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1=encoding utf-8
2
1=head1 NAME 3=head1 NAME
2 4
3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C 5libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C
4 6
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 7=head1 SYNOPSIS
58 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 60 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
59 61
60 // now wait for events to arrive 62 // now wait for events to arrive
61 ev_run (loop, 0); 63 ev_run (loop, 0);
62 64
63 // unloop was called, so exit 65 // break was called, so exit
64 return 0; 66 return 0;
65 } 67 }
66 68
67=head1 ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT 69=head1 ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
68 70
82 84
83=head1 WHAT TO READ WHEN IN A HURRY 85=head1 WHAT TO READ WHEN IN A HURRY
84 86
85This manual tries to be very detailed, but unfortunately, this also makes 87This 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 88it 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 89reading 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 90look up the missing functions in L</GLOBAL FUNCTIONS> and the C<ev_io> and
89C<ev_timer> sections in L<WATCHER TYPES>. 91C<ev_timer> sections in L</WATCHER TYPES>.
90 92
91=head1 ABOUT LIBEV 93=head1 ABOUT LIBEV
92 94
93Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 95Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
94file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage 96file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
103details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the 105details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the
104watcher. 106watcher.
105 107
106=head2 FEATURES 108=head2 FEATURES
107 109
108Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the 110Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific aio and C<epoll>
109BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms 111interfaces, the BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port
110for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface 112mechanisms for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify>
111(for C<ev_stat>), Linux eventfd/signalfd (for faster and cleaner 113interface (for C<ev_stat>), Linux eventfd/signalfd (for faster and cleaner
112inter-thread wakeup (C<ev_async>)/signal handling (C<ev_signal>)) relative 114inter-thread wakeup (C<ev_async>)/signal handling (C<ev_signal>)) relative
113timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers with customised rescheduling 115timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers with customised rescheduling
114(C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals (C<ev_signal>), process status 116(C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals (C<ev_signal>), process status
115change events (C<ev_child>), and event watchers dealing with the event 117change events (C<ev_child>), and event watchers dealing with the event
116loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>, C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and 118loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>, C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and
174=item ev_tstamp ev_time () 176=item ev_tstamp ev_time ()
175 177
176Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 178Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
177C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp 179C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
178you actually want to know. Also interesting is the combination of 180you actually want to know. Also interesting is the combination of
179C<ev_update_now> and C<ev_now>. 181C<ev_now_update> and C<ev_now>.
180 182
181=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 183=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
182 184
183Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 185Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked
184either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 186until either it is interrupted or the given time interval has
187passed (approximately - it might return a bit earlier even if not
188interrupted). Returns immediately if C<< interval <= 0 >>.
189
185this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>. 190Basically this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>.
191
192The range of the C<interval> is limited - libev only guarantees to work
193with sleep times of up to one day (C<< interval <= 86400 >>).
186 194
187=item int ev_version_major () 195=item int ev_version_major ()
188 196
189=item int ev_version_minor () 197=item int ev_version_minor ()
190 198
241the current system, you would need to look at C<ev_embeddable_backends () 249the current system, you would need to look at C<ev_embeddable_backends ()
242& ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for recommended ones. 250& ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for recommended ones.
243 251
244See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 252See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
245 253
246=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 254=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size) throw ())
247 255
248Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 256Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
249semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is 257semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
250used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero 258used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
251when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort 259when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
257 265
258You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 266You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
259free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 267free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
260or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 268or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
261 269
270Example: The following is the C<realloc> function that libev itself uses
271which should work with C<realloc> and C<free> functions of all kinds and
272is probably a good basis for your own implementation.
273
274 static void *
275 ev_realloc_emul (void *ptr, long size) EV_NOEXCEPT
276 {
277 if (size)
278 return realloc (ptr, size);
279
280 free (ptr);
281 return 0;
282 }
283
262Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 284Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
263retries (example requires a standards-compliant C<realloc>). 285retries.
264 286
265 static void * 287 static void *
266 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size) 288 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
267 { 289 {
290 if (!size)
291 {
292 free (ptr);
293 return 0;
294 }
295
268 for (;;) 296 for (;;)
269 { 297 {
270 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size); 298 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size);
271 299
272 if (newptr) 300 if (newptr)
277 } 305 }
278 306
279 ... 307 ...
280 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 308 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
281 309
282=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)) 310=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg) throw ())
283 311
284Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such 312Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
285as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 313as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
286indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 314indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
287callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no 315callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
390 418
391If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid 419If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid
392or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable 420or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
393C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 421C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
394override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 422override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
395useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 423useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, to work
396around bugs. 424around bugs, or to make libev threadsafe (accessing environment variables
425cannot be done in a threadsafe way, but usually it works if no other
426thread modifies them).
397 427
398=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK> 428=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
399 429
400Instead of calling C<ev_loop_fork> manually after a fork, you can also 430Instead of calling C<ev_loop_fork> manually after a fork, you can also
401make libev check for a fork in each iteration by enabling this flag. 431make libev check for a fork in each iteration by enabling this flag.
402 432
403This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 433This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
404and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop 434and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
405iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 435iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
406GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence 436GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn
407without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has 437sequence without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux
408C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). 438system also has C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). (Update: glibc
439versions 2.25 apparently removed the C<getpid> optimisation again).
409 440
410The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and 441The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
411forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this 442forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking, although you still
412flag. 443have to ignore C<SIGPIPE>) when you use this flag.
413 444
414This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> 445This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
415environment variable. 446environment variable.
416 447
417=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY> 448=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY>
435example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks. 466example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks.
436 467
437=item C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK> 468=item C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK>
438 469
439When this flag is specified, then libev will avoid to modify the signal 470When this flag is specified, then libev will avoid to modify the signal
440mask. Specifically, this means you ahve to make sure signals are unblocked 471mask. Specifically, this means you have to make sure signals are unblocked
441when you want to receive them. 472when you want to receive them.
442 473
443This behaviour is useful when you want to do your own signal handling, or 474This 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 475want to handle signals only in specific threads and want to avoid libev
445unblocking the signals. 476unblocking the signals.
477
478It's also required by POSIX in a threaded program, as libev calls
479C<sigprocmask>, whose behaviour is officially unspecified.
446 480
447This flag's behaviour will become the default in future versions of libev. 481This flag's behaviour will become the default in future versions of libev.
448 482
449=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 483=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
450 484
480=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 514=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
481 515
482Use the linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9 516Use the linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9
483kernels). 517kernels).
484 518
485For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 519For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, but
486but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 520it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like
487like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), 521O(total_fds) where total_fds is the total number of fds (or the highest
488epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). 522fd), epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
489 523
490The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned 524The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
491of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently 525of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
492dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file 526dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
493descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup, 527descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup,
4960.1ms) and so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program 5300.1ms) and so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program
497forks then I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll 531forks then I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll
498set, which can take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) 532set, which can take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor)
499and is of course hard to detect. 533and is of course hard to detect.
500 534
501Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but 535Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work,
502of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally 536but of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for
503I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot 537totally I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so
504even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially 538one cannot even remove them from the set) than registered in the set
505on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by 539(especially on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious
506employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the 540notifications by employing an additional generation counter and comparing
507events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. Last 541that against the events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set
542when required. Epoll also erroneously rounds down timeouts, but gives you
543no way to know when and by how much, so sometimes you have to busy-wait
544because epoll returns immediately despite a nonzero timeout. And last
508not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work 545not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work
509perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...). 546perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...).
510 547
511Epoll is truly the train wreck analog among event poll mechanisms. 548Epoll is truly the train wreck among event poll mechanisms, a frankenpoll,
549cobbled together in a hurry, no thought to design or interaction with
550others. Oh, the pain, will it ever stop...
512 551
513While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 552While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
514will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such 553will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
515incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different 554incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different
516I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed 555I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
528All this means that, in practice, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> can be as fast or 567All this means that, in practice, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> can be as fast or
529faster than epoll for maybe up to a hundred file descriptors, depending on 568faster than epoll for maybe up to a hundred file descriptors, depending on
530the usage. So sad. 569the usage. So sad.
531 570
532While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in 571While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
533all kernel versions tested so far. 572a lot of kernel revisions, but probably(!) works in current versions.
534 573
535This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as 574This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
536C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 575C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
537 576
577=item C<EVBACKEND_LINUXAIO> (value 64, Linux)
578
579Use the linux-specific linux aio (I<not> C<< aio(7) >> but C<<
580io_submit(2) >>) event interface available in post-4.18 kernels (but libev
581only tries to use it in 4.19+).
582
583This is another linux trainwreck of an event interface.
584
585If this backend works for you (as of this writing, it was very
586experimental), it is the best event interface available on linux and might
587be well worth enabling it - if it isn't available in your kernel this will
588be detected and this backend will be skipped.
589
590This backend can batch oneshot requests and supports a user-space ring
591buffer to receive events. It also doesn't suffer from most of the design
592problems of epoll (such as not being able to remove event sources from
593the epoll set), and generally sounds too good to be true. Because, this
594being the linux kernel, of course it suffers from a whole new set of
595limitations, forcing you to fall back to epoll, inheriting all its design
596issues.
597
598For one, it is not easily embeddable (but probably could be done using
599an event fd at some extra overhead). It also is subject to a system wide
600limit that can be configured in F</proc/sys/fs/aio-max-nr>. If no aio
601requests are left, this backend will be skipped during initialisation, and
602will switch to epoll when the loop is active.
603
604Most problematic in practice, however, is that not all file descriptors
605work with it. For example, in linux 5.1, tcp sockets, pipes, event fds,
606files, F</dev/null> and a few others are supported, but ttys do not work
607properly (a known bug that the kernel developers don't care about, see
608L<https://lore.kernel.org/patchwork/patch/1047453/>), so this is not
609(yet?) a generic event polling interface.
610
611Overall, it seems the linux developers just don't want it to have a
612generic event handling mechanism other than C<select> or C<poll>.
