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26 puts ("stdin ready"); 26 puts ("stdin ready");
27 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher 27 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
28 // with its corresponding stop function. 28 // with its corresponding stop function.
29 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 29 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
30 30
31 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating 31 // this causes all nested ev_run's to stop iterating
32 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); 32 ev_break (EV_A_ EVBREAK_ALL);
33 } 33 }
34 34
35 // another callback, this time for a time-out 35 // another callback, this time for a time-out
36 static void 36 static void
37 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 37 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
38 { 38 {
39 puts ("timeout"); 39 puts ("timeout");
40 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating 40 // this causes the innermost ev_run to stop iterating
41 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); 41 ev_break (EV_A_ EVBREAK_ONE);
42 } 42 }
43 43
44 int 44 int
45 main (void) 45 main (void)
46 { 46 {
47 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs 47 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
48 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 48 struct ev_loop *loop = EV_DEFAULT;
49 49
50 // initialise an io watcher, then start it 50 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
51 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable 51 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
52 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 52 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
53 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 53 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
56 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout 56 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
57 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 57 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
58 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 58 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
59 59
60 // now wait for events to arrive 60 // now wait for events to arrive
61 ev_loop (loop, 0); 61 ev_run (loop, 0);
62 62
63 // unloop was called, so exit 63 // unloop was called, so exit
64 return 0; 64 return 0;
65 } 65 }
66 66
75While this document tries to be as complete as possible in documenting 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 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 77on event-based programming, nor will it introduce event-based programming
78with libev. 78with libev.
79 79
80Familarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed 80Familiarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed
81throughout this document. 81throughout this document.
82
83=head1 WHAT TO READ WHEN IN A HURRY
84
85This manual tries to be very detailed, but unfortunately, this also makes
86it very long. If you just want to know the basics of libev, I suggest
87reading L<ANATOMY OF A WATCHER>, then the L<EXAMPLE PROGRAM> above and
88look up the missing functions in L<GLOBAL FUNCTIONS> and the C<ev_io> and
89C<ev_timer> sections in L<WATCHER TYPES>.
82 90
83=head1 ABOUT LIBEV 91=head1 ABOUT LIBEV
84 92
85Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 93Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
86file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage 94file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
98=head2 FEATURES 106=head2 FEATURES
99 107
100Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the 108Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
101BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms 109BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
102for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface 110for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
103(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers 111(for C<ev_stat>), Linux eventfd/signalfd (for faster and cleaner
104with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals 112inter-thread wakeup (C<ev_async>)/signal handling (C<ev_signal>)) relative
105(C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and event 113timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers with customised rescheduling
106watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>, 114(C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals (C<ev_signal>), process status
107C<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
108file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events 116loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>, C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and
109(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>).
110 119
111It also is quite fast (see this 120It also is quite fast (see this
112L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent 121L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
113for example). 122for example).
114 123
117Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common) 126Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
118configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For 127configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
119more info about various configuration options please have a look at 128more info about various configuration options please have a look at
120B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support 129B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
121for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of 130for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of
122name 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
123this argument. 132this argument.
124 133
125=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION 134=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
126 135
127Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 136Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing
128(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 137the (fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (in practice
129the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 138somewhere near the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't
130called 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
131to 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
132it, 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
133component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences 143Unlike the name component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for
134throughout libev. 144time differences (e.g. delays) throughout libev.
135 145
136=head1 ERROR HANDLING 146=head1 ERROR HANDLING
137 147
138Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors 148Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors
139and internal errors (bugs). 149and internal errors (bugs).
163 173
164=item ev_tstamp ev_time () 174=item ev_tstamp ev_time ()
165 175
166Returns 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
167C<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
168you actually want to know. 178you actually want to know. Also interesting is the combination of
179C<ev_update_now> and C<ev_now>.
169 180
170=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 181=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
171 182
172Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 183Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
173either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 184either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
190as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 201as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
191compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 202compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
192not a problem. 203not a problem.
193 204
194Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 205Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
195version. 206version (note, however, that this will not detect other ABI mismatches,
207such as LFS or reentrancy).
196 208
197 assert (("libev version mismatch", 209 assert (("libev version mismatch",
198 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 210 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
199 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 211 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
200 212
211 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 223 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
212 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 224 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
213 225
214=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 226=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
215 227
216Return 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
217recommended 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
218returned 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
219most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it 232and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it (assuming
220(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
221libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 234probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
222 235
223=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 236=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
224 237
225Returns 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
226is the theoretical, all-platform, value. To find which backends 239value is platform-specific but can include backends not available on the
227might be supported on the current system, you would need to look at 240current system. To find which embeddable backends might be supported on
228C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 241the current system, you would need to look at C<ev_embeddable_backends ()
229recommended ones. 242& ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for recommended ones.
230 243
231See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 244See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
232 245
233=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT] 246=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
234 247
235Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 248Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
236semantics 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
237used 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
238when 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
264 } 277 }
265 278
266 ... 279 ...
267 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 280 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
268 281
269=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); [NOT REENTRANT] 282=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg))
270 283
271Set 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
272as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 285as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
273indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 286indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
274callback 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
286 } 299 }
287 300
288 ... 301 ...
289 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error); 302 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error);
290 303
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
291=back 317=back
292 318
293=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 319=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING EVENT LOOPS
294 320
295An 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
296is 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
297I<function>). 323libev 3 had an C<ev_loop> function colliding with the struct name).
298 324
299The 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
300supports signals and child events, and dynamically created loops which do 326supports child process events, and dynamically created event loops which
301not. 327do not.
302 328
303=over 4 329=over 4
304 330
305=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 331=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
306 332
307This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised 333This returns the "default" event loop object, which is what you should
308yet 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
309false. 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
310flags. 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".
311 343
312If 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
313function. 345function (or via the C<EV_DEFAULT> macro).
314 346
315Note 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
316from 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
317as loops cannot be shared easily between threads anyway). 349that this case is unlikely, as loops cannot be shared easily between
350threads anyway).
