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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);
77on event-based programming, nor will it introduce event-based programming 77on event-based programming, nor will it introduce event-based programming
78with libev. 78with libev.
79 79
80Familiarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed 80Familiarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed
81throughout this document. 81throughout this document.
82
83=head1 WHAT TO READ WHEN IN A HURRY
84
85This manual tries to be very detailed, but unfortunately, this also makes
86it very long. If you just want to know the basics of libev, I suggest
87reading L<ANATOMY OF A WATCHER>, then the L<EXAMPLE PROGRAM> above and
88look up the missing functions in L<GLOBAL FUNCTIONS> and the C<ev_io> and
89C<ev_timer> sections in L<WATCHER TYPES>.
82 90
83=head1 ABOUT LIBEV 91=head1 ABOUT LIBEV
84 92
85Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 93Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
86file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage 94file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
165 173
166=item ev_tstamp ev_time () 174=item ev_tstamp ev_time ()
167 175
168Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 176Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
169C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp 177C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
170you actually want to know. Also interetsing is the combination of 178you actually want to know. Also interesting is the combination of
171C<ev_update_now> and C<ev_now>. 179C<ev_update_now> and C<ev_now>.
172 180
173=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 181=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
174 182
175Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 183Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
193as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 201as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
194compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 202compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
195not a problem. 203not a problem.
196 204
197Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 205Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
198version (note, however, that this will not detect ABI mismatches :). 206version (note, however, that this will not detect other ABI mismatches,
207such as LFS or reentrancy).
199 208
200 assert (("libev version mismatch", 209 assert (("libev version mismatch",
201 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 210 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
202 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 211 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
203 212
225probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 234probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
226 235
227=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 236=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
228 237
229Returns 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
230is the theoretical, all-platform, value. To find which backends 239value is platform-specific but can include backends not available on the
231might be supported on the current system, you would need to look at 240current system. To find which embeddable backends might be supported on
232C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 241the current system, you would need to look at C<ev_embeddable_backends ()
233recommended ones. 242& ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for recommended ones.
234 243
235See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 244See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
236 245
237=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT] 246=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
238 247
239Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 248Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
240semantics 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
241used 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
242when 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
268 } 277 }
269 278
270 ... 279 ...
271 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 280 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
272 281
273=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); [NOT REENTRANT] 282=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg))
274 283
275Set 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
276as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 285as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
277indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 286indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
278callback 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
290 } 299 }
291 300
292 ... 301 ...
293 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error); 302 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error);
294 303
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
295=back 317=back
296 318
297=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 319=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING EVENT LOOPS
298 320
299An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> is 321An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> is
300I<not> optional in this case unless libev 3 compatibility is disabled, as 322I<not> optional in this case unless libev 3 compatibility is disabled, as
301libev 3 had an C<ev_loop> function colliding with the struct name). 323libev 3 had an C<ev_loop> function colliding with the struct name).
302 324
303The 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
304supports signals and child events, and dynamically created event loops 326supports child process events, and dynamically created event loops which
305which do not. 327do not.
306 328
307=over 4 329=over 4
308 330
309=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 331=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
310 332
311This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised 333This returns the "default" event loop object, which is what you should
312yet 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
313false. 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
314flags. 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".
315 343
316If 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
317function. 345function (or via the C<EV_DEFAULT> macro).
318 346
319Note 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
320from 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
321as loops cannot be shared easily between threads anyway). 349that this case is unlikely, as loops cannot be shared easily between
350threads anyway).
322 351
323The 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,
324C<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
325for 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
326create 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
327can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling 356C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling C<ev_default_init>.
328C<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.
329 376
330The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 377The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
331backends 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>).
332 379
333The following flags are supported: 380The following flags are supported:
368environment variable. 415environment variable.
369 416
370=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY> 417=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY>
371 418
372When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the 419When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the
373I<inotify> API for it's C<ev_stat> watchers. Apart from debugging and 420I<inotify> API for its C<ev_stat> watchers. Apart from debugging and
374testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as 421testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as
375otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle. 422otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle.