613
614To work around all these problem, the current version of libev uses its
615epoll backend as a fallback for file descriptor types that do not work. Or
616falls back completely to epoll if the kernel acts up.
617
618This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
619C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
620
538=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 621=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
539 622
540Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 623Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time this backend was
541was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably 624implemented, it was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't
542with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course 625work reliably with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin,
543it's completely useless). Unlike epoll, however, whose brokenness 626where of course it's completely useless). Unlike epoll, however, whose
544is by design, these kqueue bugs can (and eventually will) be fixed 627brokenness is by design, these kqueue bugs can be (and mostly have been)
545without API changes to existing programs. For this reason it's not being 628fixed without API changes to existing programs. For this reason it's not
546"auto-detected" unless you explicitly specify it in the flags (i.e. using 629being "auto-detected" on all platforms unless you explicitly specify it
547C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough) 630in the flags (i.e. using C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a
548system like NetBSD. 631known-to-be-good (-enough) system like NetBSD.
549 632
550You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it 633You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
551only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on 634only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
552the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 635the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
553 636
554It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 637It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
555kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 638kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
556course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 639course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
557cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to 640cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
558two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad (but 641two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad (you
559sane, unlike epoll) and it drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect 642might have to leak fd's on fork, but it's more sane than epoll) and it
560cases 643drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
561 644
562This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 645This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
563 646
564While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work 647While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
565everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken 648everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
594among the OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed 677among the OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed
595hacks). 678hacks).
596 679
597On the negative side, the interface is I<bizarre> - so bizarre that 680On the negative side, the interface is I<bizarre> - so bizarre that
598even sun itself gets it wrong in their code examples: The event polling 681even sun itself gets it wrong in their code examples: The event polling
599function sometimes returning events to the caller even though an error 682function sometimes returns events to the caller even though an error
600occured, but with no indication whether it has done so or not (yes, it's 683occurred, but with no indication whether it has done so or not (yes, it's
601even documented that way) - deadly for edge-triggered interfaces where 684even documented that way) - deadly for edge-triggered interfaces where you
602you absolutely have to know whether an event occured or not because you 685absolutely have to know whether an event occurred or not because you have
603have to re-arm the watcher. 686to re-arm the watcher.
604 687
605Fortunately libev seems to be able to work around these idiocies. 688Fortunately libev seems to be able to work around these idiocies.
606 689
607This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as 690This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
608C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 691C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
638 721
639Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is 722Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
640used if available. 723used if available.
641 724
642 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_loop_new (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE); 725 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_loop_new (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
726
727Example: Similarly, on linux, you mgiht want to take advantage of the
728linux aio backend if possible, but fall back to something else if that
729isn't available.
730
731 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_loop_new (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_LINUXAIO);
643 732
644=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 733=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
645 734
646Destroys an event loop object (frees all memory and kernel state 735Destroys an event loop object (frees all memory and kernel state
647etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 736etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
664If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use C<ev_loop_new> 753If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use C<ev_loop_new>
665and C<ev_loop_destroy>. 754and C<ev_loop_destroy>.
666 755
667=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 756=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
668 757
669This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations to 758This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations
670reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the 759to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite
671name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in 760the name, you can call it anytime you are allowed to start or stop
672the child process. You I<must> call it (or use C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>) in the 761watchers (except inside an C<ev_prepare> callback), but it makes most
762sense after forking, in the child process. You I<must> call it (or use
673child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>. 763C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>) in the child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>.
674 764
765In addition, if you want to reuse a loop (via this function or
766C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>), you I<also> have to ignore C<SIGPIPE>.
767
675Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after 768Again, 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 769a 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 770because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things
678during fork. 771during fork.
679 772
680On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child 773On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
750 843
751This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a 844This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
752very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of 845very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
753the current time is a good idea. 846the current time is a good idea.
754 847
755See also L<The special problem of time updates> in the C<ev_timer> section. 848See also L</The special problem of time updates> in the C<ev_timer> section.
756 849
757=item ev_suspend (loop) 850=item ev_suspend (loop)
758 851
759=item ev_resume (loop) 852=item ev_resume (loop)
760 853
778without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>. 871without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>.
779 872
780Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the 873Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the
781event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>). 874event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>).
782 875
783=item ev_run (loop, int flags) 876=item bool ev_run (loop, int flags)
784 877
785Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 878Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
786after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start 879after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start
787handling events. It will ask the operating system for any new events, call 880handling events. It will ask the operating system for any new events, call
788the watcher callbacks, an then repeat the whole process indefinitely: This 881the watcher callbacks, and then repeat the whole process indefinitely: This
789is why event loops are called I<loops>. 882is why event loops are called I<loops>.
790 883
791If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will keep handling events 884If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will keep handling events
792until either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_break> was 885until either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_break> was
793called. 886called.
887
888The return value is false if there are no more active watchers (which
889usually means "all jobs done" or "deadlock"), and true in all other cases
890(which usually means " you should call C<ev_run> again").
794 891
795Please note that an explicit C<ev_break> is usually better than 892Please note that an explicit C<ev_break> is usually better than
796relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 893relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
797finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program 894finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
798that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue 895that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
799of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of 896of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
800beauty. 897beauty.
801 898
802This function is also I<mostly> exception-safe - you can break out of 899This function is I<mostly> exception-safe - you can break out of a
803a C<ev_run> call by calling C<longjmp> in a callback, throwing a C++ 900C<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 901exception and so on. This does not decrement the C<ev_depth> value, nor
805will it clear any outstanding C<EVBREAK_ONE> breaks. 902will it clear any outstanding C<EVBREAK_ONE> breaks.
806 903
807A flags value of C<EVRUN_NOWAIT> will look for new events, will handle 904A flags value of C<EVRUN_NOWAIT> will look for new events, will handle
808those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not wait and 905those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not wait and
820This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction 917This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
821with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your 918with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
822own C<ev_run>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 919own C<ev_run>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
823usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 920usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
824 921
825Here are the gory details of what C<ev_run> does: 922Here are the gory details of what C<ev_run> does (this is for your
923understanding, not a guarantee that things will work exactly like this in
924future versions):
826 925
827 - Increment loop depth. 926 - Increment loop depth.
828 - Reset the ev_break status. 927 - Reset the ev_break status.
829 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 928 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
830 LOOP: 929 LOOP:
863anymore. 962anymore.
864 963
865 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 964 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
866 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 965 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
867 ev_run (my_loop, 0); 966 ev_run (my_loop, 0);
868 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah! 967 ... jobs done or somebody called break. yeah!
869 968
870=item ev_break (loop, how) 969=item ev_break (loop, how)
871 970
872Can be used to make a call to C<ev_run> return early (but only after it 971Can be used to make a call to C<ev_run> return early (but only after it
873has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 972has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
936overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once. 1035overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
937 1036
938By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more 1037By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
939time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration, 1038time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
940at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and 1039at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
941C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will 1040C<ev_timer>) will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
942introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. The 1041introduce 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 1042sleep time ensures that libev will not poll for I/O events more often then
944once per this interval, on average. 1043once per this interval, on average (as long as the host time resolution is
1044good enough).
945 1045
946Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev 1046Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
947to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 1047to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
948latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called 1048latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
949later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null 1049later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null
995invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.). 1095invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.).
996 1096
997If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new 1097If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new
998callback. 1098callback.
999 1099
1000=item ev_set_loop_release_cb (loop, void (*release)(EV_P), void (*acquire)(EV_P)) 1100=item ev_set_loop_release_cb (loop, void (*release)(EV_P) throw (), void (*acquire)(EV_P) throw ())
1001 1101
1002Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This 1102Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This
1003can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around 1103can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around
1004each call to a libev function. 1104each call to a libev function.
1005 1105
1006However, C<ev_run> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible 1106However, 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 1107to 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 1108loop via C<ev_break> and C<ev_async_send>, another way is to set these
1009I<release> and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop. 1109I<release> and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop.
1010 1110
1011When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is 1111When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is
1012suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just 1112suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just
1013afterwards. 1113afterwards.
1153 1253
1154=item C<EV_PREPARE> 1254=item C<EV_PREPARE>
1155 1255
1156=item C<EV_CHECK> 1256=item C<EV_CHECK>
1157 1257
1158All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_run> starts 1258All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_run> starts to
1159to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after 1259gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are queued (not invoked)
1160C<ev_run> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any 1260just after C<ev_run> has gathered them, but before it queues any callbacks
1261for any received events. That means C<ev_prepare> watchers are the last
1262watchers invoked before the event loop sleeps or polls for new events, and
1263C<ev_check> watchers will be invoked before any other watchers of the same
1264or lower priority within an event loop iteration.
1265
1161received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 1266Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as many watchers as
1162many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account 1267they want, and all of them will be taken into account (for example, a
1163(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep 1268C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep C<ev_run> from
1164C<ev_run> from blocking). 1269blocking).
1165 1270
1166=item C<EV_EMBED> 1271=item C<EV_EMBED>
1167 1272
1168The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention. 1273The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
1169 1274
1292 1397
1293=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1398=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1294 1399
1295Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 1400Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
1296 1401
1297=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 1402=item ev_set_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1298 1403
1299Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 1404Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
1300(modulo threads). 1405(modulo threads).
1301 1406
1302=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, int priority) 1407=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, int priority)
1320or might not have been clamped to the valid range. 1425or might not have been clamped to the valid range.
1321 1426
1322The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is 1427The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
1323always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :). 1428always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
1324 1429
1325See L<WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS>, below, for a more thorough treatment of 1430See L</WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS>, below, for a more thorough treatment of
1326priorities. 1431priorities.
1327 1432
1328=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents) 1433=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1329 1434
1330Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither 1435Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
1355See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related 1460See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
1356functions that do not need a watcher. 1461functions that do not need a watcher.