318 351
319The 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,
320C<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
321for 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
322create 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
323can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling 356C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling C<ev_default_init>.
324C<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.
325 376
326The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 377The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
327backends 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>).
328 379
329The following flags are supported: 380The following flags are supported:
344useful 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
345around bugs. 396around bugs.
346 397
347=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK> 398=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
348 399
349Instead 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
350a 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.
351enabling this flag.
352 402
353This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 403This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
354and 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
355iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 405iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
356GNU/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
362flag. 412flag.
363 413
364This 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>
365environment variable. 415environment variable.
366 416
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
367=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 449=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
368 450
369This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 451This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
370libev 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,
371but 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
395This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and 477This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and
396C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>. 478C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>.
397 479
398=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 480=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
399 481
482Use the linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9
483kernels).
484
400For 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,
401but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 486but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
402like 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),
403epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). 488epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
404 489
405The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned 490The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
406of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently 491of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
407dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file 492dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
408descriptor (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
409so 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
410I<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
411take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) and is of course 498set, which can take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor)
412hard to detect. 499and is of course hard to detect.
413 500
414Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but 501Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but
415of 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
416I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot 503I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot
417even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially 504even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially
418on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by 505on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by
419employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the 506employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the
420events 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.
421 512
422While 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
423will 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
424incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different 515incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different
425I<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
491=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 582=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
492 583
493This 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,
494it'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)).
495 586
496Please note that Solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
497notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
498blocking when no data (or space) is available.
499
500While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active 587While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
501file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 588file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
502descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend 589descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
503might perform better. 590might perform better.
504 591
505On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness 592On the positive side, this backend actually performed fully to
506notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification
507in 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
508OS-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.
509 606
510This 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
511C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 608C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
512 609
513=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 610=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
514 611
515Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 612Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
516with 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
517C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 614C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
518 615
519It 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).
520 625
521=back 626=back
522 627
523If 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,
524backends 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
525specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried. 630here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends
526 631()> will be tried.
527Example: This is the most typical usage.
528
529 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
530 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
531
532Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
533environment settings to be taken into account:
534
535 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
536
537Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
538used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
539private event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of
540fds):
541
542 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
543
544=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
545
546Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
547always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
548handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
549undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
550
551Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and the recommended way to use
552libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
553default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
554 632
555Example: 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.
556 634
557 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 635 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
558 if (!epoller) 636 if (!epoller)
559 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 637 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
560 638
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
561=item ev_default_destroy () 644=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
562 645
563Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 646Destroys an event loop object (frees all memory and kernel state
564etc.). 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
565sense, 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
566responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before> 649responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
567calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 650calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
568the 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
570 653
571Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal 654Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
572handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such 655handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
573as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually. 656as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
574 657
575In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 658This function is normally used on loop objects allocated by
576rare 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.
577pipe 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>
578C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>). 665and C<ev_loop_destroy>.
579 666
580=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 667=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
581 668
582Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
583earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
584
585=item ev_default_fork ()
586
587This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_loop> iterations 669This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations to
588to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the 670reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
589name, 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
590the 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
591sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev 673child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>.
592functions, 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.
593 679
594On 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
595process 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
596you 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).
597 686
598The 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
599it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 688it just in case after a fork.
600quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
601 689
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 ...
602 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 700 pthread_atfork (0, 0, post_fork_child);
603
604=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
605
606Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
607C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
608after fork that you want to re-use in the child, and how you do this is
609entirely your own problem.
610 701
611=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop) 702=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
612 703
613Returns 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
614otherwise. 705otherwise.
615 706
616=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop) 707=item unsigned int ev_iteration (loop)
617 708
618Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to 709Returns the current iteration count for the event loop, which is identical
619the 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>
620happily wraps around with enough iterations. 711and happily wraps around with enough iterations.
621 712
622This 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
623"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with 714"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
624C<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.
625 731
626=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 732=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
627 733
628Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 734Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
629use. 735use.
638 744
639=item ev_now_update (loop) 745=item ev_now_update (loop)
640 746
641Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time 747Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
642returned 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
643is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>. 749is usually done automatically within C<ev_run ()>.
644 750
645This 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
646very 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
647the current time is a good idea. 753the current time is a good idea.
648 754
649See 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.
650 756
651=item ev_suspend (loop) 757=item ev_suspend (loop)
652 758
653=item ev_resume (loop) 759=item ev_resume (loop)
654 760
655These two functions suspend and resume a loop, for use when the loop is 761These two functions suspend and resume an event loop, for use when the
656not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed. 762loop is not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed.
657 763
658A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When 764A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When
659the user presses C<^Z> to suspend the game and resumes it an hour later it 765the user presses C<^Z> to suspend the game and resumes it an hour later it
660would be best to handle timeouts as if no time had actually passed while 766would be best to handle timeouts as if no time had actually passed while
661the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<ev_suspend> 767the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<ev_suspend>
663C<ev_resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing. 769C<ev_resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing.
664 770
665Effectively, all C<ev_timer> watchers will be delayed by the time spend 771Effectively, all C<ev_timer> watchers will be delayed by the time spend
666between C<ev_suspend> and C<ev_resume>, and all C<ev_periodic> watchers 772between C<ev_suspend> and C<ev_resume>, and all C<ev_periodic> watchers
667will be rescheduled (that is, they will lose any events that would have 773will be rescheduled (that is, they will lose any events that would have
668occured while suspended). 774occurred while suspended).
669 775
670After calling C<ev_suspend> you B<must not> call I<any> function on the 776After calling C<ev_suspend> you B<must not> call I<any> function on the
671given loop other than C<ev_resume>, and you B<must not> call C<ev_resume> 777given loop other than C<ev_resume>, and you B<must not> call C<ev_resume>
672without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>. 778without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>.
673 779
674Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the 780Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the
675event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>). 781event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>).
676 782
677=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 783=item ev_run (loop, int flags)
678 784
679Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 785Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
680after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 786after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start
681events. 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>.