376 423
377=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD> 424=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD>
378 425
379When this flag is specified, then libev will attempt to use the 426When this flag is specified, then libev will attempt to use the
380I<signalfd> API for it's C<ev_signal> (and C<ev_child>) watchers. This API 427I<signalfd> API for its C<ev_signal> (and C<ev_child>) watchers. This API
381delivers signals synchronously, which makes it both faster and might make 428delivers signals synchronously, which makes it both faster and might make
382it possible to get the queued signal data. It can also simplify signal 429it possible to get the queued signal data. It can also simplify signal
383handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your 430handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your
384threads that are not interested in handling them. 431threads that are not interested in handling them.
385 432
386Signalfd will not be used by default as this changes your signal mask, and 433Signalfd will not be used by default as this changes your signal mask, and
387there are a lot of shoddy libraries and programs (glib's threadpool for 434there are a lot of shoddy libraries and programs (glib's threadpool for
388example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks. 435example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks.
436
437=item C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK>
438
439When this flag is specified, then libev will avoid to modify the signal
440mask. Specifically, this means you ahve to make sure signals are unblocked
441when you want to receive them.
442
443This behaviour is useful when you want to do your own signal handling, or
444want to handle signals only in specific threads and want to avoid libev
445unblocking the signals.
446
447This flag's behaviour will become the default in future versions of libev.
389 448
390=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 449=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
391 450
392This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 451This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
393libev 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,
429epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). 488epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
430 489
431The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned 490The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
432of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently 491of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
433dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file 492dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
434descriptor (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
435so 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
436I<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
437take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) and is of course 498set, which can take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor)
438hard to detect. 499and is of course hard to detect.
439 500
440Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but 501Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but
441of 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
442I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot 503I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot
443even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially 504even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially
445employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the 506employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the
446events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. Last 507events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. Last
447not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work 508not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work
448perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...). 509perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...).
449 510
511Epoll is truly the train wreck analog among event poll mechanisms.
512
450While 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
451will 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
452incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different 515incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different
453I<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
454file descriptors might not work very well if you register events for both 517file descriptors might not work very well if you register events for both
519=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 582=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
520 583
521This 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,
522it'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)).
523 586
524Please note that Solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
525notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
526blocking when no data (or space) is available.
527
528While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active 587While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
529file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 588file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
530descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend 589descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
531might perform better. 590might perform better.
532 591
533On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness 592On the positive side, this backend actually performed fully to
534notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification
535in 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
536OS-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.
537 606
538This 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
539C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 608C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
540 609
541=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 610=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
542 611
543Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 612Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
544with 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
545C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 614C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
546 615
547It 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).
548 625
549=back 626=back
550 627
551If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value, 628If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value,
552then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed 629then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed
553here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends 630here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends
554()> will be tried. 631()> will be tried.
555 632
556Example: This is the most typical usage.
557
558 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
559 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
560
561Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
562environment settings to be taken into account:
563
564 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
565
566Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
567used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
568private event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of
569fds):
570
571 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
572
573=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
574
575Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
576always distinct from the default loop.
577
578Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and one common way to use
579libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
580default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
581
582Example: 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.
583 634
584 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 635 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
585 if (!epoller) 636 if (!epoller)
586 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 637 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
587 638
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
588=item ev_default_destroy () 644=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
589 645
590Destroys the default loop (frees all memory and kernel state etc.). None 646Destroys an event loop object (frees all memory and kernel state
591of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal sense, so 647etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
592e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your responsibility to 648sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
593either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before> calling this function, 649responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
594or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually the easiest thing, you 650calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
595can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them for example). 651the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
652for example).
596 653
597Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal 654Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
598handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such 655handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
599as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually. 656as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
600 657
601In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 658This function is normally used on loop objects allocated by
602rare 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.
603pipe 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>
604C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>. 665and C<ev_loop_destroy>.
605 666
606=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 667=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
607 668
608Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
609earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
610
611=item ev_default_fork ()
612
613This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations 669This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations to
614to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the 670reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
615name, 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
616the 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
617sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev 673child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>.
618functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_run> iteration.