1357 1462
1358=back 1463=back
1359 1464
1360=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1465See also the L</ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER> and L</BUILDING YOUR
1361 1466OWN COMPOSITE WATCHERS> idioms.
1362Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
1363and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
1364to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
1365don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data
1366member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
1367data:
1368
1369 struct my_io
1370 {
1371 ev_io io;
1372 int otherfd;
1373 void *somedata;
1374 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
1375 };
1376
1377 ...
1378 struct my_io w;
1379 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
1380
1381And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
1382can cast it back to your own type:
1383
1384 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
1385 {
1386 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
1387 ...
1388 }
1389
1390More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
1391instead have been omitted.
1392
1393Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
1394embedded watchers:
1395
1396 struct my_biggy
1397 {
1398 int some_data;
1399 ev_timer t1;
1400 ev_timer t2;
1401 }
1402
1403In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
1404complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct
1405in the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies), or you need to use
1406some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for real
1407programmers):
1408
1409 #include <stddef.h>
1410
1411 static void
1412 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1413 {
1414 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1415 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
1416 }
1417
1418 static void
1419 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1420 {
1421 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1422 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1423 }
1424 1467
1425=head2 WATCHER STATES 1468=head2 WATCHER STATES
1426 1469
1427There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual - 1470There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual -
1428active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to 1471active, 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 1472transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these
1430rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing". 1473rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing".
1431 1474
1432=over 4 1475=over 4
1433 1476
1434=item initialiased 1477=item initialised
1435 1478
1436Before a watcher can be registered with the event looop it has to be 1479Before a watcher can be registered with the event loop it has to be
1437initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to 1480initialised. 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. 1481C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function.
1439 1482
1440In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for use 1483In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for
1441in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at will. 1484use in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at
1485will - as long as you either keep the memory contents intact, or call
1486C<ev_TYPE_init> again.
1442 1487
1443=item started/running/active 1488=item started/running/active
1444 1489
1445Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes 1490Once 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 1491property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in
1474latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless 1519latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless
1475of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before 1520of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before
1476freeing it is often a good idea. 1521freeing it is often a good idea.
1477 1522
1478While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the 1523While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the
1479initialised state, that is it can be reused, moved, modified in any way 1524initialised state, that is, it can be reused, moved, modified in any way
1480you wish. 1525you wish (but when you trash the memory block, you need to C<ev_TYPE_init>
1526it again).
1481 1527
1482=back 1528=back
1483 1529
1484=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS 1530=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS
1485 1531
1614In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 1660In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
1615fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 1661fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
1616descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1662descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
1617required if you know what you are doing). 1663required if you know what you are doing).
1618 1664
1619If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a
1620known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
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.
1624
1625Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1665Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1626receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might 1666receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is, your callback might
1627be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1667be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
1628because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1668because there is no data. It is very easy to get into this situation even
1629lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into 1669with a relatively standard program structure. Thus it is best to always
1630this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1670use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning C<EAGAIN> is far
1631it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
1632C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 1671preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
1633 1672
1634If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should 1673If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should
1635not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately 1674not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately
1636re-test whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good 1675re-test whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good
1637interface such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already 1676interface such as poll (fortunately in the case of Xlib, it already does
1638does this on its own, so its quite safe to use). Some people additionally 1677this on its own, so its quite safe to use). Some people additionally
1639use C<SIGALRM> and an interval timer, just to be sure you won't block 1678use C<SIGALRM> and an interval timer, just to be sure you won't block
1640indefinitely. 1679indefinitely.
1641 1680
1642But really, best use non-blocking mode. 1681But really, best use non-blocking mode.
1643 1682
1644=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors 1683=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1645 1684
1646Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file 1685Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll, linuxaio) need to be told about closing
1647descriptor (either due to calling C<close> explicitly or any other means, 1686a file descriptor (either due to calling C<close> explicitly or any other
1648such as C<dup2>). The reason is that you register interest in some file 1687means, such as C<dup2>). The reason is that you register interest in some
1649descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop 1688file descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently
1650this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is 1689drop this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then
1651registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in 1690is registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is,
1652fact, a different file descriptor. 1691in fact, a different file descriptor.
1653 1692
1654To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows 1693To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows
1655the following policy: Each time C<ev_io_set> is being called, libev 1694the following policy: Each time C<ev_io_set> is being called, libev
1656will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise 1695will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise
1657it is assumed that the file descriptor stays the same. That means that 1696it is assumed that the file descriptor stays the same. That means that
1671 1710
1672There is no workaround possible except not registering events 1711There is no workaround possible except not registering events
1673for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to 1712for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to
1674C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 1713C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1675 1714
1715=head3 The special problem of files
1716
1717Many people try to use C<select> (or libev) on file descriptors
1718representing files, and expect it to become ready when their program
1719doesn't block on disk accesses (which can take a long time on their own).
1720
1721However, this cannot ever work in the "expected" way - you get a readiness
1722notification as soon as the kernel knows whether and how much data is
1723there, and in the case of open files, that's always the case, so you
1724always get a readiness notification instantly, and your read (or possibly
1725write) will still block on the disk I/O.
1726
1727Another way to view it is that in the case of sockets, pipes, character
1728devices and so on, there is another party (the sender) that delivers data
1729on its own, but in the case of files, there is no such thing: the disk
1730will not send data on its own, simply because it doesn't know what you
1731wish to read - you would first have to request some data.
1732
1733Since files are typically not-so-well supported by advanced notification
1734mechanism, libev tries hard to emulate POSIX behaviour with respect
1735to files, even though you should not use it. The reason for this is
1736convenience: sometimes you want to watch STDIN or STDOUT, which is
1737usually a tty, often a pipe, but also sometimes files or special devices
1738(for example, C<epoll> on Linux works with F</dev/random> but not with
1739F</dev/urandom>), and even though the file might better be served with
1740asynchronous I/O instead of with non-blocking I/O, it is still useful when
1741it "just works" instead of freezing.
1742
1743So avoid file descriptors pointing to files when you know it (e.g. use
1744libeio), but use them when it is convenient, e.g. for STDIN/STDOUT, or
1745when you rarely read from a file instead of from a socket, and want to
1746reuse the same code path.
1747
1676=head3 The special problem of fork 1748=head3 The special problem of fork
1677 1749
1678Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit 1750Some backends (epoll, kqueue, probably linuxaio) do not support C<fork ()>
1679useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about 1751at all or exhibit useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs
1680it in the child. 1752to be told about it in the child if you want to continue to use it in the
1753child.
1681 1754
1682To support fork in your programs, you either have to call 1755To support fork in your child processes, you have to call C<ev_loop_fork
1683C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child, 1756()> after a fork in the child, enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to
1684enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or 1757C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1685C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1686 1758
1687=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE 1759=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1688 1760
1689While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about C<SIGPIPE>: 1761While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about C<SIGPIPE>:
1690when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets 1762when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets
1788detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1860detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1789monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1861monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1790 1862
1791The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has 1863The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1792passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this 1864passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this
1793might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the 1865might introduce a small delay, see "the special problem of being too
1866early", below). If multiple timers become ready during the same loop
1794same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked 1867iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked before
1795before ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is 1868ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is no
1796no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively). 1869longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1797 1870
1798=head3 Be smart about timeouts 1871=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1799 1872
1800Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error 1873Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1801recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs, 1874recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1876 1949
1877In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone, 1950In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone,
1878but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only 1951but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only
1879within the callback: 1952within the callback:
1880 1953
1954 ev_tstamp timeout = 60.;
1881 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity 1955 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity
1956 ev_timer timer;
1882 1957
1883 static void 1958 static void
1884 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1959 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1885 { 1960 {
1886 ev_tstamp now = ev_now (EV_A); 1961 // calculate when the timeout would happen
1887 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.; 1962 ev_tstamp after = last_activity - ev_now (EV_A) + timeout;
1888 1963
1889 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out 1964 // if negative, it means we the timeout already occurred
1890 if (timeout < now) 1965 if (after < 0.)
1891 { 1966 {
1892 // timeout occurred, take action 1967 // timeout occurred, take action
1893 } 1968 }
1894 else 1969 else
1895 { 1970 {
1896 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm 1971 // callback was invoked, but there was some recent
1897 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is 1972 // activity. simply restart the timer to time out
1898 // guaranteed to be in the future, so "again" is positive: 1973 // after "after" seconds, which is the earliest time
1899 w->repeat = timeout - now; 1974 // the timeout can occur.
1975 ev_timer_set (w, after, 0.);
1900 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ w); 1976 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ w);
1901 } 1977 }
1902 } 1978 }
1903 1979
1904To summarise the callback: first calculate the real timeout (defined 1980To summarise the callback: first calculate in how many seconds the
1905as "60 seconds after the last activity"), then check if that time has 1981timeout will occur (by calculating the absolute time when it would occur,
1906been reached, which means something I<did>, in fact, time out. Otherwise 1982C<last_activity + timeout>, and subtracting the current time, C<ev_now
1907the callback was invoked too early (C<timeout> is in the future), so 1983(EV_A)> from that).
1908re-schedule the timer to fire at that future time, to see if maybe we have
1909a timeout then.
1910 1984
1911Note how C<ev_timer_again> is used, taking advantage of the 1985If this value is negative, then we are already past the timeout, i.e. we
1912C<ev_timer_again> optimisation when the timer is already running. 1986timed out, and need to do whatever is needed in this case.
1987
1988Otherwise, we now the earliest time at which the timeout would trigger,
1989and simply start the timer with this timeout value.
1990
1991In other words, each time the callback is invoked it will check whether
1992the timeout occurred. If not, it will simply reschedule itself to check
1993again at the earliest time it could time out. Rinse. Repeat.
1913 1994
1914This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds 1995This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds
1915minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to 1996minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to
1916libev to change the timeout. 1997libev to change the timeout.