682 790
683If 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
684either 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.
685 794
686Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than 795Please note that an explicit C<ev_break> is usually better than
687relying 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
688finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program 797finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
689that 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
690of 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
691beauty. 800beauty.
692 801
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
693A 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
694those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not block your 808those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not wait and
695process 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
696the loop. 810iteration of the loop. This is sometimes useful to poll and handle new
811events while doing lengthy calculations, to keep the program responsive.
697 812
698A 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
699necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It 814necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
700will 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
701be 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
702user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one 817user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
703iteration of the loop. 818iteration of the loop.
704 819
705This 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
706with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your 821with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
707own 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
708usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 823usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
709 824
710Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 825Here are the gory details of what C<ev_run> does:
711 826
827 - Increment loop depth.
828 - Reset the ev_break status.
712 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 829 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
830 LOOP:
713 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork. 831 - If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
714 - 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.
715 - Queue and call all prepare watchers. 833 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
834 - If ev_break was called, goto FINISH.
716 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state 835 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
717 as to not disturb the other process. 836 as to not disturb the other process.
718 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 837 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
719 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()). 838 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
720 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all 839 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
721 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having 840 (active idle watchers, EVRUN_NOWAIT or not having
722 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 841 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
723 - 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.
724 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 844 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
725 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 845 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
726 - 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.
727 - Queue all expired timers. 847 - Queue all expired timers.
728 - Queue all expired periodics. 848 - Queue all expired periodics.
729 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 849 - Queue all idle watchers with priority higher than that of pending events.
730 - Queue all check watchers. 850 - Queue all check watchers.
731 - 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).
732 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
733 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 853 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
734 - 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
735 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise 855 were used, or there are no active watchers, goto FINISH, otherwise
736 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.
737 861
738Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding 862Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
739anymore. 863anymore.
740 864
741 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 865 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
742 ... 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..)
743 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 867 ev_run (my_loop, 0);
744 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah! 868 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
745 869
746=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 870=item ev_break (loop, how)
747 871
748Can 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
749has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 873has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
750C<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
751C<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.
752 876
753This "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>.
754 878
755It 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.
756 881
757=item ev_ref (loop) 882=item ev_ref (loop)
758 883
759=item ev_unref (loop) 884=item ev_unref (loop)
760 885
761Ref/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
762loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference 887loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
763count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. 888count is nonzero, C<ev_run> will not return on its own.
764 889
765If 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
766from 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>
767stopping it. 893before stopping it.
768 894
769As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It 895As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It
770is not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from 896is not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_run> from
771exiting if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an 897exiting if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an
772excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within 898excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within
773third-party libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref 899third-party libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref
774before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active 900before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active
775before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself 901before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself
776(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref> 902(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref>
777in the callback). 903in the callback).
778 904
779Example: 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>
780running when nothing else is active. 906running when nothing else is active.
781 907
782 ev_signal exitsig; 908 ev_signal exitsig;
783 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 909 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
784 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 910 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
785 evf_unref (loop); 911 ev_unref (loop);
786 912
787Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 913Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
788 914
789 ev_ref (loop); 915 ev_ref (loop);
790 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 916 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
811 937
812By 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
813time 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,
814at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and 940at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
815C<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
816introduce 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.
817 945
818Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev 946Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
819to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 947to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
820latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called 948latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
821later). 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
823 951
824Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect 952Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect
825interval 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
826interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It 954interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
827usually 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>,
828as 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).
829 961
830Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for 962Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
831saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that 963saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
832are "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
833times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to 965times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
834reduce 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
835they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only. 967they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.
836 968
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
837=item ev_loop_verify (loop) 1044=item ev_verify (loop)
838 1045
839This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been 1046This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
840compiled 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
841through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything 1048through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
842is 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
853 1060
854In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the 1061In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the
855watcher 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
856watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers. 1063watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
857 1064
858A 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
859interest 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
860become 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:
861 1069
862 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)
863 { 1071 {
864 ev_io_stop (w); 1072 ev_io_stop (w);
865 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1073 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
866 } 1074 }
867 1075
868 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 1076 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
869 1077
870 ev_io stdin_watcher; 1078 ev_io stdin_watcher;
871 1079
872 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 1080 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
873 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1081 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
874 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 1082 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
875 1083
876 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1084 ev_run (loop, 0);
877 1085
878As 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
879watcher 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
880stack). 1088stack).
881 1089
882Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE> 1090Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
883or 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).
884 1092
885Each 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
886(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 1094*, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This callback is
887callback 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
888watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 1096time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given is readable
889is readable and/or writable). 1097and/or writable).
890 1098
891Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >> 1099Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
892macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There 1100macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
893is 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<<
894ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 1102ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
917=item C<EV_WRITE> 1125=item C<EV_WRITE>
918 1126
919The 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
920writable. 1128writable.
921 1129
922=item C<EV_TIMEOUT> 1130=item C<EV_TIMER>
923 1131
924The C<ev_timer> watcher has timed out. 1132The C<ev_timer> watcher has timed out.
925 1133
926=item C<EV_PERIODIC> 1134=item C<EV_PERIODIC>
927 1135
945 1153
946=item C<EV_PREPARE> 1154=item C<EV_PREPARE>
947 1155
948=item C<EV_CHECK> 1156=item C<EV_CHECK>
949 1157
950All 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
951to 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
952C<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
953received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 1161received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as
954many 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
955(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
956C<ev_loop> from blocking). 1164C<ev_run> from blocking).
957 1165
958=item C<EV_EMBED> 1166=item C<EV_EMBED>
959 1167
960The 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.
961 1169
962=item C<EV_FORK> 1170=item C<EV_FORK>
963 1171
964The 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
965C<ev_fork>). 1173C<ev_fork>).
1174
1175=item C<EV_CLEANUP>
1176
1177The event loop is about to be destroyed (see C<ev_cleanup>).
