new watchers. This has the advantage of not touching more
3154memory than necessary, and thus avoiding the copy-on-write, and the
3155disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support
3156signal watchers).
3157
3158When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for
3159other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call
3160C<ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT)> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>.
3161Destroying the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered
3162watchers, so you have to be careful not to execute code that modifies
3163those watchers. Note also that in that case, you have to re-register any
3164signal watchers.
3165
2551=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 3166=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2552 3167
2553=over 4 3168=over 4
2554 3169
2555=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 3170=item ev_fork_init (ev_fork *, callback)
2556 3171
2557Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 3172Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
2558kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 3173kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2559believe me. 3174really.
2560 3175
2561=back 3176=back
2562 3177
2563 3178
3179=head2 C<ev_cleanup> - even the best things end
3180
3181Cleanup watchers are called just before the event loop is being destroyed
3182by a call to C<ev_loop_destroy>.
3183
3184While there is no guarantee that the event loop gets destroyed, cleanup
3185watchers provide a convenient method to install cleanup hooks for your
3186program, worker threads and so on - you just to make sure to destroy the
3187loop when you want them to be invoked.
3188
3189Cleanup watchers are invoked in the same way as any other watcher. Unlike
3190all other watchers, they do not keep a reference to the event loop (which
3191makes a lot of sense if you think about it). Like all other watchers, you
3192can call libev functions in the callback, except C<ev_cleanup_start>.
3193
3194=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
3195
3196=over 4
3197
3198=item ev_cleanup_init (ev_cleanup *, callback)
3199
3200Initialises and configures the cleanup watcher - it has no parameters of
3201any kind. There is a C<ev_cleanup_set> macro, but using it is utterly
3202pointless, I assure you.
3203
3204=back
3205
3206Example: Register an atexit handler to destroy the default loop, so any
3207cleanup functions are called.
3208
3209 static void
3210 program_exits (void)
3211 {
3212 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
3213 }
3214
3215 ...
3216 atexit (program_exits);
3217
3218
2564=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up another event loop 3219=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop
2565 3220
2566In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other 3221In general, you cannot use an C<ev_run> from multiple threads or other
2567asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event 3222asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
2568loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads). 3223loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
2569 3224
2570Sometimes, however, you need to wake up another event loop you do not 3225Sometimes, however, you need to wake up an event loop you do not control,
2571control, for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what 3226for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what C<ev_async>
2572C<ev_async> watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you 3227watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you can signal
2573can signal it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal 3228it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe.
2574safe.
2575 3229
2576This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals, 3230This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
2577too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed 3231too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
2578(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of 3232(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
2579C<ev_async_sent> calls). 3233C<ev_async_sent> calls). In fact, you could use signal watchers as a kind
3234of "global async watchers" by using a watcher on an otherwise unused
3235signal, and C<ev_feed_signal> to signal this watcher from another thread,
3236even without knowing which loop owns the signal.
2580 3237
2581Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not 3238Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not
2582just the default loop. 3239just the default loop.
2583 3240
2584=head3 Queueing 3241=head3 Queueing
2585 3242
2586C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason 3243C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
2587is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a 3244is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
2588multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't 3245multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2589need elaborate support such as pthreads. 3246need elaborate support such as pthreads or unportable memory access
3247semantics.
2590 3248
2591That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own 3249That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own
2592queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your 3250queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your
2593queue: 3251queue:
2594 3252
2683an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike 3341an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike
2684C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or 3342C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or
2685similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding 3343similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2686section below on what exactly this means). 3344section below on what exactly this means).
2687 3345
3346Note that, as with other watchers in libev, multiple events might get
3347compressed into a single callback invocation (another way to look at this
3348is that C<ev_async> watchers are level-triggered, set on C<ev_async_send>,
3349reset when the event loop detects that).
3350
2688This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per loop iteration, 3351This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per event loop
2689so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to repeated 3352iteration, so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to
2690calls to C<ev_async_send>. 3353repeated calls to C<ev_async_send> for the same event loop.
2691 3354
2692=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *) 3355=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
2693 3356
2694Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the 3357Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
2695watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the 3358watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
2698C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When 3361C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When
2699the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active, 3362the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active,
2700it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very 3363it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very
2701quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea. 3364quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
2702 3365
2703Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending, only 3366Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending,
2704whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending. 3367only whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending: there
3368is a time window between the event loop checking and resetting the async
3369notification, and the callback being invoked.
2705 3370
2706=back 3371=back
2707 3372
2708 3373
2709=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 3374=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
2726 3391
2727If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 3392If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
2728started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 3393started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
2729repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout. 3394repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout.
2730 3395
2731The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 3396The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and is
2732passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 3397passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
2733C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg> 3398C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMER>) and the C<arg>
2734value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both> 3399value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both>
2735a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io 3400a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io
2736events precedence. 3401events precedence.
2737 3402
2738Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO. 3403Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO.
2739 3404
2740 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 3405 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2741 { 3406 {
2742 if (revents & EV_READ) 3407 if (revents & EV_READ)
2743 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 3408 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2744 else if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 3409 else if (revents & EV_TIMER)
2745 /* doh, nothing entered */; 3410 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2746 } 3411 }
2747 3412
2748 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 3413 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2749 3414
2750=item ev_feed_event (struct ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2751
2752Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
2753had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
2754initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).
2755
2756=item ev_feed_fd_event (struct ev_loop *, int fd, int revents) 3415=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents)
2757 3416
2758Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 3417Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2759the given events it. 3418the given events it.