1917 1998
1918To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity> 1999To start the machinery, simply initialise the watcher and set
1919to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the 2000C<last_activity> to the current time (meaning there was some activity just
1920callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer: 2001now), then call the callback, which will "do the right thing" and start
2002the timer:
1921 2003
2004 last_activity = ev_now (EV_A);
1922 ev_init (timer, callback); 2005 ev_init (&timer, callback);
1923 last_activity = ev_now (loop); 2006 callback (EV_A_ &timer, 0);
1924 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMER);
1925 2007
1926And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in 2008When there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1927C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all: 2009C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1928 2010
2011 if (activity detected)
1929 last_activity = ev_now (loop); 2012 last_activity = ev_now (EV_A);
2013
2014When your timeout value changes, then the timeout can be changed by simply
2015providing a new value, stopping the timer and calling the callback, which
2016will again do the right thing (for example, time out immediately :).
2017
2018 timeout = new_value;
2019 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &timer);
2020 callback (EV_A_ &timer, 0);
1930 2021
1931This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the 2022This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1932time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient. 2023time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1933
1934Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1935callback :) - just change the timeout and invoke the callback, which will
1936fix things for you.
1937 2024
1938=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts. 2025=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts.
1939 2026
1940If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all 2027If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all
1941employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can 2028employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can
1968Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is 2055Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is
1969rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays 2056rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays
1970off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually 2057off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually
1971overkill :) 2058overkill :)
1972 2059
2060=head3 The special problem of being too early
2061
2062If you ask a timer to call your callback after three seconds, then
2063you expect it to be invoked after three seconds - but of course, this
2064cannot be guaranteed to infinite precision. Less obviously, it cannot be
2065guaranteed to any precision by libev - imagine somebody suspending the
2066process with a STOP signal for a few hours for example.
2067
2068So, libev tries to invoke your callback as soon as possible I<after> the
2069delay has occurred, but cannot guarantee this.
2070
2071A less obvious failure mode is calling your callback too early: many event
2072loops compare timestamps with a "elapsed delay >= requested delay", but
2073this can cause your callback to be invoked much earlier than you would
2074expect.
2075
2076To see why, imagine a system with a clock that only offers full second
2077resolution (think windows if you can't come up with a broken enough OS
2078yourself). If you schedule a one-second timer at the time 500.9, then the
2079event loop will schedule your timeout to elapse at a system time of 500
2080(500.9 truncated to the resolution) + 1, or 501.
2081
2082If an event library looks at the timeout 0.1s later, it will see "501 >=
2083501" and invoke the callback 0.1s after it was started, even though a
2084one-second delay was requested - this is being "too early", despite best
2085intentions.
2086
2087This is the reason why libev will never invoke the callback if the elapsed
2088delay equals the requested delay, but only when the elapsed delay is
2089larger than the requested delay. In the example above, libev would only invoke
2090the callback at system time 502, or 1.1s after the timer was started.
2091
2092So, while libev cannot guarantee that your callback will be invoked
2093exactly when requested, it I<can> and I<does> guarantee that the requested
2094delay has actually elapsed, or in other words, it always errs on the "too
2095late" side of things.
2096
1973=head3 The special problem of time updates 2097=head3 The special problem of time updates
1974 2098
1975Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at 2099Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes
1976least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current 2100at least one system call): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1977time only before and after C<ev_run> collects new events, which causes a 2101time only before and after C<ev_run> collects new events, which causes a
1978growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling 2102growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1979lots of events in one iteration. 2103lots of events in one iteration.
1980 2104
1981The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 2105The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1982time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 2106time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1983of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If 2107of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If
1984you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the 2108you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the
1985timeout on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this: 2109timeout on the current time, use something like the following to adjust
2110for it:
1986 2111
1987 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 2112 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + (ev_time () - ev_now ()), 0.);
1988 2113
1989If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an 2114If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
1990update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update 2115update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
1991()>. 2116()>, although that will push the event time of all outstanding events
2117further into the future.
2118
2119=head3 The special problem of unsynchronised clocks
2120
2121Modern systems have a variety of clocks - libev itself uses the normal
2122"wall clock" clock and, if available, the monotonic clock (to avoid time
2123jumps).
2124
2125Neither of these clocks is synchronised with each other or any other clock
2126on the system, so C<ev_time ()> might return a considerably different time
2127than C<gettimeofday ()> or C<time ()>. On a GNU/Linux system, for example,
2128a call to C<gettimeofday> might return a second count that is one higher
2129than a directly following call to C<time>.
2130
2131The moral of this is to only compare libev-related timestamps with
2132C<ev_time ()> and C<ev_now ()>, at least if you want better precision than
2133a second or so.
2134
2135One more problem arises due to this lack of synchronisation: if libev uses
2136the system monotonic clock and you compare timestamps from C<ev_time>
2137or C<ev_now> from when you started your timer and when your callback is
2138invoked, you will find that sometimes the callback is a bit "early".
2139
2140This is because C<ev_timer>s work in real time, not wall clock time, so
2141libev makes sure your callback is not invoked before the delay happened,
2142I<measured according to the real time>, not the system clock.
2143
2144If your timeouts are based on a physical timescale (e.g. "time out this
2145connection after 100 seconds") then this shouldn't bother you as it is
2146exactly the right behaviour.
2147
2148If you want to compare wall clock/system timestamps to your timers, then
2149you need to use C<ev_periodic>s, as these are based on the wall clock
2150time, where your comparisons will always generate correct results.
1992 2151
1993=head3 The special problems of suspended animation 2152=head3 The special problems of suspended animation
1994 2153
1995When you leave the server world it is quite customary to hit machines that 2154When 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? 2155can suspend/hibernate - what happens to the clocks during such a suspend?
2026 2185
2027=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 2186=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
2028 2187
2029=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 2188=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
2030 2189
2031Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat> 2190Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds (fractional and
2032is C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped once the timeout is 2191negative values are supported). If C<repeat> is C<0.>, then it will
2033reached. If it is positive, then the timer will automatically be 2192automatically be stopped once the timeout is reached. If it is positive,
2034configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds later, again, and again, 2193then the timer will automatically be configured to trigger again C<repeat>
2035until stopped manually. 2194seconds later, again, and again, until stopped manually.
2036 2195
2037The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if 2196The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if
2038you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally 2197you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally
2039trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot 2198trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot
2040keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to 2199keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to
2041do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 2200do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
2042 2201
2043=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *) 2202=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
2044 2203
2045This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 2204This will act as if the timer timed out, and restarts it again if it is
2046repeating. The exact semantics are: 2205repeating. It basically works like calling C<ev_timer_stop>, updating the
2206timeout to the C<repeat> value and calling C<ev_timer_start>.
2047 2207
2208The exact semantics are as in the following rules, all of which will be
2209applied to the watcher:
2210
2211=over 4
2212
2048If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 2213=item If the timer is pending, the pending status is always cleared.
2049 2214
2050If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 2215=item If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed
2216out, without invoking it).
2051 2217
2052If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 2218=item If the timer is repeating, make the C<repeat> value the new timeout
2053C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 2219and start the timer, if necessary.
2054 2220
2221=back
2222
2055This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a 2223This sounds a bit complicated, see L</Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a
2056usage example. 2224usage example.
2057 2225
2058=item ev_tstamp ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *) 2226=item ev_tstamp ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *)
2059 2227
2060Returns the remaining time until a timer fires. If the timer is active, 2228Returns the remaining time until a timer fires. If the timer is active,
2113Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 2281Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
2114(and unfortunately a bit complex). 2282(and unfortunately a bit complex).
2115 2283
2116Unlike C<ev_timer>, periodic watchers are not based on real time (or 2284Unlike C<ev_timer>, periodic watchers are not based on real time (or
2117relative time, the physical time that passes) but on wall clock time 2285relative time, the physical time that passes) but on wall clock time
2118(absolute time, the thing you can read on your calender or clock). The 2286(absolute time, the thing you can read on your calendar or clock). The
2119difference is that wall clock time can run faster or slower than real 2287difference is that wall clock time can run faster or slower than real
2120time, and time jumps are not uncommon (e.g. when you adjust your 2288time, and time jumps are not uncommon (e.g. when you adjust your
2121wrist-watch). 2289wrist-watch).
2122 2290
2123You can tell a periodic watcher to trigger after some specific point 2291You can tell a periodic watcher to trigger after some specific point
2128C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger roughly 10 seconds after starting 2296C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger roughly 10 seconds after starting
2129it, as it uses a relative timeout). 2297it, as it uses a relative timeout).
2130 2298
2131C<ev_periodic> watchers can also be used to implement vastly more complex 2299C<ev_periodic> watchers can also be used to implement vastly more complex
2132timers, such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or 2300timers, such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or
2133other complicated rules. This cannot be done with C<ev_timer> watchers, as 2301other complicated rules. This cannot easily be done with C<ev_timer>
2134those cannot react to time jumps. 2302watchers, as those cannot react to time jumps.
2135 2303
2136As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the 2304As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
2137point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple 2305point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple
2138timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with 2306timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with
2139earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values 2307earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values
2180 2348
2181Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 2349Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
2182C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 2350C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
2183time where C<time = offset (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 2351time where C<time = offset (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
2184 2352
2185For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<offset> value is near 2353The C<interval> I<MUST> be positive, and for numerical stability, the
2186C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for 2354interval value should be higher than C<1/8192> (which is around 100
2187this value, and in fact is often specified as zero. 2355microseconds) and C<offset> should be higher than C<0> and should have
2356at most a similar magnitude as the current time (say, within a factor of
2357ten). Typical values for offset are, in fact, C<0> or something between
2358C<0> and C<interval>, which is also the recommended range.
2188 2359
2189Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU 2360Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
2190speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability 2361speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
2191will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one 2362will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
2192millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough). 2363millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
2222 2393
2223NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is higher than or 2394NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is higher than or
2224equal to the passed C<now> value >>. 2395equal to the passed C<now> value >>.