966 1178
967=item C<EV_ASYNC> 1179=item C<EV_ASYNC>
968 1180
969The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 1181The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
970 1182
1017 1229
1018 ev_io w; 1230 ev_io w;
1019 ev_init (&w, my_cb); 1231 ev_init (&w, my_cb);
1020 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1232 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1021 1233
1022=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args]) 1234=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *watcher, [args])
1023 1235
1024This 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
1025call 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
1026call 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
1027macro 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
1040 1252
1041Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step. 1253Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
1042 1254
1043 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1255 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1044 1256
1045=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1257=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1046 1258
1047Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 1259Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
1048events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen. 1260events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
1049 1261
1050Example: 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
1051whole section. 1263whole section.
1052 1264
1053 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w); 1265 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
1054 1266
1055=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1267=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1056 1268
1057Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether 1269Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
1058the watcher was active or not). 1270the watcher was active or not).
1059 1271
1060It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example, 1272It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
1085=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 1297=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1086 1298
1087Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 1299Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
1088(modulo threads). 1300(modulo threads).
1089 1301
1090=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority) 1302=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, int priority)
1091 1303
1092=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1304=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1093 1305
1094Set 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
1095integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI> 1307integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
1127watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>. 1339watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
1128 1340
1129Sometimes 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
1130callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function. 1342callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
1131 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
1132=back 1358=back
1133
1134 1359
1135=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1360=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
1136 1361
1137Each 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
1138and 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
1184 #include <stddef.h> 1409 #include <stddef.h>
1185 1410
1186 static void 1411 static void
1187 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1412 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1188 { 1413 {
1189 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1414 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1190 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1415 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
1191 } 1416 }
1192 1417
1193 static void 1418 static void
1194 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1419 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1195 { 1420 {
1196 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1421 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1197 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1422 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1198 } 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
1199 1483
1200=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS 1484=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS
1201 1485
1202Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small 1486Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small
1203integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation 1487integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation
1246 1530
1247For example, to emulate how many other event libraries handle priorities, 1531For example, to emulate how many other event libraries handle priorities,
1248you can associate an C<ev_idle> watcher to each such watcher, and in 1532you can associate an C<ev_idle> watcher to each such watcher, and in
1249the normal watcher callback, you just start the idle watcher. The real 1533the normal watcher callback, you just start the idle watcher. The real
1250processing is done in the idle watcher callback. This causes libev to 1534processing is done in the idle watcher callback. This causes libev to
1251continously poll and process kernel event data for the watcher, but when 1535continuously poll and process kernel event data for the watcher, but when
1252the lock-out case is known to be rare (which in turn is rare :), this is 1536the lock-out case is known to be rare (which in turn is rare :), this is
1253workable. 1537workable.
1254 1538
1255Usually, however, the lock-out model implemented that way will perform 1539Usually, however, the lock-out model implemented that way will perform
1256miserably under the type of load it was designed to handle. In that case, 1540miserably under the type of load it was designed to handle. In that case,
1270 { 1554 {
1271 // stop the I/O watcher, we received the event, but 1555 // stop the I/O watcher, we received the event, but
1272 // are not yet ready to handle it. 1556 // are not yet ready to handle it.
1273 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 1557 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
1274 1558
1275 // start the idle watcher to ahndle the actual event. 1559 // start the idle watcher to handle the actual event.
1276 // it will not be executed as long as other watchers 1560 // it will not be executed as long as other watchers
1277 // with the default priority are receiving events. 1561 // with the default priority are receiving events.
1278 ev_idle_start (EV_A_ &idle); 1562 ev_idle_start (EV_A_ &idle);
1279 } 1563 }
1280 1564
1281 static void 1565 static void
1282 idle-cb (EV_P_ ev_idle *w, int revents) 1566 idle_cb (EV_P_ ev_idle *w, int revents)
1283 { 1567 {
1284 // actual processing 1568 // actual processing
1285 read (STDIN_FILENO, ...); 1569 read (STDIN_FILENO, ...);
1286 1570
1287 // have to start the I/O watcher again, as 1571 // have to start the I/O watcher again, as
1332descriptors 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
1333required if you know what you are doing). 1617required if you know what you are doing).
1334 1618
1335If 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
1336known-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
1337C<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.
1338 1624
1339Another 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
1340receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might 1626receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1341be 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
1342because 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
1407 1693
1408So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you 1694So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1409ignore 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
1410somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue). 1696somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1411 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.
1412 1736
1413=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions 1737=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1414 1738
1415=over 4 1739=over 4
1416 1740
1448 ... 1772 ...
1449 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1773 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1450 ev_io stdin_readable; 1774 ev_io stdin_readable;
1451 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);
1452 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1776 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1453 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1777 ev_run (loop, 0);
1454 1778
1455 1779
1456=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1780=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1457 1781
1458Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1782Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1463year, it will still time out after (roughly) one hour. "Roughly" because 1787year, it will still time out after (roughly) one hour. "Roughly" because
1464detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1788detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1465monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1789monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1466 1790
1467The 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
1468passed. If multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration 1792passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this
1469then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with 1793might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the
1470later time-out values (but this is no longer true when a callback calls 1794same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked
1471C<ev_loop> recursively). 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).
1472 1797
1473=head3 Be smart about timeouts 1798=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1474 1799
1475Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error 1800Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1476recovery. 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,
1520C<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>
1521member and C<ev_timer_again>. 1846member and C<ev_timer_again>.