2760 3419
2761=item ev_feed_signal_event (struct ev_loop *loop, int signum) 3420=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum)
2762 3421
2763Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default 3422Feed an event as if the given signal occurred. See also C<ev_feed_signal>,
2764loop!). 3423which is async-safe.
3424
3425=back
3426
3427
3428=head1 COMMON OR USEFUL IDIOMS (OR BOTH)
3429
3430This section explains some common idioms that are not immediately
3431obvious. Note that examples are sprinkled over the whole manual, and this
3432section only contains stuff that wouldn't fit anywhere else.
3433
3434=over 4
3435
3436=item Model/nested event loop invocations and exit conditions.
3437
3438Often (especially in GUI toolkits) there are places where you have
3439I<modal> interaction, which is most easily implemented by recursively
3440invoking C<ev_run>.
3441
3442This brings the problem of exiting - a callback might want to finish the
3443main C<ev_run> call, but not the nested one (e.g. user clicked "Quit", but
3444a modal "Are you sure?" dialog is still waiting), or just the nested one
3445and not the main one (e.g. user clocked "Ok" in a modal dialog), or some
3446other combination: In these cases, C<ev_break> will not work alone.
3447
3448The solution is to maintain "break this loop" variable for each C<ev_run>
3449invocation, and use a loop around C<ev_run> until the condition is
3450triggered, using C<EVRUN_ONCE>:
3451
3452 // main loop
3453 int exit_main_loop = 0;
3454
3455 while (!exit_main_loop)
3456 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3457
3458 // in a model watcher
3459 int exit_nested_loop = 0;
3460
3461 while (!exit_nested_loop)
3462 ev_run (EV_A_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3463
3464To exit from any of these loops, just set the corresponding exit variable:
3465
3466 // exit modal loop
3467 exit_nested_loop = 1;
3468
3469 // exit main program, after modal loop is finished
3470 exit_main_loop = 1;
3471
3472 // exit both
3473 exit_main_loop = exit_nested_loop = 1;
2765 3474
2766=back 3475=back
2767 3476
2768 3477
2769=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION 3478=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION
2770 3479
2771Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot 3480Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot
2772emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints: 3481emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints:
2773 3482
2774=over 4 3483=over 4
3484
3485=item * Only the libevent-1.4.1-beta API is being emulated.
3486
3487This was the newest libevent version available when libev was implemented,
3488and is still mostly unchanged in 2010.
2775 3489
2776=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual. 3490=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual.
2777 3491
2778=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback, 3492=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback,
2779ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events. 3493ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events.
2785=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 3499=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
2786will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 3500will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
2787is an ev_pri field. 3501is an ev_pri field.
2788 3502
2789=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the 3503=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
2790first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals. 3504base that registered the signal gets the signals.
2791 3505
2792=item * Other members are not supported. 3506=item * Other members are not supported.
2793 3507
2794=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 3508=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
2795to use the libev header file and library. 3509to use the libev header file and library.
2814Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++ 3528Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
2815classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer 3529classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
2816that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if 3530that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
2817you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev). 3531you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
2818 3532
2819Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be 3533Currently, functions, static and non-static member functions and classes
2820used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only 3534with C<operator ()> can be used as callbacks. Other types should be easy
2821need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other 3535to add as long as they only need one additional pointer for context. If
2822types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing 3536you need support for other types of functors please contact the author
2823it). 3537(preferably after implementing it).
2824 3538
2825Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 3539Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
2826 3540
2827=over 4 3541=over 4
2828 3542
2846 3560
2847=over 4 3561=over 4
2848 3562
2849=item ev::TYPE::TYPE () 3563=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
2850 3564
2851=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *) 3565=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (loop)
2852 3566
2853=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 3567=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
2854 3568
2855The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher 3569The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
2856with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>. 3570with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
2888 3602
2889 myclass obj; 3603 myclass obj;
2890 ev::io iow; 3604 ev::io iow;
2891 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 3605 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2892 3606
3607=item w->set (object *)
3608
3609This is a variation of a method callback - leaving out the method to call
3610will default the method to C<operator ()>, which makes it possible to use
3611functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all
3612the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument
3613list.
3614
3615The C<operator ()> method prototype must be C<void operator ()(watcher &w,
3616int revents)>.
3617
3618See the method-C<set> above for more details.
3619
3620Example: use a functor object as callback.
3621
3622 struct myfunctor
3623 {
3624 void operator() (ev::io &w, int revents)
3625 {
3626 ...
3627 }
3628 }
3629
3630 myfunctor f;
3631
3632 ev::io w;
3633 w.set (&f);
3634
2893=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0) 3635=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2894 3636
2895Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as 3637Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2896callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's 3638callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2897C<data> member and is free for you to use. 3639C<data> member and is free for you to use.
2903Example: Use a plain function as callback. 3645Example: Use a plain function as callback.
2904 3646
2905 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 3647 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2906 iow.set <io_cb> (); 3648 iow.set <io_cb> ();
2907 3649
2908=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 3650=item w->set (loop)
2909 3651
2910Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 3652Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
2911do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 3653do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
2912 3654
2913=item w->set ([arguments]) 3655=item w->set ([arguments])
2914 3656
2915Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be 3657Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Either this
2916called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 3658method or a suitable start method must be called at least once. Unlike the
2917automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 3659C counterpart, an active watcher gets automatically stopped and restarted
2918method. 3660when reconfiguring it with this method.
2919 3661
2920=item w->start () 3662=item w->start ()
2921 3663
2922Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the 3664Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
2923constructor already stores the event loop. 3665constructor already stores the event loop.