2225 2396
2226This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that 2397This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that
2227triggers on "next midnight, local time". To do this, you would calculate the 2398triggers on "next midnight, local time". To do this, you would calculate
2228next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How 2399the next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for
2229you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main 2400this. Here is a (completely untested, no error checking) example on how to
2230reason I omitted it as an example). 2401do this:
2402
2403 #include <time.h>
2404
2405 static ev_tstamp
2406 my_rescheduler (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
2407 {
2408 time_t tnow = (time_t)now;
2409 struct tm tm;
2410 localtime_r (&tnow, &tm);
2411
2412 tm.tm_sec = tm.tm_min = tm.tm_hour = 0; // midnight current day
2413 ++tm.tm_mday; // midnight next day
2414
2415 return mktime (&tm);
2416 }
2417
2418Note: this code might run into trouble on days that have more then two
2419midnights (beginning and end).
2231 2420
2232=back 2421=back
2233 2422
2234=item ev_periodic_again (loop, ev_periodic *) 2423=item ev_periodic_again (loop, ev_periodic *)
2235 2424
2300 2489
2301 ev_periodic hourly_tick; 2490 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
2302 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 2491 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
2303 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 2492 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
2304 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 2493 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
2305 2494
2306 2495
2307=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 2496=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
2308 2497
2309Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 2498Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
2310signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 2499signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
2320only within the same loop, i.e. you can watch for C<SIGINT> in your 2509only 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 2510default 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 2511C<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. 2512the moment, C<SIGCHLD> is permanently tied to the default loop.
2324 2513
2325When the first watcher gets started will libev actually register something 2514Only after the first watcher for a signal is started will libev actually
2326with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as 2515register something with the kernel. It thus coexists with your own signal
2327you don't register any with libev for the same signal). 2516handlers as long as you don't register any with libev for the same signal.
2328 2517
2329If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with 2518If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
2330C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should 2519C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should
2331not be unduly interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting 2520not be unduly interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting
2332interrupted by signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher 2521interrupted by signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher
2335=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create 2524=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create
2336 2525
2337Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition 2526Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition
2338(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after 2527(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after
2339stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal, 2528stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal,
2340and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler. 2529and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler (but
2530see C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK>).
2341 2531
2342While this does not matter for the signal disposition (libev never 2532While 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 2533sets 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 2534C<execve>), this matters for the signal mask: many programs do not expect
2345certain signals to be blocked. 2535certain signals to be blocked.
2516 2706
2517=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 2707=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
2518 2708
2519This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 2709This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
2520C<stat> on that path in regular intervals (or when the OS says it changed) 2710C<stat> on that path in regular intervals (or when the OS says it changed)
2521and sees if it changed compared to the last time, invoking the callback if 2711and sees if it changed compared to the last time, invoking the callback
2522it did. 2712if it did. Starting the watcher C<stat>'s the file, so only changes that
2713happen after the watcher has been started will be reported.
2523 2714
2524The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 2715The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
2525not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does not 2716not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does not
2526exist" (or more correctly "path cannot be stat'ed") is signified by the 2717exist" (or more correctly "path cannot be stat'ed") is signified by the
2527C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is otherwise always forced to be at 2718C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is otherwise always forced to be at
2757Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 2948Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
2758effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do 2949effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do
2759"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 2950"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
2760event loop has handled all outstanding events. 2951event loop has handled all outstanding events.
2761 2952
2953=head3 Abusing an C<ev_idle> watcher for its side-effect
2954
2955As long as there is at least one active idle watcher, libev will never
2956sleep unnecessarily. Or in other words, it will loop as fast as possible.
2957For this to work, the idle watcher doesn't need to be invoked at all - the
2958lowest priority will do.
2959
2960This mode of operation can be useful together with an C<ev_check> watcher,
2961to do something on each event loop iteration - for example to balance load
2962between different connections.
2963
2964See L</Abusing an ev_check watcher for its side-effect> for a longer
2965example.
2966
2762=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2967=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2763 2968
2764=over 4 2969=over 4
2765 2970
2766=item ev_idle_init (ev_idle *, callback) 2971=item ev_idle_init (ev_idle *, callback)
2777callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 2982callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
2778 2983
2779 static void 2984 static void
2780 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents) 2985 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents)
2781 { 2986 {
2987 // stop the watcher
2988 ev_idle_stop (loop, w);
2989
2990 // now we can free it
2782 free (w); 2991 free (w);
2992
2783 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 2993 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
2784 // no longer anything immediate to do. 2994 // no longer anything immediate to do.
2785 } 2995 }
2786 2996
2787 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle)); 2997 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle));
2789 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_watcher); 2999 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_watcher);
2790 3000
2791 3001
2792=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 3002=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
2793 3003
2794Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs: 3004Prepare and check watchers are often (but not always) used in pairs:
2795prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 3005prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
2796afterwards. 3006afterwards.
2797 3007
2798You I<must not> call C<ev_run> or similar functions that enter 3008You I<must not> call C<ev_run> (or similar functions that enter the
2799the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 3009current event loop) or C<ev_loop_fork> from either C<ev_prepare> or
2800watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The 3010C<ev_check> watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine,
2801rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in 3011however. The rationale behind this is that you do not need to check
2802those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking, 3012for recursion in those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be
2803C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be 3013C<ev_prepare>, blocking, C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each
2804called in pairs bracketing the blocking call. 3014kind they will always be called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.
2805 3015
2806Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and 3016Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and
2807their use is somewhat advanced. They could be used, for example, to track 3017their use is somewhat advanced. They could be used, for example, to track
2808variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a 3018variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a
2809coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if 3019coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if
2827with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 3037with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine
2828of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event 3038of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
2829loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 3039loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
2830low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 3040low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
2831 3041
2832It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) 3042When used for this purpose, it is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers
2833priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers 3043highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) priority, to ensure that they are being run before
2834after the poll (this doesn't matter for C<ev_prepare> watchers). 3044any other watchers after the poll (this doesn't matter for C<ev_prepare>
3045watchers).
2835 3046
2836Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, too) should not 3047Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, too) should not
2837activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully supports this, they 3048activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully supports this, they
2838might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers did their job. As 3049might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers did their job. As
2839C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other (non-libev) event 3050C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other (non-libev) event
2840loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their 3051loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
2841C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with 3052C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
2842others). 3053others).
3054
3055=head3 Abusing an C<ev_check> watcher for its side-effect
3056
3057C<ev_check> (and less often also C<ev_prepare>) watchers can also be
3058useful because they are called once per event loop iteration. For
3059example, if you want to handle a large number of connections fairly, you
3060normally only do a bit of work for each active connection, and if there
3061is more work to do, you wait for the next event loop iteration, so other
3062connections have a chance of making progress.
3063
3064Using an C<ev_check> watcher is almost enough: it will be called on the
3065next event loop iteration. However, that isn't as soon as possible -
3066without external events, your C<ev_check> watcher will not be invoked.
3067
3068This is where C<ev_idle> watchers come in handy - all you need is a
3069single global idle watcher that is active as long as you have one active
3070C<ev_check> watcher. The C<ev_idle> watcher makes sure the event loop
3071will not sleep, and the C<ev_check> watcher makes sure a callback gets
3072invoked. Neither watcher alone can do that.
2843 3073
2844=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 3074=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2845 3075
2846=over 4 3076=over 4
2847 3077
3048 3278
3049=over 4 3279=over 4
3050 3280
3051=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 3281=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
3052 3282
3053=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 3283=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
3054 3284
3055Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 3285Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
3056embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be 3286embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
3057invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback 3287invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
3058to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done, 3288to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
3079used). 3309used).
3080 3310
3081 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 3311 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
3082 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 3312 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
3083 ev_embed embed; 3313 ev_embed embed;
3084 3314
3085 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 3315 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
3086 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 3316 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
3087 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 3317 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
3088 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 3318 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
3089 : 0; 3319 : 0;
3103C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 3333C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
3104 3334
3105 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 3335 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
3106 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 3336 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
3107 ev_embed embed; 3337 ev_embed embed;
3108 3338
3109 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 3339 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
3110 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 3340 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
3111 { 3341 {
3112 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 3342 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
3113 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed); 3343 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
3121 3351
3122=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 3352=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
3123 3353
3124Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 3354Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
3125whoever is a good citizen cared to tell libev about it by calling 3355whoever is a good citizen cared to tell libev about it by calling
3126C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork>). The invocation is done before the 3356C<ev_loop_fork>). The invocation is done before the event loop blocks next
3127event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 3357and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, and only in the child
3128and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling 3358after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling C<ev_default_fork> cheats
3129C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 3359and calls it in the wrong process, the fork handlers will be invoked, too,
3130handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 3360of course.
3131 3361
3132=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible? 3362=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible?
3133 3363
3134Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to set 3364Most 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 3365up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This
3136sequence should be handled by libev without any problems. 3366sequence should be handled by libev without any problems.
3137 3367
3138This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling 3368This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling
3139in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the 3369in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the
3216 atexit (program_exits); 3446 atexit (program_exits);
3217 3447
3218 3448
3219=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop 3449=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop
3220 3450
3221In general, you cannot use an C<ev_run> from multiple threads or other 3451In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other
3222asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event 3452asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
3223loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads). 3453loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
3224 3454
3225Sometimes, however, you need to wake up an event loop you do not control, 3455Sometimes, however, you need to wake up an event loop you do not control,
3226for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what C<ev_async> 3456for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what C<ev_async>
3228it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe. 3458it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe.
3229 3459
3230This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals, 3460This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
3231too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed 3461too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
3232(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of 3462(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
3233C<ev_async_sent> calls). In fact, you could use signal watchers as a kind 3463C<ev_async_send> calls). In fact, you could use signal watchers as a kind
3234of "global async watchers" by using a watcher on an otherwise unused 3464of "global async watchers" by using a watcher on an otherwise unused
3235signal, and C<ev_feed_signal> to signal this watcher from another thread, 3465signal, and C<ev_feed_signal> to signal this watcher from another thread,
3236even without knowing which loop owns the signal. 3466even without knowing which loop owns the signal.