1522 1847
1523At start: 1848At start:
1524 1849
1525 ev_timer_init (timer, callback); 1850 ev_init (timer, callback);
1526 timer->repeat = 60.; 1851 timer->repeat = 60.;
1527 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1852 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1528 1853
1529Each time there is some activity: 1854Each time there is some activity:
1530 1855
1562 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.; 1887 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.;
1563 1888
1564 // 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
1565 if (timeout < now) 1890 if (timeout < now)
1566 { 1891 {
1567 // timeout occured, take action 1892 // timeout occurred, take action
1568 } 1893 }
1569 else 1894 else
1570 { 1895 {
1571 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm 1896 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm
1572 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is 1897 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is
1592 1917
1593To 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>
1594to 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
1595callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer: 1920callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer:
1596 1921
1597 ev_timer_init (timer, callback); 1922 ev_init (timer, callback);
1598 last_activity = ev_now (loop); 1923 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1599 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMEOUT); 1924 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMER);
1600 1925
1601And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in 1926And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1602C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all: 1927C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1603 1928
1604 last_actiivty = ev_now (loop); 1929 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1605 1930
1606This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the 1931This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1607time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient. 1932time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1608 1933
1609Changing 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
1647 1972
1648=head3 The special problem of time updates 1973=head3 The special problem of time updates
1649 1974
1650Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at 1975Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1651least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current 1976least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1652time 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
1653growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling 1978growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1654lots of events in one iteration. 1979lots of events in one iteration.
1655 1980
1656The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1981The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1657time. 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
1663 1988
1664If 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
1665update 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
1666()>. 1991()>.
1667 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
1668=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2023=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1669 2024
1670=over 4 2025=over 4
1671 2026
1672=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)
1698C<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.
1699 2054
1700This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a 2055This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a
1701usage example. 2056usage example.
1702 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.
2069
1703=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 2070=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1704 2071
1705The 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
1706or 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),
1707which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 2074which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
1732 } 2099 }
1733 2100
1734 ev_timer mytimer; 2101 ev_timer mytimer;
1735 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 */
1736 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 2103 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1737 ev_loop (loop, 0); 2104 ev_run (loop, 0);
1738 2105
1739 // 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":
1740 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 2107 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1741 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 2108 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1742 2109
1768 2135
1769As 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
1770point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple 2137point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple
1771timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with 2138timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with
1772earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values 2139earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values
1773(but this is no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_loop> recursively). 2140(but this is no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1774 2141
1775=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2142=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1776 2143
1777=over 4 2144=over 4
1778 2145
1906Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 2273Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1907system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 2274system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1908potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability. 2275potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1909 2276
1910 static void 2277 static void
1911 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2278 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_periodic *w, int revents)
1912 { 2279 {
1913 ... 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)
1914 } 2281 }
1915 2282
1916 ev_periodic hourly_tick; 2283 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1939 2306
1940=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 2307=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
1941 2308
1942Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 2309Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1943signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 2310signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
1944will 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
1945normal event processing, like any other event. 2312normal event processing, like any other event.
1946 2313
1947If you want signals asynchronously, just use C<sigaction> as you would 2314If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use
1948do without libev and forget about sharing the signal. You can even use 2315C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing
1949C<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.
1950 2318
1951You 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
1952first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal handler 2325When the first watcher gets started will libev actually register something
1953with 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
1954you don't register any with libev for the same signal). Similarly, when 2327you don't register any with libev for the same signal).
1955the last signal watcher for a signal is stopped, libev will reset the
1956signal handler to SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1957 2328
1958If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with 2329If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1959C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly 2330C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should
1960interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by 2331not be unduly interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting
1961signals 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
1962them 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>.
1963 2377
1964=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2378=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1965 2379
1966=over 4 2380=over 4
1967 2381
1983Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT. 2397Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
1984 2398
1985 static void 2399 static void
1986 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents) 2400 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
1987 { 2401 {
1988 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 2402 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
1989 } 2403 }
1990 2404
1991 ev_signal signal_watcher; 2405 ev_signal signal_watcher;
1992 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 2406 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1993 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher); 2407 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
1999some 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
2000exits). 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
2001has been forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long 2415has been forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long
2002as 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.,
2003forking and then immediately registering a watcher for the child is fine, 2417forking and then immediately registering a watcher for the child is fine,
2004but 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
2005not. 2419in the next callback invocation is not.
2006 2420
2007Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore 2421Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
2008you can only register child watchers in the default event loop. 2422you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
2009 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
2010=head3 Process Interaction 2428=head3 Process Interaction
2011 2429
2012Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is 2430Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
2013initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if 2431initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if the
2014the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence 2432first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
2015of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done 2433of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
2016synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all 2434synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
2017children, even ones not watched. 2435children, even ones not watched.
2018 2436
2019=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing 2437=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
2029=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher 2447=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
2030 2448
2031Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the 2449Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
2032child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the 2450child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
2033callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically 2451callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
2034when a child exit is detected. 2452when a child exit is detected (calling C<ev_child_stop> twice is not a
2453problem).
2035 2454
2036=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2455=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2037 2456
2038=over 4 2457=over 4
2039 2458
2365 // no longer anything immediate to do. 2784 // no longer anything immediate to do.
2366 } 2785 }
2367 2786
2368 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle)); 2787 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle));
2369 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 2788 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
2370 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 2789 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_watcher);
2371 2790
2372 2791
2373=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!
2374 2793
2375Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs: 2794Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
2376prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2795prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
2377afterwards. 2796afterwards.
2378 2797
2379You 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
2380the 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>
2381watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The 2800watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The
2382rationale 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
2383those 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,
2384C<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
2468 struct pollfd fds [nfd]; 2887 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
2469 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 2888 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
2470 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 2889 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
2471 2890
2472 /* 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 */
2473 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 2892 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3, 0.);
2474 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 2893 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
2475 2894
2476 // create one ev_io per pollfd 2895 // create one ev_io per pollfd
2477 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2896 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
2478 { 2897 {
2552 2971
2553 if (timeout >= 0) 2972 if (timeout >= 0)
2554 // create/start timer 2973 // create/start timer
2555 2974
2556 // poll 2975 // poll
2557 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2976 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
2558 2977
2559 // stop timer again 2978 // stop timer again
2560 if (timeout >= 0) 2979 if (timeout >= 0)
2561 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2980 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
2562 2981
2640if 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).
2641 3060
2642=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 3061=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2643 3062
2644Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 3063Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2645similarly 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
2646appropriate way for embedded loops. 3065appropriate way for embedded loops.
2647 3066
2648=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 3067=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2649 3068
2650The embedded event loop. 3069The embedded event loop.