2924 3666
3667=item w->start ([arguments])
3668
3669Instead of calling C<set> and C<start> methods separately, it is often
3670convenient to wrap them in one call. Uses the same type of arguments as
3671the configure C<set> method of the watcher.
3672
2925=item w->stop () 3673=item w->stop ()
2926 3674
2927Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 3675Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
2928 3676
2929=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only) 3677=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
2941 3689
2942=back 3690=back
2943 3691
2944=back 3692=back
2945 3693
2946Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 3694Example: Define a class with two I/O and idle watchers, start the I/O
2947the constructor. 3695watchers in the constructor.
2948 3696
2949 class myclass 3697 class myclass
2950 { 3698 {
2951 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 3699 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3700 ev::io2 io2 ; void io2_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2952 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 3701 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2953 3702
2954 myclass (int fd) 3703 myclass (int fd)
2955 { 3704 {
2956 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 3705 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
3706 io2 .set <myclass, &myclass::io2_cb > (this);
2957 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 3707 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2958 3708
2959 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 3709 io.set (fd, ev::WRITE); // configure the watcher
3710 io.start (); // start it whenever convenient
3711
3712 io2.start (fd, ev::READ); // set + start in one call
2960 } 3713 }
2961 }; 3714 };
2962 3715
2963 3716
2964=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS 3717=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
2983L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>. 3736L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
2984 3737
2985=item Python 3738=item Python
2986 3739
2987Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It 3740Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It
2988seems to be quite complete and well-documented. Note, however, that the 3741seems to be quite complete and well-documented.
2989patch they require for libev is outright dangerous as it breaks the ABI
2990for everybody else, and therefore, should never be applied in an installed
2991libev (if python requires an incompatible ABI then it needs to embed
2992libev).
2993 3742
2994=item Ruby 3743=item Ruby
2995 3744
2996Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset 3745Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
2997of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and 3746of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and
2998more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at 3747more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
2999L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>. 3748L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
3000 3749
3750Roger Pack reports that using the link order C<-lws2_32 -lmsvcrt-ruby-190>
3751makes rev work even on mingw.
3752
3753=item Haskell
3754
3755A haskell binding to libev is available at
3756L<http://hackage.haskell.org/cgi-bin/hackage-scripts/package/hlibev>.
3757
3001=item D 3758=item D
3002 3759
3003Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to 3760Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
3004be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>. 3761be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>.
3005 3762
3006=item Ocaml 3763=item Ocaml
3007 3764
3008Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at 3765Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
3009L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>. 3766L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
3767
3768=item Lua
3769
3770Brian Maher has written a partial interface to libev for lua (at the
3771time of this writing, only C<ev_io> and C<ev_timer>), to be found at
3772L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>.
3010 3773
3011=back 3774=back
3012 3775
3013 3776
3014=head1 MACRO MAGIC 3777=head1 MACRO MAGIC
3028loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 3791loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
3029C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 3792C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
3030 3793
3031 ev_unref (EV_A); 3794 ev_unref (EV_A);
3032 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 3795 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
3033 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 3796 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
3034 3797
3035It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 3798It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
3036which is often provided by the following macro. 3799which is often provided by the following macro.
3037 3800
3038=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 3801=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
3078 } 3841 }
3079 3842
3080 ev_check check; 3843 ev_check check;
3081 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 3844 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
3082 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 3845 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
3083 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 3846 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
3084 3847
3085=head1 EMBEDDING 3848=head1 EMBEDDING
3086 3849
3087Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 3850Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
3088applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 3851applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
3168 libev.m4 3931 libev.m4
3169 3932
3170=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 3933=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
3171 3934
3172Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to 3935Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
3173define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of 3936define before including (or compiling) any of its files. The default in
3174autoconf is documented for every option. 3937the absence of autoconf is documented for every option.
3938
3939Symbols marked with "(h)" do not change the ABI, and can have different
3940values when compiling libev vs. including F<ev.h>, so it is permissible
3941to redefine them before including F<ev.h> without breaking compatibility
3942to a compiled library. All other symbols change the ABI, which means all
3943users of libev and the libev code itself must be compiled with compatible
3944settings.
3175 3945
3176=over 4 3946=over 4
3177 3947
3948=item EV_COMPAT3 (h)
3949
3950Backwards compatibility is a major concern for libev. This is why this
3951release of libev comes with wrappers for the functions and symbols that
3952have been renamed between libev version 3 and 4.
3953
3954You can disable these wrappers (to test compatibility with future
3955versions) by defining C<EV_COMPAT3> to C<0> when compiling your
3956sources. This has the additional advantage that you can drop the C<struct>
3957from C<struct ev_loop> declarations, as libev will provide an C<ev_loop>
3958typedef in that case.
3959
3960In some future version, the default for C<EV_COMPAT3> will become C<0>,
3961and in some even more future version the compatibility code will be
3962removed completely.
3963
3178=item EV_STANDALONE 3964=item EV_STANDALONE (h)
3179 3965
3180Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which 3966Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which
3181keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy 3967keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy
3182implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not 3968implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not
3183supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in 3969supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in
3184F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 3970F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
3185 3971
3972In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the
3973configuration, but has to be more conservative.
3974
3186=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 3975=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
3187 3976
3188If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3977If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
3189monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no use 3978monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no
3190of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 3979use of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this,
3191usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 3980you usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it
3192the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have 3981when the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
3193to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 3982to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
3194function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 3983function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). See also C<EV_USE_CLOCK_SYSCALL>.