3237
3238Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not
3239just the default loop.
3240 3467
3241=head3 Queueing 3468=head3 Queueing
3242 3469
3243C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason 3470C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
3244is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a 3471is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
3336trust me. 3563trust me.
3337 3564
3338=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *) 3565=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
3339 3566
3340Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds 3567Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
3341an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike 3568an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop, and instantly
3569returns.
3570
3342C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or 3571Unlike C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads,
3343similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding 3572signal or similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the
3344section below on what exactly this means). 3573embedding section below on what exactly this means).
3345 3574
3346Note that, as with other watchers in libev, multiple events might get 3575Note that, as with other watchers in libev, multiple events might get
3347compressed into a single callback invocation (another way to look at this 3576compressed into a single callback invocation (another way to look at
3348is that C<ev_async> watchers are level-triggered, set on C<ev_async_send>, 3577this is that C<ev_async> watchers are level-triggered: they are set on
3349reset when the event loop detects that). 3578C<ev_async_send>, reset when the event loop detects that).
3350 3579
3351This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per event loop 3580This call incurs the overhead of at most one extra system call per event
3352iteration, so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to 3581loop iteration, if the event loop is blocked, and no syscall at all if
3353repeated calls to C<ev_async_send> for the same event loop. 3582the event loop (or your program) is processing events. That means that
3583repeated calls are basically free (there is no need to avoid calls for
3584performance reasons) and that the overhead becomes smaller (typically
3585zero) under load.
3354 3586
3355=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *) 3587=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
3356 3588
3357Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the 3589Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
3358watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the 3590watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
3375 3607
3376There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now. 3608There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now.
3377 3609
3378=over 4 3610=over 4
3379 3611
3380=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback) 3612=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback, arg)
3381 3613
3382This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your 3614This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your
3383callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stops both 3615callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stops both
3384watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd 3616watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd
3385or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 3617or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
3413 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 3645 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
3414 3646
3415=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents) 3647=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents)
3416 3648
3417Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 3649Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
3418the given events it. 3650the given events.
3419 3651
3420=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum) 3652=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum)
3421 3653
3422Feed an event as if the given signal occurred. See also C<ev_feed_signal>, 3654Feed an event as if the given signal occurred. See also C<ev_feed_signal>,
3423which is async-safe. 3655which is async-safe.
3429 3661
3430This section explains some common idioms that are not immediately 3662This section explains some common idioms that are not immediately
3431obvious. Note that examples are sprinkled over the whole manual, and this 3663obvious. Note that examples are sprinkled over the whole manual, and this
3432section only contains stuff that wouldn't fit anywhere else. 3664section only contains stuff that wouldn't fit anywhere else.
3433 3665
3434=over 4 3666=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
3435 3667
3436=item Model/nested event loop invocations and exit conditions. 3668Each watcher has, by default, a C<void *data> member that you can read
3669or modify at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
3670to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
3671don't want to allocate memory separately and store a pointer to it in that
3672data member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
3673data:
3674
3675 struct my_io
3676 {
3677 ev_io io;
3678 int otherfd;
3679 void *somedata;
3680 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
3681 };
3682
3683 ...
3684 struct my_io w;
3685 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
3686
3687And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
3688can cast it back to your own type:
3689
3690 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
3691 {
3692 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
3693 ...
3694 }
3695
3696More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback
3697function type instead have been omitted.
3698
3699=head2 BUILDING YOUR OWN COMPOSITE WATCHERS
3700
3701Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
3702embedded watchers, in effect creating your own watcher that combines
3703multiple libev event sources into one "super-watcher":
3704
3705 struct my_biggy
3706 {
3707 int some_data;
3708 ev_timer t1;
3709 ev_timer t2;
3710 }
3711
3712In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
3713complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct in
3714the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies or C++ coders), or you need
3715to use some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for
3716real programmers):
3717
3718 #include <stddef.h>
3719
3720 static void
3721 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
3722 {
3723 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
3724 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
3725 }
3726
3727 static void
3728 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
3729 {
3730 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
3731 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
3732 }
3733
3734=head2 AVOIDING FINISHING BEFORE RETURNING
3735
3736Often you have structures like this in event-based programs:
3737
3738 callback ()
3739 {
3740 free (request);
3741 }
3742
3743 request = start_new_request (..., callback);
3744
3745The intent is to start some "lengthy" operation. The C<request> could be
3746used to cancel the operation, or do other things with it.
3747
3748It's not uncommon to have code paths in C<start_new_request> that
3749immediately invoke the callback, for example, to report errors. Or you add
3750some caching layer that finds that it can skip the lengthy aspects of the
3751operation and simply invoke the callback with the result.
3752
3753The problem here is that this will happen I<before> C<start_new_request>
3754has returned, so C<request> is not set.
3755
3756Even if you pass the request by some safer means to the callback, you
3757might want to do something to the request after starting it, such as
3758canceling it, which probably isn't working so well when the callback has
3759already been invoked.
3760
3761A common way around all these issues is to make sure that
3762C<start_new_request> I<always> returns before the callback is invoked. If
3763C<start_new_request> immediately knows the result, it can artificially
3764delay invoking the callback by using a C<prepare> or C<idle> watcher for
3765example, or more sneakily, by reusing an existing (stopped) watcher and
3766pushing it into the pending queue:
3767
3768 ev_set_cb (watcher, callback);
3769 ev_feed_event (EV_A_ watcher, 0);
3770
3771This way, C<start_new_request> can safely return before the callback is
3772invoked, while not delaying callback invocation too much.
3773
3774=head2 MODEL/NESTED EVENT LOOP INVOCATIONS AND EXIT CONDITIONS
3437 3775
3438Often (especially in GUI toolkits) there are places where you have 3776Often (especially in GUI toolkits) there are places where you have
3439I<modal> interaction, which is most easily implemented by recursively 3777I<modal> interaction, which is most easily implemented by recursively
3440invoking C<ev_run>. 3778invoking C<ev_run>.
3441 3779
3442This brings the problem of exiting - a callback might want to finish the 3780This 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 3781main 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 3782a 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 3783and 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. 3784other combination: In these cases, a simple C<ev_break> will not work.
3447 3785
3448The solution is to maintain "break this loop" variable for each C<ev_run> 3786The 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 3787invocation, and use a loop around C<ev_run> until the condition is
3450triggered, using C<EVRUN_ONCE>: 3788triggered, using C<EVRUN_ONCE>:
3451 3789
3453 int exit_main_loop = 0; 3791 int exit_main_loop = 0;
3454 3792
3455 while (!exit_main_loop) 3793 while (!exit_main_loop)
3456 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ EVRUN_ONCE); 3794 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3457 3795
3458 // in a model watcher 3796 // in a modal watcher
3459 int exit_nested_loop = 0; 3797 int exit_nested_loop = 0;
3460 3798
3461 while (!exit_nested_loop) 3799 while (!exit_nested_loop)
3462 ev_run (EV_A_ EVRUN_ONCE); 3800 ev_run (EV_A_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3463 3801
3470 exit_main_loop = 1; 3808 exit_main_loop = 1;
3471 3809
3472 // exit both 3810 // exit both
3473 exit_main_loop = exit_nested_loop = 1; 3811 exit_main_loop = exit_nested_loop = 1;
3474 3812
3475=back 3813=head2 THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE
3814
3815Here is a fictitious example of how to run an event loop in a different
3816thread from where callbacks are being invoked and watchers are
3817created/added/removed.
3818
3819For a real-world example, see the C<EV::Loop::Async> perl module,
3820which uses exactly this technique (which is suited for many high-level
3821languages).
3822
3823The example uses a pthread mutex to protect the loop data, a condition
3824variable to wait for callback invocations, an async watcher to notify the
3825event loop thread and an unspecified mechanism to wake up the main thread.
3826
3827First, you need to associate some data with the event loop:
3828
3829 typedef struct {
3830 mutex_t lock; /* global loop lock */
3831 ev_async async_w;
3832 thread_t tid;
3833 cond_t invoke_cv;
3834 } userdata;
3835
3836 void prepare_loop (EV_P)
3837 {
3838 // for simplicity, we use a static userdata struct.
3839 static userdata u;
3840
3841 ev_async_init (&u->async_w, async_cb);
3842 ev_async_start (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
3843
3844 pthread_mutex_init (&u->lock, 0);
3845 pthread_cond_init (&u->invoke_cv, 0);
3846
3847 // now associate this with the loop
3848 ev_set_userdata (EV_A_ u);
3849 ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (EV_A_ l_invoke);
3850 ev_set_loop_release_cb (EV_A_ l_release, l_acquire);
3851
3852 // then create the thread running ev_run
3853 pthread_create (&u->tid, 0, l_run, EV_A);
3854 }
3855
3856The callback for the C<ev_async> watcher does nothing: the watcher is used
3857solely to wake up the event loop so it takes notice of any new watchers
3858that might have been added:
3859
3860 static void
3861 async_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
3862 {
3863 // just used for the side effects
3864 }
3865
3866The C<l_release> and C<l_acquire> callbacks simply unlock/lock the mutex
3867protecting the loop data, respectively.