2708event 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,
2709and 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
2710C<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
2711handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 3130handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
2712 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
2713=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 3166=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2714 3167
2715=over 4 3168=over 4
2716 3169
2717=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 3170=item ev_fork_init (ev_fork *, callback)
2718 3171
2719Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 3172Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
2720kind. 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,
2721believe me. 3174really.
2722 3175
2723=back 3176=back
2724 3177
2725 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
2726=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up another event loop 3219=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop
2727 3220
2728In 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
2729asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event 3222asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
2730loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads). 3223loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
2731 3224
2732Sometimes, 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,
2733control, 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>
2734C<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
2735can 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.
2736safe.
2737 3229
2738This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals, 3230This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
2739too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed 3231too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
2740(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
2741C<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.
2742 3237
2743Unlike 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
2744just the default loop. 3239just the default loop.
2745 3240
2746=head3 Queueing 3241=head3 Queueing
2747 3242
2748C<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
2749is 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
2750multiple-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
2751need elaborate support such as pthreads. 3246need elaborate support such as pthreads or unportable memory access
3247semantics.
2752 3248
2753That 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
2754queue. 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
2755queue: 3251queue:
2756 3252
2895 3391
2896If 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
2897started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 3393started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
2898repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout. 3394repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout.
2899 3395
2900The 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
2901passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 3397passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
2902C<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>
2903value 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>
2904a 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
2905events precedence. 3401events precedence.
2906 3402
2907Example: 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.
2908 3404
2909 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 3405 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2910 { 3406 {
2911 if (revents & EV_READ) 3407 if (revents & EV_READ)
2912 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 3408 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2913 else if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 3409 else if (revents & EV_TIMER)
2914 /* doh, nothing entered */; 3410 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2915 } 3411 }
2916 3412
2917 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 3413 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2918 3414
2919=item ev_feed_event (struct ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2920
2921Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
2922had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
2923initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).
2924
2925=item ev_feed_fd_event (struct ev_loop *, int fd, int revents) 3415=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents)
2926 3416
2927Feed 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
2928the given events it. 3418the given events it.
2929 3419
2930=item ev_feed_signal_event (struct ev_loop *loop, int signum) 3420=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum)
2931 3421
2932Feed 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>,
2933loop!). 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;
2934 3474
2935=back 3475=back
2936 3476
2937 3477
2938=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION 3478=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION
2939 3479
2940Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot 3480Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot
2941emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints: 3481emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints:
2942 3482
2943=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.
2944 3489
2945=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual. 3490=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual.
2946 3491
2947=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback, 3492=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback,
2948ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events. 3493ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events.
2954=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 3499=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
2955will 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
2956is an ev_pri field. 3501is an ev_pri field.
2957 3502
2958=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
2959first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals. 3504base that registered the signal gets the signals.
2960 3505
2961=item * Other members are not supported. 3506=item * Other members are not supported.
2962 3507
2963=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
2964to use the libev header file and library. 3509to use the libev header file and library.
2983Care 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++
2984classes 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
2985that 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
2986you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev). 3531you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
2987 3532
2988Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be 3533Currently, functions, static and non-static member functions and classes
2989used 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
2990need 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
2991types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing 3536you need support for other types of functors please contact the author
2992it). 3537(preferably after implementing it).
2993 3538
2994Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 3539Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
2995 3540
2996=over 4 3541=over 4
2997 3542
3015 3560
3016=over 4 3561=over 4
3017 3562
3018=item ev::TYPE::TYPE () 3563=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
3019 3564
3020=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *) 3565=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (loop)
3021 3566
3022=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 3567=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
3023 3568
3024The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher 3569The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
3025with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>. 3570with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
3058 myclass obj; 3603 myclass obj;
3059 ev::io iow; 3604 ev::io iow;
3060 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 3605 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
3061 3606
3062=item w->set (object *) 3607=item w->set (object *)
3063
3064This is an B<experimental> feature that might go away in a future version.
3065 3608
3066This is a variation of a method callback - leaving out the method to call 3609This is a variation of a method callback - leaving out the method to call
3067will default the method to C<operator ()>, which makes it possible to use 3610will default the method to C<operator ()>, which makes it possible to use
3068functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all 3611functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all
3069the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument 3612the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument
3102Example: Use a plain function as callback. 3645Example: Use a plain function as callback.
3103 3646
3104 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 3647 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
3105 iow.set <io_cb> (); 3648 iow.set <io_cb> ();
3106 3649
3107=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 3650=item w->set (loop)
3108 3651
3109Associates 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
3110do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 3653do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
3111 3654
3112=item w->set ([arguments]) 3655=item w->set ([arguments])
3113 3656
3114Basically 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
3115called 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
3116automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 3659C counterpart, an active watcher gets automatically stopped and restarted
3117method. 3660when reconfiguring it with this method.
3118 3661
3119=item w->start () 3662=item w->start ()
3120 3663
3121Starts 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
3122constructor already stores the event loop. 3665constructor already stores the event loop.
3123 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
3124=item w->stop () 3673=item w->stop ()
3125 3674
3126Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 3675Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
3127 3676
3128=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only) 3677=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
3140 3689
3141=back 3690=back
3142 3691
3143=back 3692=back
3144 3693
3145Example: 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
3146the constructor. 3695watchers in the constructor.
3147 3696
3148 class myclass 3697 class myclass
3149 { 3698 {
3150 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);
3151 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 3701 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
3152 3702
3153 myclass (int fd) 3703 myclass (int fd)
3154 { 3704 {
3155 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 3705 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
3706 io2 .set <myclass, &myclass::io2_cb > (this);
3156 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 3707 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
3157 3708
3158 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
3159 } 3713 }
3160 }; 3714 };
3161 3715
3162 3716
3163=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS 3717=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
3209=item Ocaml 3763=item Ocaml
3210 3764
3211Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at 3765Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
3212L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>. 3766L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
3213 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>.