3195 3984
3196=item EV_USE_REALTIME 3985=item EV_USE_REALTIME
3197 3986
3198If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3987If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
3199real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability at 3988real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability
3200runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock option will 3989at runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock
3201be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 3990option will be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday>
3202(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the 3991by C<clock_get (CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect
3203note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 3992correctness. See the note about libraries in the description of
3993C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. Defaults to the opposite value of
3994C<EV_USE_CLOCK_SYSCALL>.
3995
3996=item EV_USE_CLOCK_SYSCALL
3997
3998If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to use a direct syscall instead
3999of calling the system-provided C<clock_gettime> function. This option
4000exists because on GNU/Linux, C<clock_gettime> is in C<librt>, but C<librt>
4001unconditionally pulls in C<libpthread>, slowing down single-threaded
4002programs needlessly. Using a direct syscall is slightly slower (in
4003theory), because no optimised vdso implementation can be used, but avoids
4004the pthread dependency. Defaults to C<1> on GNU/Linux with glibc 2.x or
4005higher, as it simplifies linking (no need for C<-lrt>).
3204 4006
3205=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP 4007=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
3206 4008
3207If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available 4009If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
3208and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>. 4010and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
3224 4026
3225=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET 4027=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
3226 4028
3227If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set> 4029If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set>
3228structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing 4030structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing
3229C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it mis-guesses the bitset layout on 4031C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it mis-guesses the bitset layout
3230exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some 4032on exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to
3231low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only 4033some low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket
3232allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might 4034only allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation,
3233influence the size of the C<fd_set> used. 4035configures the maximum size of the C<fd_set>.
3234 4036
3235=item EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 4037=item EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET
3236 4038
3237When defined to C<1>, the select backend will assume that 4039When defined to C<1>, the select backend will assume that
3238select/socket/connect etc. don't understand file descriptors but 4040select/socket/connect etc. don't understand file descriptors but
3240be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call 4042be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call
3241C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise, 4043C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise,
3242it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even 4044it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
3243on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms. 4045on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.
3244 4046
3245=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE 4047=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE(fd)
3246 4048
3247If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map 4049If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map
3248file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the 4050file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the
3249default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually 4051default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually
3250correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management, 4052correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management,
3251in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles. 4053in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles.
4054
4055=item EV_WIN32_HANDLE_TO_FD(handle)
4056
4057If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> then libev maps handles to file descriptors
4058using the standard C<_open_osfhandle> function. For programs implementing
4059their own fd to handle mapping, overwriting this function makes it easier
4060to do so. This can be done by defining this macro to an appropriate value.
4061
4062=item EV_WIN32_CLOSE_FD(fd)
4063
4064If programs implement their own fd to handle mapping on win32, then this
4065macro can be used to override the C<close> function, useful to unregister
4066file descriptors again. Note that the replacement function has to close
4067the underlying OS handle.
3252 4068
3253=item EV_USE_POLL 4069=item EV_USE_POLL
3254 4070
3255If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2) 4071If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
3256backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 4072backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
3303as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers. 4119as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
3304 4120
3305In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 4121In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
3306(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms. 4122(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
3307 4123
3308=item EV_H 4124=item EV_H (h)
3309 4125
3310The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 4126The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
3311undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be 4127undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be
3312used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 4128used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
3313 4129
3314=item EV_CONFIG_H 4130=item EV_CONFIG_H (h)
3315 4131
3316If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override 4132If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
3317F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to 4133F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
3318C<EV_H>, above. 4134C<EV_H>, above.
3319 4135
3320=item EV_EVENT_H 4136=item EV_EVENT_H (h)
3321 4137
3322Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea 4138Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
3323of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">. 4139of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">.
3324 4140
3325=item EV_PROTOTYPES 4141=item EV_PROTOTYPES (h)
3326 4142
3327If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function 4143If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
3328prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is 4144prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
3329occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions 4145occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions
3330around libev functions. 4146around libev functions.
3352fine. 4168fine.
3353 4169
3354If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these 4170If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these
3355both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU. 4171both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
3356 4172
3357=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 4173=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE, EV_IDLE_ENABLE, EV_EMBED_ENABLE, EV_STAT_ENABLE,
4174EV_PREPARE_ENABLE, EV_CHECK_ENABLE, EV_FORK_ENABLE, EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE,
4175EV_ASYNC_ENABLE, EV_CHILD_ENABLE.
3358 4176
3359If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 4177If undefined or defined to be C<1> (and the platform supports it), then
3360defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 4178the respective watcher type is supported. If defined to be C<0>, then it
3361code. 4179is not. Disabling watcher types mainly saves code size.
3362 4180
3363=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE 4181=item EV_FEATURES
3364
3365If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
3366defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
3367code.
3368
3369=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
3370
3371If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
3372defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Embed watchers rely on most other
3373watcher types, which therefore must not be disabled.
3374
3375=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
3376
3377If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
3378defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3379
3380=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
3381
3382If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
3383defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3384
3385=item EV_ASYNC_ENABLE
3386
3387If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then async watchers are supported. If
3388defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3389
3390=item EV_MINIMAL
3391 4182
3392If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 4183If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
3393speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some 4184speed (but with the full API), you can define this symbol to request
3394inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a 4185certain subsets of functionality. The default is to enable all features
3395much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap. 4186that can be enabled on the platform.