619 674
620Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after 675Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after
621a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is 676a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is
622because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things 677because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things
623during fork. 678during fork.
628call it at all (in fact, C<epoll> is so badly broken that it makes a 683call it at all (in fact, C<epoll> is so badly broken that it makes a
629difference, but libev will usually detect this case on its own and do a 684difference, but libev will usually detect this case on its own and do a
630costly reset of the backend). 685costly reset of the backend).
631 686
632The 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
633it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 688it just in case after a fork.
634quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
635 689
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 ...
636 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 700 pthread_atfork (0, 0, post_fork_child);
637
638=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
639
640Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
641C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
642after fork that you want to re-use in the child, and how you keep track of
643them is entirely your own problem.
644 701
645=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop) 702=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
646 703
647Returns 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
648otherwise. 705otherwise.
659prepare and check phases. 716prepare and check phases.
660 717
661=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop) 718=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop)
662 719
663Returns the number of times C<ev_run> was entered minus the number of 720Returns the number of times C<ev_run> was entered minus the number of
664times C<ev_run> was exited, in other words, the recursion depth. 721times C<ev_run> was exited normally, in other words, the recursion depth.
665 722
666Outside C<ev_run>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is 723Outside C<ev_run>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is
667C<1>, unless C<ev_run> was invoked recursively (or from another thread), 724C<1>, unless C<ev_run> was invoked recursively (or from another thread),
668in which case it is higher. 725in which case it is higher.
669 726
670Leaving C<ev_run> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread 727Leaving C<ev_run> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread,
671etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this as a hint to avoid such 728throwing an exception etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this
672ungentleman-like behaviour unless it's really convenient. 729as a hint to avoid such ungentleman-like behaviour unless it's really
730convenient, in which case it is fully supported.
673 731
674=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 732=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
675 733
676Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 734Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
677use. 735use.
738relying 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
739finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program 797finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
740that 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
741of 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
742beauty. 800beauty.
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.
743 806
744A flags value of C<EVRUN_NOWAIT> will look for new events, will handle 807A flags value of C<EVRUN_NOWAIT> will look for new events, will handle
745those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not wait and 808those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not wait and
746block your process in case there are no events and will return after one 809block your process in case there are no events and will return after one
747iteration of the loop. This is sometimes useful to poll and handle new 810iteration of the loop. This is sometimes useful to poll and handle new
809Can be used to make a call to C<ev_run> return early (but only after it 872Can be used to make a call to C<ev_run> return early (but only after it
810has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 873has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
811C<EVBREAK_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_run> call return, or 874C<EVBREAK_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_run> call return, or
812C<EVBREAK_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_run> calls return. 875C<EVBREAK_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_run> calls return.
813 876
814This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_run> again. 877This "break state" will be cleared on the next call to C<ev_run>.
815 878
816It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls. ##TODO## 879It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls, too, in
880which case it will have no effect.
817 881
818=item ev_ref (loop) 882=item ev_ref (loop)
819 883
820=item ev_unref (loop) 884=item ev_unref (loop)
821 885
842running when nothing else is active. 906running when nothing else is active.
843 907
844 ev_signal exitsig; 908 ev_signal exitsig;
845 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 909 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
846 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 910 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
847 evf_unref (loop); 911 ev_unref (loop);
848 912
849Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 913Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
850 914
851 ev_ref (loop); 915 ev_ref (loop);
852 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 916 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
964See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this 1028See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this
965document. 1029document.
966 1030
967=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data) 1031=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data)
968 1032
969=item ev_userdata (loop) 1033=item void *ev_userdata (loop)
970 1034
971Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When 1035Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When
972C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns 1036C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns
973C<0.> 1037C<0>.
974 1038
975These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop, 1039These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop,
976and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and 1040and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and
977C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for 1041C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for
978any other purpose as well. 1042any other purpose as well.
1106=item C<EV_FORK> 1170=item C<EV_FORK>
1107 1171
1108The 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
1109C<ev_fork>). 1173C<ev_fork>).
1110 1174
1175=item C<EV_CLEANUP>
1176
1177The event loop is about to be destroyed (see C<ev_cleanup>).