3773
3214=back 3774=back
3215 3775
3216 3776
3217=head1 MACRO MAGIC 3777=head1 MACRO MAGIC
3218 3778
3231loop 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,
3232C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 3792C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
3233 3793
3234 ev_unref (EV_A); 3794 ev_unref (EV_A);
3235 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 3795 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
3236 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 3796 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
3237 3797
3238It 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,
3239which is often provided by the following macro. 3799which is often provided by the following macro.
3240 3800
3241=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 3801=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
3281 } 3841 }
3282 3842
3283 ev_check check; 3843 ev_check check;
3284 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 3844 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
3285 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 3845 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
3286 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 3846 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
3287 3847
3288=head1 EMBEDDING 3848=head1 EMBEDDING
3289 3849
3290Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 3850Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
3291applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 3851applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
3371 libev.m4 3931 libev.m4
3372 3932
3373=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 3933=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
3374 3934
3375Libev 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
3376define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of 3936define before including (or compiling) any of its files. The default in
3377autoconf 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.
3378 3945
3379=over 4 3946=over 4
3380 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
3381=item EV_STANDALONE 3964=item EV_STANDALONE (h)
3382 3965
3383Must 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
3384keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy 3967keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy
3385implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not 3968implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not
3386supported). 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
3387F<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.
3388 3971
3389In stanbdalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the 3972In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the
3390configuration, but has to be more conservative. 3973configuration, but has to be more conservative.
3391 3974
3392=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 3975=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
3393 3976
3394If 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
3459be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call 4042be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call
3460C<_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,
3461it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even 4044it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
3462on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms. 4045on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.
3463 4046
3464=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE 4047=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE(fd)
3465 4048
3466If 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
3467file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the 4050file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the
3468default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually 4051default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually
3469correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management, 4052correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management,
3470in 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.
3471 4068
3472=item EV_USE_POLL 4069=item EV_USE_POLL
3473 4070
3474If 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)
3475backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 4072backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
3522as 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.
3523 4120
3524In 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>
3525(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.
3526 4123
3527=item EV_H 4124=item EV_H (h)
3528 4125
3529The 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
3530undefined 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
3531used 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.
3532 4129
3533=item EV_CONFIG_H 4130=item EV_CONFIG_H (h)
3534 4131
3535If 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
3536F<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
3537C<EV_H>, above. 4134C<EV_H>, above.
3538 4135
3539=item EV_EVENT_H 4136=item EV_EVENT_H (h)
3540 4137
3541Similarly 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
3542of 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">.
3543 4140
3544=item EV_PROTOTYPES 4141=item EV_PROTOTYPES (h)
3545 4142
3546If 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
3547prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is 4144prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
3548occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions 4145occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions
3549around libev functions. 4146around libev functions.
3571fine. 4168fine.
3572 4169
3573If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these 4170If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these
3574both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU. 4171both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
3575 4172
3576=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.
3577 4176
3578If 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
3579defined 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
3580code. 4179is not. Disabling watcher types mainly saves code size.
3581 4180
3582=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE 4181=item EV_FEATURES
3583
3584If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
3585defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
3586code.
3587
3588=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
3589
3590If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
3591defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Embed watchers rely on most other
3592watcher types, which therefore must not be disabled.
3593
3594=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
3595
3596If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
3597defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3598
3599=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
3600
3601If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
3602defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3603
3604=item EV_ASYNC_ENABLE
3605
3606If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then async watchers are supported. If
3607defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3608
3609=item EV_MINIMAL
3610 4182
3611If 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
3612speed, 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
3613inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a 4185certain subsets of functionality. The default is to enable all features
3614much 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.
3615 4282
3616=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 4283=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
3617 4284
3618C<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
3619pid. 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),
3620than 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
3621increase this value (I<must> be a power of two). 4288might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
3622 4289
3623=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE 4290=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
3624 4291
3625C<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
3626inotify 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>
3627usually 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
3628watchers 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
3629two). 4296power of two).
3630 4297
3631=item EV_USE_4HEAP 4298=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3632 4299
3633Heaps 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
3634timer 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
3635to 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
3636faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers. 4303faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3637 4304
3638The 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
3639(disabled). 4306will be C<0>.
3640 4307
3641=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT 4308=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3642 4309
3643Heaps 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
3644timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within 4311timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3645the 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>),
3646which 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,
3647but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance 4314but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3648noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers. 4315noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3649 4316
3650The 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
3651(disabled). 4318will be C<0>.
3652 4319
3653=item EV_VERIFY 4320=item EV_VERIFY
3654 4321
3655Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will 4322Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_verify ()>) will
3656be 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
3657in. 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
3658called. 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
3659called 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
3660verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down 4327verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3661libev considerably. 4328libev considerably.
3662 4329
3663The 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
3664C<0>. 4331will be C<0>.
3665 4332
3666=item EV_COMMON 4333=item EV_COMMON
3667 4334
3668By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 4335By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
3669this 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
3670members. 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,
3671though, and it must be identical each time. 4338though, and it must be identical each time.
3672 4339
3673For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 4340For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
3674 4341
3727file. 4394file.
3728 4395
3729The 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
3730that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 4397that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
3731 4398
3732 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 4399 #define EV_FEATURES 8
3733 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 4400 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
3734 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
3735 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 4401 #define EV_PREPARE_ENABLE 1
4402 #define EV_IDLE_ENABLE 1
3736 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 4403 #define EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE 1
3737 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 4404 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
4405 #define EV_USE_STDEXCEPT 0
3738 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 4406 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
3739 #define EV_MINPRI 0
3740 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
3741 4407
3742 #include "ev++.h" 4408 #include "ev++.h"
3743 4409
3744And 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:
3745 4411
3805default 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
3806watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal. 4472watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
3807 4473
3808=back 4474=back
3809 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
3810=head3 COROUTINES 4614=head3 COROUTINES
3811 4615
3812Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 4616Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3813libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different 4617libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
3814coroutines (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
3815different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running the 4619different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running
3816loop, 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
3817you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks. 4621that you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3818 4622
3819Care 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
3820C<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
3821they do not call any callbacks. 4625they do not call any callbacks.