4187
4188A typical way to use this symbol is to define it to C<0> (or to a bitset
4189with some broad features you want) and then selectively re-enable
4190additional parts you want, for example if you want everything minimal,
4191but multiple event loop support, async and child watchers and the poll
4192backend, use this:
4193
4194 #define EV_FEATURES 0
4195 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 1
4196 #define EV_USE_POLL 1
4197 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
4198 #define EV_ASYNC_ENABLE 1
4199
4200The actual value is a bitset, it can be a combination of the following
4201values:
4202
4203=over 4
4204
4205=item C<1> - faster/larger code
4206
4207Use larger code to speed up some operations.
4208
4209Currently this is used to override some inlining decisions (enlarging the
4210code size by roughly 30% on amd64).
4211
4212When optimising for size, use of compiler flags such as C<-Os> with
4213gcc is recommended, as well as C<-DNDEBUG>, as libev contains a number of
4214assertions.
4215
4216=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures
4217
4218Replaces the small 2-heap for timer management by a faster 4-heap, larger
4219hash table sizes and so on. This will usually further increase code size
4220and can additionally have an effect on the size of data structures at
4221runtime.
4222
4223=item C<4> - full API configuration
4224
4225This enables priorities (sets C<EV_MAXPRI>=2 and C<EV_MINPRI>=-2), and
4226enables multiplicity (C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>=1).
4227
4228=item C<8> - full API
4229
4230This enables a lot of the "lesser used" API functions. See C<ev.h> for
4231details on which parts of the API are still available without this
4232feature, and do not complain if this subset changes over time.
4233
4234=item C<16> - enable all optional watcher types
4235
4236Enables all optional watcher types. If you want to selectively enable
4237only some watcher types other than I/O and timers (e.g. prepare,
4238embed, async, child...) you can enable them manually by defining
4239C<EV_watchertype_ENABLE> to C<1> instead.
4240
4241=item C<32> - enable all backends
4242
4243This enables all backends - without this feature, you need to enable at
4244least one backend manually (C<EV_USE_SELECT> is a good choice).
4245
4246=item C<64> - enable OS-specific "helper" APIs
4247
4248Enable inotify, eventfd, signalfd and similar OS-specific helper APIs by
4249default.
4250
4251=back
4252
4253Compiling with C<gcc -Os -DEV_STANDALONE -DEV_USE_EPOLL=1 -DEV_FEATURES=0>
4254reduces the compiled size of libev from 24.7Kb code/2.8Kb data to 6.5Kb
4255code/0.3Kb data on my GNU/Linux amd64 system, while still giving you I/O
4256watchers, timers and monotonic clock support.
4257
4258With an intelligent-enough linker (gcc+binutils are intelligent enough
4259when you use C<-Wl,--gc-sections -ffunction-sections>) functions unused by
4260your program might be left out as well - a binary starting a timer and an
4261I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb.
4262
4263=item EV_AVOID_STDIO
4264
4265If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio
4266functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the code size
4267somewhat, but if your program doesn't otherwise depend on stdio and your
4268libc allows it, this avoids linking in the stdio library which is quite
4269big.
4270
4271Note that error messages might become less precise when this option is
4272enabled.
4273
4274=item EV_NSIG
4275
4276The highest supported signal number, +1 (or, the number of
4277signals): Normally, libev tries to deduce the maximum number of signals
4278automatically, but sometimes this fails, in which case it can be
4279specified. Also, using a lower number than detected (C<32> should be
4280good for about any system in existence) can save some memory, as libev
4281statically allocates some 12-24 bytes per signal number.
3396 4282
3397=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 4283=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
3398 4284
3399C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 4285C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
3400pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 4286pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_FEATURES> disabled),
3401than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to 4287usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you
3402increase this value (I<must> be a power of two). 4288might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
3403 4289
3404=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE 4290=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
3405 4291
3406C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 4292C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
3407inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), 4293inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_FEATURES>
3408usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat> 4294disabled), usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of
3409watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of 4295C<ev_stat> watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a
3410two). 4296power of two).
3411 4297
3412=item EV_USE_4HEAP 4298=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3413 4299
3414Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 4300Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3415timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined 4301timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3416to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably 4302to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably
3417faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers. 4303faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3418 4304
3419The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 4305The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3420(disabled). 4306will be C<0>.
3421 4307
3422=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT 4308=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3423 4309
3424Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 4310Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3425timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within 4311timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3426the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>), 4312the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
3427which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code, 4313which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
3428but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance 4314but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3429noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers. 4315noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3430 4316
3431The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 4317The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3432(disabled). 4318will be C<0>.
3433 4319
3434=item EV_VERIFY 4320=item EV_VERIFY
3435 4321
3436Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will 4322Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_verify ()>) will
3437be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled 4323be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
3438in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not 4324in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
3439called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be 4325called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
3440called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the 4326called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
3441verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down 4327verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3442libev considerably. 4328libev considerably.
3443 4329
3444The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be 4330The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3445C<0>. 4331will be C<0>.
3446 4332
3447=item EV_COMMON 4333=item EV_COMMON
3448 4334
3449By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 4335By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
3450this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 4336this macro to something else you can include more and other types of
3451members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files, 4337members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
3452though, and it must be identical each time. 4338though, and it must be identical each time.
3453 4339
3454For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 4340For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
3455 4341
3508file. 4394file.