1178
1111=item C<EV_ASYNC> 1179=item C<EV_ASYNC>
1112 1180
1113The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 1181The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
1114 1182
1115=item C<EV_CUSTOM> 1183=item C<EV_CUSTOM>
1136programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another 1204programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another
1137thing, so beware. 1205thing, so beware.
1138 1206
1139=back 1207=back
1140 1208
1141=head2 WATCHER STATES
1142
1143There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual -
1144active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to
1145transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these
1146rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing".
1147
1148=over 4
1149
1150=item initialiased
1151
1152Before a watcher can be registered with the event looop it has to be
1153initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to
1154C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function.
1155
1156In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for use
1157in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at will.
1158
1159=item started/running/active
1160
1161Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes
1162property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in
1163this state it cannot be accessed (except in a few documented ways), moved,
1164freed or anything else - the only legal thing is to keep a pointer to it,
1165and call libev functions on it that are documented to work on active watchers.
1166
1167=item pending
1168
1169If a watcher is active and libev determines that an event it is interested
1170in has occurred (such as a timer expiring), it will become pending. It will
1171stay in this pending state until either it is stopped or its callback is
1172about to be invoked, so it is not normally pending inside the watcher
1173callback.
1174
1175The watcher might or might not be active while it is pending (for example,
1176an expired non-repeating timer can be pending but no longer active). If it
1177is stopped, it can be freely accessed (e.g. by calling C<ev_TYPE_set>),
1178but it is still property of the event loop at this time, so cannot be
1179moved, freed or reused. And if it is active the rules described in the
1180previous item still apply.
1181
1182It is also possible to feed an event on a watcher that is not active (e.g.
1183via C<ev_feed_event>), in which case it becomes pending without being
1184active.
1185
1186=item stopped
1187
1188A watcher can be stopped implicitly by libev (in which case it might still
1189be pending), or explicitly by calling its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. The
1190latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless
1191of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before
1192freeing it is often a good idea.
1193
1194While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the
1195initialised state, that is it can be reused, moved, modified in any way
1196you wish.
1197
1198=back
1199
1200=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 1209=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
1201 1210
1202=over 4 1211=over 4
1203 1212
1204=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 1213=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1345 1354
1346See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related 1355See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
1347functions that do not need a watcher. 1356functions that do not need a watcher.
1348 1357
1349=back 1358=back
1350
1351 1359
1352=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1360=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
1353 1361
1354Each 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
1355and 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
1411 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1419 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1412 { 1420 {
1413 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *) 1421 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1414 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1422 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1415 } 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
1416 1483
1417=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS 1484=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS
1418 1485
1419Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small 1486Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small
1420integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation 1487integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation
2239 2306
2240=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 2307=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
2241 2308
2242Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 2309Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
2243signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 2310signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
2244will 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
2245normal event processing, like any other event. 2312normal event processing, like any other event.
2246 2313
2247If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use 2314If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use
2248C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing 2315C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing
2249the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to 2316the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to
2291I<has> to modify the signal mask, at least temporarily. 2358I<has> to modify the signal mask, at least temporarily.
2292 2359
2293So I can't stress this enough: I<If you do not reset your signal mask when 2360So I can't stress this enough: I<If you do not reset your signal mask when
2294you expect it to be empty, you have a race condition in your code>. This 2361you expect it to be empty, you have a race condition in your code>. This
2295is not a libev-specific thing, this is true for most event libraries. 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>.
2296 2377
2297=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2378=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2298 2379
2299=over 4 2380=over 4
2300 2381
3074disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support 3155disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support
3075signal watchers). 3156signal watchers).
3076 3157
3077When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for 3158When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for
3078other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call 3159other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call
3079C<ev_default_destroy ()> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>. Destroying 3160C<ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT)> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>.
3080the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered watchers, so you 3161Destroying the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered
3081have to be careful not to execute code that modifies those watchers. Note 3162watchers, so you have to be careful not to execute code that modifies
3082also that in that case, you have to re-register any signal watchers. 3163those watchers. Note also that in that case, you have to re-register any
3164signal watchers.