3868
3869 static void
3870 l_release (EV_P)
3871 {
3872 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3873 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
3874 }
3875
3876 static void
3877 l_acquire (EV_P)
3878 {
3879 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3880 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
3881 }
3882
3883The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
3884into C<ev_run>:
3885
3886 void *
3887 l_run (void *thr_arg)
3888 {
3889 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg;
3890
3891 l_acquire (EV_A);
3892 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0);
3893 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
3894 l_release (EV_A);
3895
3896 return 0;
3897 }
3898
3899Instead of invoking all pending watchers, the C<l_invoke> callback will
3900signal the main thread via some unspecified mechanism (signals? pipe
3901writes? C<Async::Interrupt>?) and then waits until all pending watchers
3902have been called (in a while loop because a) spurious wakeups are possible
3903and b) skipping inter-thread-communication when there are no pending
3904watchers is very beneficial):
3905
3906 static void
3907 l_invoke (EV_P)
3908 {
3909 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3910
3911 while (ev_pending_count (EV_A))
3912 {
3913 wake_up_other_thread_in_some_magic_or_not_so_magic_way ();
3914 pthread_cond_wait (&u->invoke_cv, &u->lock);
3915 }
3916 }
3917
3918Now, whenever the main thread gets told to invoke pending watchers, it
3919will grab the lock, call C<ev_invoke_pending> and then signal the loop
3920thread to continue:
3921
3922 static void
3923 real_invoke_pending (EV_P)
3924 {
3925 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3926
3927 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
3928 ev_invoke_pending (EV_A);
3929 pthread_cond_signal (&u->invoke_cv);
3930 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
3931 }
3932
3933Whenever you want to start/stop a watcher or do other modifications to an
3934event loop, you will now have to lock:
3935
3936 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
3937 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3938
3939 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
3940
3941 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
3942 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ &timeout_watcher);
3943 ev_async_send (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
3944 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
3945
3946Note that sending the C<ev_async> watcher is required because otherwise
3947an event loop currently blocking in the kernel will have no knowledge
3948about the newly added timer. By waking up the loop it will pick up any new
3949watchers in the next event loop iteration.
3950
3951=head2 THREADS, COROUTINES, CONTINUATIONS, QUEUES... INSTEAD OF CALLBACKS
3952
3953While the overhead of a callback that e.g. schedules a thread is small, it
3954is still an overhead. If you embed libev, and your main usage is with some
3955kind of threads or coroutines, you might want to customise libev so that
3956doesn't need callbacks anymore.
3957
3958Imagine you have coroutines that you can switch to using a function
3959C<switch_to (coro)>, that libev runs in a coroutine called C<libev_coro>
3960and that due to some magic, the currently active coroutine is stored in a
3961global called C<current_coro>. Then you can build your own "wait for libev
3962event" primitive by changing C<EV_CB_DECLARE> and C<EV_CB_INVOKE> (note
3963the differing C<;> conventions):
3964
3965 #define EV_CB_DECLARE(type) struct my_coro *cb;
3966 #define EV_CB_INVOKE(watcher) switch_to ((watcher)->cb)
3967
3968That means instead of having a C callback function, you store the
3969coroutine to switch to in each watcher, and instead of having libev call
3970your callback, you instead have it switch to that coroutine.
3971
3972A coroutine might now wait for an event with a function called
3973C<wait_for_event>. (the watcher needs to be started, as always, but it doesn't
3974matter when, or whether the watcher is active or not when this function is
3975called):
3976
3977 void
3978 wait_for_event (ev_watcher *w)
3979 {
3980 ev_set_cb (w, current_coro);
3981 switch_to (libev_coro);
3982 }
3983
3984That basically suspends the coroutine inside C<wait_for_event> and
3985continues the libev coroutine, which, when appropriate, switches back to
3986this or any other coroutine.
3987
3988You can do similar tricks if you have, say, threads with an event queue -
3989instead of storing a coroutine, you store the queue object and instead of
3990switching to a coroutine, you push the watcher onto the queue and notify
3991any waiters.
3992
3993To embed libev, see L</EMBEDDING>, but in short, it's easiest to create two
3994files, F<my_ev.h> and F<my_ev.c> that include the respective libev files:
3995
3996 // my_ev.h
3997 #define EV_CB_DECLARE(type) struct my_coro *cb;
3998 #define EV_CB_INVOKE(watcher) switch_to ((watcher)->cb)
3999 #include "../libev/ev.h"
4000
4001 // my_ev.c
4002 #define EV_H "my_ev.h"
4003 #include "../libev/ev.c"
4004
4005And then use F<my_ev.h> when you would normally use F<ev.h>, and compile
4006F<my_ev.c> into your project. When properly specifying include paths, you
4007can even use F<ev.h> as header file name directly.
3476 4008
3477 4009
3478=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION 4010=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION
3479 4011
3480Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot 4012Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot
3510 4042
3511=back 4043=back
3512 4044
3513=head1 C++ SUPPORT 4045=head1 C++ SUPPORT
3514 4046
4047=head2 C API
4048
4049The normal C API should work fine when used from C++: both ev.h and the
4050libev sources can be compiled as C++. Therefore, code that uses the C API
4051will work fine.
4052
4053Proper exception specifications might have to be added to callbacks passed
4054to libev: exceptions may be thrown only from watcher callbacks, all other
4055callbacks (allocator, syserr, loop acquire/release and periodic reschedule
4056callbacks) must not throw exceptions, and might need a C<noexcept>
4057specification. If you have code that needs to be compiled as both C and
4058C++ you can use the C<EV_NOEXCEPT> macro for this:
4059
4060 static void
4061 fatal_error (const char *msg) EV_NOEXCEPT
4062 {
4063 perror (msg);
4064 abort ();
4065 }
4066
4067 ...
4068 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error);
4069
4070The only API functions that can currently throw exceptions are C<ev_run>,
4071C<ev_invoke>, C<ev_invoke_pending> and C<ev_loop_destroy> (the latter
4072because it runs cleanup watchers).
4073
4074Throwing exceptions in watcher callbacks is only supported if libev itself
4075is compiled with a C++ compiler or your C and C++ environments allow
4076throwing exceptions through C libraries (most do).
4077
4078=head2 C++ API
4079
3515Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 4080Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
3516you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change 4081you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
3517the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 4082the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
3518 4083
3519To use it, 4084To use it,
3520 4085
3521 #include <ev++.h> 4086 #include <ev++.h>
3522 4087
3523This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many 4088This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
3524of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are 4089of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
3525put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding 4090put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
3534with C<operator ()> can be used as callbacks. Other types should be easy 4099with C<operator ()> can be used as callbacks. Other types should be easy
3535to add as long as they only need one additional pointer for context. If 4100to add as long as they only need one additional pointer for context. If
3536you need support for other types of functors please contact the author 4101you need support for other types of functors please contact the author
3537(preferably after implementing it). 4102(preferably after implementing it).
3538 4103
4104For all this to work, your C++ compiler either has to use the same calling
4105conventions as your C compiler (for static member functions), or you have
4106to embed libev and compile libev itself as C++.
4107
3539Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 4108Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
3540 4109
3541=over 4 4110=over 4
3542 4111
3543=item C<ev::READ>, C<ev::WRITE> etc. 4112=item C<ev::READ>, C<ev::WRITE> etc.
3552=item C<ev::io>, C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic>, C<ev::idle>, C<ev::sig> etc. 4121=item C<ev::io>, C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic>, C<ev::idle>, C<ev::sig> etc.
3553 4122
3554For each C<ev_TYPE> watcher in F<ev.h> there is a corresponding class of 4123For each C<ev_TYPE> watcher in F<ev.h> there is a corresponding class of
3555the same name in the C<ev> namespace, with the exception of C<ev_signal> 4124the same name in the C<ev> namespace, with the exception of C<ev_signal>
3556which is called C<ev::sig> to avoid clashes with the C<signal> macro 4125which is called C<ev::sig> to avoid clashes with the C<signal> macro
3557defines by many implementations. 4126defined by many implementations.
3558 4127
3559All of those classes have these methods: 4128All of those classes have these methods:
3560 4129
3561=over 4 4130=over 4
3562 4131
3624 void operator() (ev::io &w, int revents) 4193 void operator() (ev::io &w, int revents)
3625 { 4194 {
3626 ... 4195 ...
3627 } 4196 }
3628 } 4197 }
3629 4198
3630 myfunctor f; 4199 myfunctor f;
3631 4200
3632 ev::io w; 4201 ev::io w;
3633 w.set (&f); 4202 w.set (&f);
3634 4203
3652Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 4221Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
3653do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 4222do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
3654 4223
3655=item w->set ([arguments]) 4224=item w->set ([arguments])
3656 4225
3657Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Either this 4226Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set> (except for C<ev::embed> watchers>),
3658method or a suitable start method must be called at least once. Unlike the 4227with the same arguments. Either this method or a suitable start method
3659C counterpart, an active watcher gets automatically stopped and restarted 4228must be called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher
3660when reconfiguring it with this method. 4229gets automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
4230method.
4231
4232For C<ev::embed> watchers this method is called C<set_embed>, to avoid
4233clashing with the C<set (loop)> method.
3661 4234
3662=item w->start () 4235=item w->start ()
3663 4236
3664Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the 4237Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
3665constructor already stores the event loop. 4238constructor already stores the event loop.
3695watchers in the constructor. 4268watchers in the constructor.
3696 4269
3697 class myclass 4270 class myclass
3698 { 4271 {
3699 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 4272 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3700 ev::io2 io2 ; void io2_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 4273 ev::io io2 ; void io2_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3701 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 4274 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
3702 4275
3703 myclass (int fd) 4276 myclass (int fd)
3704 { 4277 {
3705 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 4278 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
3756L<http://hackage.haskell.org/cgi-bin/hackage-scripts/package/hlibev>. 4329L<http://hackage.haskell.org/cgi-bin/hackage-scripts/package/hlibev>.
3757 4330
3758=item D 4331=item D
3759 4332
3760Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to 4333Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
3761be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>. 4334be found at L<http://www.llucax.com.ar/proj/ev.d/index.html>.
3762 4335
3763=item Ocaml 4336=item Ocaml
3764 4337
3765Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at 4338Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
3766L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>. 4339L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
3769 4342
3770Brian Maher has written a partial interface to libev for lua (at the 4343Brian 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 4344time of this writing, only C<ev_io> and C<ev_timer>), to be found at
3772L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>. 4345L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>.