3509 4395
3510The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 4396The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
3511that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 4397that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
3512 4398
3513 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 4399 #define EV_FEATURES 8
3514 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 4400 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
3515 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
3516 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 4401 #define EV_PREPARE_ENABLE 1
4402 #define EV_IDLE_ENABLE 1
3517 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 4403 #define EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE 1
3518 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 4404 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
4405 #define EV_USE_STDEXCEPT 0
3519 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 4406 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
3520 #define EV_MINPRI 0
3521 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
3522 4407
3523 #include "ev++.h" 4408 #include "ev++.h"
3524 4409
3525And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 4410And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
3526 4411
3586default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop 4471default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
3587watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal. 4472watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
3588 4473
3589=back 4474=back
3590 4475
4476=head4 THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE
4477
4478Here is a fictitious example of how to run an event loop in a different
4479thread than where callbacks are being invoked and watchers are
4480created/added/removed.
4481
4482For a real-world example, see the C<EV::Loop::Async> perl module,
4483which uses exactly this technique (which is suited for many high-level
4484languages).
4485
4486The example uses a pthread mutex to protect the loop data, a condition
4487variable to wait for callback invocations, an async watcher to notify the
4488event loop thread and an unspecified mechanism to wake up the main thread.
4489
4490First, you need to associate some data with the event loop:
4491
4492 typedef struct {
4493 mutex_t lock; /* global loop lock */
4494 ev_async async_w;
4495 thread_t tid;
4496 cond_t invoke_cv;
4497 } userdata;
4498
4499 void prepare_loop (EV_P)
4500 {
4501 // for simplicity, we use a static userdata struct.
4502 static userdata u;
4503
4504 ev_async_init (&u->async_w, async_cb);
4505 ev_async_start (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4506
4507 pthread_mutex_init (&u->lock, 0);
4508 pthread_cond_init (&u->invoke_cv, 0);
4509
4510 // now associate this with the loop
4511 ev_set_userdata (EV_A_ u);
4512 ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (EV_A_ l_invoke);
4513 ev_set_loop_release_cb (EV_A_ l_release, l_acquire);
4514
4515 // then create the thread running ev_loop
4516 pthread_create (&u->tid, 0, l_run, EV_A);
4517 }
4518
4519The callback for the C<ev_async> watcher does nothing: the watcher is used
4520solely to wake up the event loop so it takes notice of any new watchers
4521that might have been added:
4522
4523 static void
4524 async_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
4525 {
4526 // just used for the side effects
4527 }
4528
4529The C<l_release> and C<l_acquire> callbacks simply unlock/lock the mutex
4530protecting the loop data, respectively.
4531
4532 static void
4533 l_release (EV_P)
4534 {
4535 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4536 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4537 }
4538
4539 static void
4540 l_acquire (EV_P)
4541 {
4542 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4543 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4544 }
4545
4546The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
4547into C<ev_run>:
4548
4549 void *
4550 l_run (void *thr_arg)
4551 {
4552 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg;
4553
4554 l_acquire (EV_A);
4555 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0);
4556 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
4557 l_release (EV_A);
4558
4559 return 0;
4560 }
4561
4562Instead of invoking all pending watchers, the C<l_invoke> callback will
4563signal the main thread via some unspecified mechanism (signals? pipe
4564writes? C<Async::Interrupt>?) and then waits until all pending watchers
4565have been called (in a while loop because a) spurious wakeups are possible
4566and b) skipping inter-thread-communication when there are no pending
4567watchers is very beneficial):
4568
4569 static void
4570 l_invoke (EV_P)
4571 {
4572 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4573
4574 while (ev_pending_count (EV_A))
4575 {
4576 wake_up_other_thread_in_some_magic_or_not_so_magic_way ();
4577 pthread_cond_wait (&u->invoke_cv, &u->lock);
4578 }
4579 }
4580
4581Now, whenever the main thread gets told to invoke pending watchers, it
4582will grab the lock, call C<ev_invoke_pending> and then signal the loop
4583thread to continue:
4584
4585 static void
4586 real_invoke_pending (EV_P)
4587 {
4588 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4589
4590 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4591 ev_invoke_pending (EV_A);
4592 pthread_cond_signal (&u->invoke_cv);
4593 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4594 }
4595
4596Whenever you want to start/stop a watcher or do other modifications to an
4597event loop, you will now have to lock:
4598
4599 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
4600 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4601
4602 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
4603
4604 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4605 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ &timeout_watcher);
4606 ev_async_send (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4607 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4608
4609Note that sending the C<ev_async> watcher is required because otherwise
4610an event loop currently blocking in the kernel will have no knowledge
4611about the newly added timer. By waking up the loop it will pick up any new
4612watchers in the next event loop iteration.
4613
3591=head3 COROUTINES 4614=head3 COROUTINES
3592 4615
3593Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 4616Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3594libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different 4617libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
3595coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two 4618coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_run> on the same loop from two
3596different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running the 4619different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running
3597loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that 4620the loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is
3598you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks. 4621that you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3599 4622
3600Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside 4623Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside
3601C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as 4624C<ev_run>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
3602they do not call any callbacks. 4625they do not call any callbacks.
3603 4626
3604=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS 4627=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
3605 4628
3606Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a 4629Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3617maintainable. 4640maintainable.
3618 4641
3619And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply 4642And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3620wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message 4643wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3621seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some 4644seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some
3622warnings that resulted an extreme number of false positives. These have 4645warnings that resulted in an extreme number of false positives. These have
3623been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with 4646been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with
3624such buggy versions. 4647such buggy versions.
3625 4648
3626While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible, 4649While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
3627"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev 4650"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
3663I suggest using suppression lists. 4686I suggest using suppression lists.