3083 3165
3084=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 3166=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
3085 3167
3086=over 4 3168=over 4
3087 3169
3088=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 3170=item ev_fork_init (ev_fork *, callback)
3089 3171
3090Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 3172Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
3091kind. 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,
3092believe me. 3174really.
3093 3175
3094=back 3176=back
3177
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);
3095 3217
3096 3218
3097=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop 3219=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop
3098 3220
3099In general, you cannot use an C<ev_run> from multiple threads or other 3221In general, you cannot use an C<ev_run> from multiple threads or other
3106it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe. 3228it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe.
3107 3229
3108This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals, 3230This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
3109too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed 3231too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
3110(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
3111C<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.
3112 3237
3113Unlike 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
3114just the default loop. 3239just the default loop.
3115 3240
3116=head3 Queueing 3241=head3 Queueing
3292Feed 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
3293the given events it. 3418the given events it.
3294 3419
3295=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum) 3420=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum)
3296 3421
3297Feed 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>,
3298loop!). 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;
3299 3474
3300=back 3475=back
3301 3476
3302 3477
3303=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION 3478=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION
3304 3479
3305Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot 3480Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot
3306emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints: 3481emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints:
3307 3482
3308=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.
3309 3489
3310=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual. 3490=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual.
3311 3491
3312=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback, 3492=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback,
3313ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events. 3493ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events.
3319=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 3499=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
3320will 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
3321is an ev_pri field. 3501is an ev_pri field.
3322 3502
3323=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
3324first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals. 3504base that registered the signal gets the signals.
3325 3505
3326=item * Other members are not supported. 3506=item * Other members are not supported.
3327 3507
3328=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
3329to use the libev header file and library. 3509to use the libev header file and library.
3348Care 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++
3349classes 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
3350that 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
3351you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev). 3531you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
3352 3532
3353Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be 3533Currently, functions, static and non-static member functions and classes
3354used 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
3355need 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
3356types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing 3536you need support for other types of functors please contact the author
3357it). 3537(preferably after implementing it).
3358 3538
3359Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 3539Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
3360 3540
3361=over 4 3541=over 4
3362 3542
4706structure (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
4707assumes 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
4708callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev 4888callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
4709calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally. 4889calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
4710 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.
4895
4711=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
4712 4897
4713The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as 4898The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
4714C<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
4715threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is 4900threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
4821=back 5006=back
4822 5007
4823 5008
4824=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X 5009=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X
4825 5010
4826The major version 4 introduced some minor incompatible changes to the API. 5011The major version 4 introduced some incompatible changes to the API.
4827 5012
4828At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file tries to implement superficial 5013At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file provides compatibility definitions
4829compatibility, so most programs should still compile. Those might be 5014for all changes, so most programs should still compile. The compatibility
4830removed in later versions of libev, so better update early than late. 5015layer might be removed in later versions of libev, so better update to the
5016new API early than late.
4831 5017
4832=over 4 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);
4833 5032
4834=item function/symbol renames 5033=item function/symbol renames
4835 5034
4836A number of functions and symbols have been renamed: 5035A number of functions and symbols have been renamed:
4837 5036
4856ev_loop> anymore and C<EV_TIMER> now follows the same naming scheme 5055ev_loop> anymore and C<EV_TIMER> now follows the same naming scheme
4857as all other watcher types. Note that C<ev_loop_fork> is still called 5056as all other watcher types. Note that C<ev_loop_fork> is still called
4858C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the C<ev_fork> 5057C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the C<ev_fork>
4859typedef. 5058typedef.
4860 5059
4861=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
4862
4863The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
4864C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L<PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L<EMBEDDING>
4865section.
4866
4867=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES> 5060=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES>
4868 5061
4869The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different 5062The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different
4870mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile 5063mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile
4871and work, but the library code will of course be larger. 5064and work, but the library code will of course be larger.
4945 5138
4946=back 5139=back
4947 5140
4948=head1 AUTHOR 5141=head1 AUTHOR
4949 5142
4950Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson. 5143Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael
5144Magnusson and Emanuele Giaquinta.
4951 5145

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