3822 4626
3823=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS 4627=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
3824 4628
3825Depending 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
3836maintainable. 4640maintainable.
3837 4641
3838And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply 4642And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3839wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message 4643wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3840seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some 4644seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some
3841warnings that resulted an extreme number of false positives. These have 4645warnings that resulted in an extreme number of false positives. These have
3842been 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
3843such buggy versions. 4647such buggy versions.
3844 4648
3845While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible, 4649While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
3846"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
3882I suggest using suppression lists. 4686I suggest using suppression lists.
3883 4687
3884 4688
3885=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES 4689=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES
3886 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
3887=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS 4777=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
4778
4779=head3 General issues
3888 4780
3889Win32 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
3890requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 4782requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
3891model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 4783model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
3892the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 4784the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
3893descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 4785descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
3894e.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.
3895 4789
3896Lifting these limitations would basically require the full 4790Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
3897re-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,
3898things, 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
3899way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man). 4793also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
3900 4794
3901There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 4795There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
3902embedding 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.
3903 4800
3904Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't 4801Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
3905accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will 4802accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
3906either 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,
3907so 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
3912the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets 4809the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
3913is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use 4810is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use
3914more 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
3915different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness 4812different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
3916notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows 4813notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
3917(Microsoft monopoly games). 4814(due to Microsoft monopoly games).
3918 4815
3919A 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
3920section 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
3921of F<ev.h>: 4818of F<ev.h>:
3922 4819
3929you 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!):
3930 4827
3931 #include "evwrap.h" 4828 #include "evwrap.h"
3932 #include "ev.c" 4829 #include "ev.c"
3933 4830
3934=over 4
3935
3936=item The winsocket select function 4831=head3 The winsocket C<select> function
3937 4832
3938The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it 4833The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
3939requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is 4834requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
3940also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also 4835also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
3941requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft 4836requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
3950 #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 */
3951 4846
3952Note 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
3953complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 4848complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
3954 4849
3955=item Limited number of file descriptors 4850=head3 Limited number of file descriptors
3956 4851
3957Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. 4852Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
3958 4853
3959Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum 4854Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
3960of 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
3961can 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
3962recommends 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
3963previous thread in each. Great). 4858previous thread in each. Sounds great!).
3964 4859
3965Newer 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>
3966to 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
3967call (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
3968select emulation on windows). 4863other interpreters do their own select emulation on windows).
3969 4864
3970Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime 4865Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime
3971libraries, 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>
3972or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this by calling 4867fetish or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this
3973C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another 4868by calling C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048>
3974arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft runtime 4869(another arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft
3975libraries.
3976
3977This 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
3978windows 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,
3979wrap 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
3980calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 4873the cost of calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
3981
3982=back
3983 4874
3984=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS 4875=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
3985 4876
3986In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the 4877In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the
3987backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions: 4878backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions:
3994Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal 4885Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
3995structure (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
3996assumes 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
3997callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev 4888callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
3998calls 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.
3999 4895
4000=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
4001 4897
4002The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as 4898The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
4003C<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
4026watchers. 4922watchers.
4027 4923
4028=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
4029 4925
4030The 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
4031have 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
4032enough 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
4033implementations 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.
4034 4932
4035=back 4933=back
4036 4934
4037If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 4935If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
4038 4936
4106involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers. 5004involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
4107 5005
4108=back 5006=back
4109 5007
4110 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
4111=head1 GLOSSARY 5069=head1 GLOSSARY
4112 5070
4113=over 4 5071=over 4
4114 5072
4115=item active 5073=item active
4116 5074
4117A watcher is active as long as it has been started (has been attached to 5075A watcher is active as long as it has been started and not yet stopped.
4118an event loop) but not yet stopped (disassociated from the event loop). 5076See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
4119 5077
4120=item application 5078=item application
4121 5079
4122In this document, an application is whatever is using libev. 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.
4123 5085
4124=item callback 5086=item callback
4125 5087
4126The address of a function that is called when some event has been 5088The address of a function that is called when some event has been
4127detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that 5089detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that
4128received the event, and the actual event bitset. 5090received the event, and the actual event bitset.
4129 5091
4130=item callback invocation 5092=item callback/watcher invocation
4131 5093
4132The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher. 5094The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4133 5095
4134=item event 5096=item event
4135 5097
4136A change of state of some external event, such as data now being available 5098A change of state of some external event, such as data now being available
4137for reading on a file descriptor, time having passed or simply not having 5099for reading on a file descriptor, time having passed or simply not having
4138any other events happening anymore. 5100any other events happening anymore.
4139 5101
4140In libev, events are represented as single bits (such as C<EV_READ> or 5102In libev, events are represented as single bits (such as C<EV_READ> or
4141C<EV_TIMEOUT>). 5103C<EV_TIMER>).
4142 5104
4143=item event library 5105=item event library
4144 5106
4145A software package implementing an event model and loop. 5107A software package implementing an event model and loop.
4146 5108
4154The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes 5116The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes
4155watchers and events. 5117watchers and events.
4156 5118
4157=item pending 5119=item pending
4158 5120
4159A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been detected, 5121A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been
4160and stops being pending as soon as the watcher will be invoked or its 5122detected. See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
4161pending status is explicitly cleared by the application.
4162
4163A watcher can be pending, but not active. Stopping a watcher also clears
4164its pending status.
4165 5123
4166=item real time 5124=item real time
4167 5125
4168The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :) 5126The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
4169 5127
4176=item watcher 5134=item watcher
4177 5135
4178A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need 5136A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need
4179to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events. 5137to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events.
4180 5138
4181=item watcher invocation
4182
4183The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4184
4185=back 5139=back
4186 5140
4187=head1 AUTHOR 5141=head1 AUTHOR
4188 5142
4189Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson. 5143Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael
5144Magnusson and Emanuele Giaquinta.
4190 5145

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