3664 4687
3665 4688
3666=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES 4689=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES
3667 4690
4691=head2 GNU/LINUX 32 BIT LIMITATIONS
4692
4693GNU/Linux is the only common platform that supports 64 bit file/large file
4694interfaces but I<disables> them by default.
4695
4696That means that libev compiled in the default environment doesn't support
4697files larger than 2GiB or so, which mainly affects C<ev_stat> watchers.
4698
4699Unfortunately, many programs try to work around this GNU/Linux issue
4700by enabling the large file API, which makes them incompatible with the
4701standard libev compiled for their system.
4702
4703Likewise, libev cannot enable the large file API itself as this would
4704suddenly make it incompatible to the default compile time environment,
4705i.e. all programs not using special compile switches.
4706
4707=head2 OS/X AND DARWIN BUGS
4708
4709The whole thing is a bug if you ask me - basically any system interface
4710you touch is broken, whether it is locales, poll, kqueue or even the
4711OpenGL drivers.
4712
4713=head3 C<kqueue> is buggy
4714
4715The kqueue syscall is broken in all known versions - most versions support
4716only sockets, many support pipes.
4717
4718Libev tries to work around this by not using C<kqueue> by default on this
4719rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating a
4720loop - embedding a socket-only kqueue loop into a select-based one is
4721probably going to work well.
4722
4723=head3 C<poll> is buggy
4724
4725Instead of fixing C<kqueue>, Apple replaced their (working) C<poll>
4726implementation by something calling C<kqueue> internally around the 10.5.6
4727release, so now C<kqueue> I<and> C<poll> are broken.
4728
4729Libev tries to work around this by not using C<poll> by default on
4730this rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating
4731a loop.
4732
4733=head3 C<select> is buggy
4734
4735All that's left is C<select>, and of course Apple found a way to fuck this
4736one up as well: On OS/X, C<select> actively limits the number of file
4737descriptors you can pass in to 1024 - your program suddenly crashes when
4738you use more.
4739
4740There is an undocumented "workaround" for this - defining
4741C<_DARWIN_UNLIMITED_SELECT>, which libev tries to use, so select I<should>
4742work on OS/X.
4743
4744=head2 SOLARIS PROBLEMS AND WORKAROUNDS
4745
4746=head3 C<errno> reentrancy
4747
4748The default compile environment on Solaris is unfortunately so
4749thread-unsafe that you can't even use components/libraries compiled
4750without C<-D_REENTRANT> in a threaded program, which, of course, isn't
4751defined by default. A valid, if stupid, implementation choice.
4752
4753If you want to use libev in threaded environments you have to make sure
4754it's compiled with C<_REENTRANT> defined.
4755
4756=head3 Event port backend
4757
4758The scalable event interface for Solaris is called "event
4759ports". Unfortunately, this mechanism is very buggy in all major
4760releases. If you run into high CPU usage, your program freezes or you get
4761a large number of spurious wakeups, make sure you have all the relevant
4762and latest kernel patches applied. No, I don't know which ones, but there
4763are multiple ones to apply, and afterwards, event ports actually work
4764great.
4765
4766If you can't get it to work, you can try running the program by setting
4767the environment variable C<LIBEV_FLAGS=3> to only allow C<poll> and
4768C<select> backends.
4769
4770=head2 AIX POLL BUG
4771
4772AIX unfortunately has a broken C<poll.h> header. Libev works around
4773this by trying to avoid the poll backend altogether (i.e. it's not even
4774compiled in), which normally isn't a big problem as C<select> works fine
4775with large bitsets on AIX, and AIX is dead anyway.
4776
3668=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS 4777=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
4778
4779=head3 General issues
3669 4780
3670Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 4781Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
3671requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 4782requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
3672model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 4783model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
3673the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 4784the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
3674descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 4785descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
3675e.g. cygwin. 4786e.g. cygwin. Actually, it only applies to the microsofts own compilers,
4787as every compielr comes with a slightly differently broken/incompatible
4788environment.
3676 4789
3677Lifting these limitations would basically require the full 4790Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
3678re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of 4791re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into this kind of thing,
3679things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable 4792then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable way (note
3680way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man). 4793also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
3681 4794
3682There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 4795There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
3683embedding it into other applications. 4796embedding it into other applications.
4797
4798Sensible signal handling is officially unsupported by Microsoft - libev
4799tries its best, but under most conditions, signals will simply not work.
3684 4800
3685Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't 4801Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
3686accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will 4802accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
3687either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large, 4803either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large,
3688so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a 4804so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a
3693the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets 4809the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
3694is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use 4810is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use
3695more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally 4811more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally
3696different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness 4812different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
3697notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows 4813notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
3698(Microsoft monopoly games). 4814(due to Microsoft monopoly games).
3699 4815
3700A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding 4816A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding
3701section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead 4817section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead
3702of F<ev.h>: 4818of F<ev.h>:
3703 4819
3710you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!): 4826you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!):
3711 4827
3712 #include "evwrap.h" 4828 #include "evwrap.h"
3713 #include "ev.c" 4829 #include "ev.c"
3714 4830
3715=over 4
3716
3717=item The winsocket select function 4831=head3 The winsocket C<select> function
3718 4832
3719The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it 4833The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
3720requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is 4834requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
3721also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also 4835also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
3722requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft 4836requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
3731 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */ 4845 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
3732 4846
3733Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a 4847Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
3734complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 4848complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
3735 4849
3736=item Limited number of file descriptors 4850=head3 Limited number of file descriptors
3737 4851
3738Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. 4852Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
3739 4853
3740Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum 4854Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
3741of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels 4855of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
3742can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft 4856can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft
3743recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the 4857recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
3744previous thread in each. Great). 4858previous thread in each. Sounds great!).
3745 4859
3746Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE> 4860Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
3747to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select 4861to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
3748call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own 4862call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl and many
3749select emulation on windows). 4863other interpreters do their own select emulation on windows).
3750 4864
3751Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime 4865Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime
3752libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish 4866libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64>
3753or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this by calling 4867fetish or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this
3754C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another 4868by calling C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048>
3755arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft runtime 4869(another arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft
3756libraries.
3757
3758This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on 4870runtime libraries. This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets
3759windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to 4871(depending on windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more,
3760wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of 4872you need to wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but
3761calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 4873the cost of calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
3762
3763=back
3764 4874
3765=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS 4875=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
3766 4876
3767In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the 4877In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the
3768backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions: 4878backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions:
3775Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal 4885Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
3776structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also 4886structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
3777assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher 4887assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
3778callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev 4888callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
3779calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally. 4889calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
4890
4891=item pointer accesses must be thread-atomic
4892
4893Accessing a pointer value must be atomic, it must both be readable and
4894writable in one piece - this is the case on all current architectures.
3780 4895
3781=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well 4896=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
3782 4897
3783The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as 4898The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
3784C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different 4899C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
3807watchers. 4922watchers.
3808 4923
3809=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy 4924=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
3810 4925
3811The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to 4926The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
3812have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good 4927have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is
3813enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by 4928good enough for at least into the year 4000 with millisecond accuracy
4929(the design goal for libev). This requirement is overfulfilled by
3814implementations implementing IEEE 754 (basically all existing ones). 4930implementations using IEEE 754, which is basically all existing ones. With
4931IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least 2200.
3815 4932
3816=back 4933=back
3817 4934
3818If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 4935If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
3819 4936
3887involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers. 5004involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
3888 5005
3889=back 5006=back
3890 5007
3891 5008
5009=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X
5010
5011The major version 4 introduced some incompatible changes to the API.
5012
5013At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file provides compatibility definitions
5014for all changes, so most programs should still compile. The compatibility
5015layer might be removed in later versions of libev, so better update to the
5016new API early than late.
5017
5018=over 4
5019
5020=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
5021
5022The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
5023C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L<PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L<EMBEDDING>
5024section.
5025
5026=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed
5027
5028These calls can be replaced easily by their C<ev_loop_xxx> counterparts:
5029
5030 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
5031 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
5032
5033=item function/symbol renames
5034
5035A number of functions and symbols have been renamed:
5036
5037 ev_loop => ev_run
5038 EVLOOP_NONBLOCK => EVRUN_NOWAIT
5039 EVLOOP_ONESHOT => EVRUN_ONCE
5040
5041 ev_unloop => ev_break
5042 EVUNLOOP_CANCEL => EVBREAK_CANCEL
5043 EVUNLOOP_ONE => EVBREAK_ONE
5044 EVUNLOOP_ALL => EVBREAK_ALL
5045
5046 EV_TIMEOUT => EV_TIMER
5047
5048 ev_loop_count => ev_iteration
5049 ev_loop_depth => ev_depth
5050 ev_loop_verify => ev_verify
5051
5052Most functions working on C<struct ev_loop> objects don't have an
5053C<ev_loop_> prefix, so it was removed; C<ev_loop>, C<ev_unloop> and
5054associated constants have been renamed to not collide with the C<struct
5055ev_loop> anymore and C<EV_TIMER> now follows the same naming scheme
5056as all other watcher types. Note that C<ev_loop_fork> is still called
5057C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the C<ev_fork>
5058typedef.
5059
5060=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES>
5061
5062The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different
5063mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile
5064and work, but the library code will of course be larger.
5065
5066=back
5067
5068
5069=head1 GLOSSARY
5070
5071=over 4
5072
5073=item active
5074
5075A watcher is active as long as it has been started and not yet stopped.
5076See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
5077
5078=item application
5079
5080In this document, an application is whatever is using libev.
5081
5082=item backend
5083
5084The part of the code dealing with the operating system interfaces.
5085
5086=item callback
5087
5088The address of a function that is called when some event has been
5089detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that
5090received the event, and the actual event bitset.
5091
5092=item callback/watcher invocation
5093
5094The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
5095
5096=item event
5097
5098A change of state of some external event, such as data now being available
5099for reading on a file descriptor, time having passed or simply not having
5100any other events happening anymore.
5101
5102In libev, events are represented as single bits (such as C<EV_READ> or
5103C<EV_TIMER>).
5104
5105=item event library
5106
5107A software package implementing an event model and loop.
5108
5109=item event loop
5110
5111An entity that handles and processes external events and converts them
5112into callback invocations.
5113
5114=item event model
5115
5116The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes
5117watchers and events.
5118
5119=item pending
5120
5121A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been
5122detected. See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
5123
5124=item real time
5125
5126The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
5127
5128=item wall-clock time
5129
5130The time and date as shown on clocks. Unlike real time, it can actually
5131be wrong and jump forwards and backwards, e.g. when the you adjust your
5132clock.
5133
5134=item watcher
5135
5136A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need
5137to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events.
5138
5139=back
5140
3892=head1 AUTHOR 5141=head1 AUTHOR
3893 5142
3894Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson. 5143Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael
5144Magnusson and Emanuele Giaquinta.
3895 5145

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