3773 4346
4347=item Javascript
4348
4349Node.js (L<http://nodejs.org>) uses libev as the underlying event library.
4350
4351=item Others
4352
4353There are others, and I stopped counting.
4354
3774=back 4355=back
3775 4356
3776 4357
3777=head1 MACRO MAGIC 4358=head1 MACRO MAGIC
3778 4359
3814suitable for use with C<EV_A>. 4395suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
3815 4396
3816=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 4397=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
3817 4398
3818Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 4399Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
3819loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 4400loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). The default loop
4401will be initialised if it isn't already initialised.
4402
4403For non-multiplicity builds, these macros do nothing, so you always have
4404to initialise the loop somewhere.
3820 4405
3821=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_> 4406=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_>
3822 4407
3823Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the 4408Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the
3824default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour 4409default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour
3891 ev_vars.h 4476 ev_vars.h
3892 ev_wrap.h 4477 ev_wrap.h
3893 4478
3894 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 4479 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
3895 4480
3896 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default) 4481 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled
3897 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 4482 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled
3898 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 4483 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled
4484 ev_linuxaio.c only when the linux aio backend is enabled
3899 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 4485 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled
3900 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 4486 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled
3901 4487
3902F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need 4488F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
3903to compile this single file. 4489to compile this single file.
3904 4490
3905=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 4491=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
3969supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in 4555supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in
3970F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 4556F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
3971 4557
3972In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the 4558In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the
3973configuration, but has to be more conservative. 4559configuration, but has to be more conservative.
4560
4561=item EV_USE_FLOOR
4562
4563If defined to be C<1>, libev will use the C<floor ()> function for its
4564periodic reschedule calculations, otherwise libev will fall back on a
4565portable (slower) implementation. If you enable this, you usually have to
4566link against libm or something equivalent. Enabling this when the C<floor>
4567function is not available will fail, so the safe default is to not enable
4568this.
3974 4569
3975=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 4570=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
3976 4571
3977If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 4572If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
3978monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no 4573monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no
4064If programs implement their own fd to handle mapping on win32, then this 4659If 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 4660macro can be used to override the C<close> function, useful to unregister
4066file descriptors again. Note that the replacement function has to close 4661file descriptors again. Note that the replacement function has to close
4067the underlying OS handle. 4662the underlying OS handle.
4068 4663
4664=item EV_USE_WSASOCKET
4665
4666If defined to be C<1>, libev will use C<WSASocket> to create its internal
4667communication socket, which works better in some environments. Otherwise,
4668the normal C<socket> function will be used, which works better in other
4669environments.
4670
4069=item EV_USE_POLL 4671=item EV_USE_POLL
4070 4672
4071If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2) 4673If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
4072backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 4674backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
4073takes precedence over select. 4675takes precedence over select.
4077If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux 4679If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux
4078C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime, 4680C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
4079otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred 4681otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
4080backend for GNU/Linux systems. If undefined, it will be enabled if the 4682backend for GNU/Linux systems. If undefined, it will be enabled if the
4081headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled. 4683headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
4684
4685=item EV_USE_LINUXAIO
4686
4687If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux
4688aio backend. Due to it's currenbt limitations it has to be requested
4689explicitly. If undefined, it will be enabled on linux, otherwise
4690disabled.
4082 4691
4083=item EV_USE_KQUEUE 4692=item EV_USE_KQUEUE
4084 4693
4085If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style 4694If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style
4086C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime, 4695C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,
4108If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 4717If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
4109interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will 4718interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
4110be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers 4719be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers
4111indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled. 4720indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
4112 4721
4722=item EV_NO_SMP
4723
4724If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that memory is always coherent
4725between threads, that is, threads can be used, but threads never run on
4726different cpus (or different cpu cores). This reduces dependencies
4727and makes libev faster.
4728
4729=item EV_NO_THREADS
4730
4731If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that it will never be called from
4732different threads (that includes signal handlers), which is a stronger
4733assumption than C<EV_NO_SMP>, above. This reduces dependencies and makes
4734libev faster.
4735
4113=item EV_ATOMIC_T 4736=item EV_ATOMIC_T
4114 4737
4115Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose 4738Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
4116access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such 4739access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No
4117type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type 4740such type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own
4118that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking" 4741type that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal
4119as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers. 4742handler "locking" as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async>
4743watchers.
4120 4744
4121In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 4745In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
4122(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms. 4746(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
4123 4747
4124=item EV_H (h) 4748=item EV_H (h)
4151will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 4775will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
4152additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 4776additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
4153for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 4777for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
4154argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 4778argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
4155 4779
4780Note that C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_> will no longer provide a
4781default loop when multiplicity is switched off - you always have to
4782initialise the loop manually in this case.
4783
4156=item EV_MINPRI 4784=item EV_MINPRI
4157 4785
4158=item EV_MAXPRI 4786=item EV_MAXPRI
4159 4787
4160The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to 4788The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
4196 #define EV_USE_POLL 1 4824 #define EV_USE_POLL 1
4197 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1 4825 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
4198 #define EV_ASYNC_ENABLE 1 4826 #define EV_ASYNC_ENABLE 1
4199 4827
4200The actual value is a bitset, it can be a combination of the following 4828The actual value is a bitset, it can be a combination of the following
4201values: 4829values (by default, all of these are enabled):
4202 4830
4203=over 4 4831=over 4
4204 4832
4205=item C<1> - faster/larger code 4833=item C<1> - faster/larger code
4206 4834
4210code size by roughly 30% on amd64). 4838code size by roughly 30% on amd64).
4211 4839
4212When optimising for size, use of compiler flags such as C<-Os> with 4840When 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 4841gcc is recommended, as well as C<-DNDEBUG>, as libev contains a number of
4214assertions. 4842assertions.
4843
4844The default is off when C<__OPTIMIZE_SIZE__> is defined by your compiler
4845(e.g. gcc with C<-Os>).
4215 4846
4216=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures 4847=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures
4217 4848
4218Replaces the small 2-heap for timer management by a faster 4-heap, larger 4849Replaces 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 4850hash 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 4851and can additionally have an effect on the size of data structures at
4221runtime. 4852runtime.
4222 4853
4854The default is off when C<__OPTIMIZE_SIZE__> is defined by your compiler
4855(e.g. gcc with C<-Os>).
4856
4223=item C<4> - full API configuration 4857=item C<4> - full API configuration
4224 4858
4225This enables priorities (sets C<EV_MAXPRI>=2 and C<EV_MINPRI>=-2), and 4859This enables priorities (sets C<EV_MAXPRI>=2 and C<EV_MINPRI>=-2), and
4226enables multiplicity (C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>=1). 4860enables multiplicity (C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>=1).
4227 4861
4257 4891
4258With an intelligent-enough linker (gcc+binutils are intelligent enough 4892With an intelligent-enough linker (gcc+binutils are intelligent enough
4259when you use C<-Wl,--gc-sections -ffunction-sections>) functions unused by 4893when 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 4894your program might be left out as well - a binary starting a timer and an
4261I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb. 4895I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb.
4896
4897=item EV_API_STATIC
4898
4899If this symbol is defined (by default it is not), then all identifiers
4900will have static linkage. This means that libev will not export any
4901identifiers, and you cannot link against libev anymore. This can be useful
4902when you embed libev, only want to use libev functions in a single file,
4903and do not want its identifiers to be visible.
4904
4905To use this, define C<EV_API_STATIC> and include F<ev.c> in the file that
4906wants to use libev.
4907
4908This option only works when libev is compiled with a C compiler, as C++
4909doesn't support the required declaration syntax.
4262 4910
4263=item EV_AVOID_STDIO 4911=item EV_AVOID_STDIO
4264 4912
4265If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio 4913If 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 4914functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the code size
4410And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 5058And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
4411 5059
4412 #include "ev_cpp.h" 5060 #include "ev_cpp.h"
4413 #include "ev.c" 5061 #include "ev.c"
4414 5062
4415=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS OR LIBRARIES 5063=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS, LIBRARIES OR THE ENVIRONMENT
4416 5064
4417=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES 5065=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES
4418 5066
4419=head3 THREADS 5067=head3 THREADS
4420 5068
4471default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop 5119default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
4472watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal. 5120watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
4473 5121
4474=back 5122=back
4475 5123
4476=head4 THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE 5124See also L</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 5125
4614=head3 COROUTINES 5126=head3 COROUTINES
4615 5127
4616Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 5128Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
4617libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different 5129libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
4782requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 5294requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
4783model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 5295model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
4784the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 5296the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
4785descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 5297descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
4786e.g. cygwin. Actually, it only applies to the microsofts own compilers, 5298e.g. cygwin. Actually, it only applies to the microsofts own compilers,
4787as every compielr comes with a slightly differently broken/incompatible 5299as every compiler comes with a slightly differently broken/incompatible
4788environment. 5300environment.
4789 5301
4790Lifting these limitations would basically require the full 5302Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
4791re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into this kind of thing, 5303re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into this kind of thing,
4792then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable way (note 5304then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable way (note
4886structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also 5398structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
4887assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher 5399assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
4888callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev 5400callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
4889calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally. 5401calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
4890 5402
5403=item null pointers and integer zero are represented by 0 bytes
5404
5405Libev uses C<memset> to initialise structs and arrays to C<0> bytes, and
5406relies on this setting pointers and integers to null.
5407
4891=item pointer accesses must be thread-atomic 5408=item pointer accesses must be thread-atomic
4892 5409
4893Accessing a pointer value must be atomic, it must both be readable and 5410Accessing a pointer value must be atomic, it must both be readable and
4894writable in one piece - this is the case on all current architectures. 5411writable in one piece - this is the case on all current architectures.
4895 5412
4908thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would 5425thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would
4909be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and 5426be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and
4910C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however. 5427C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however.
4911 5428
4912The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads 5429The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads
4913except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as 5430except the initial one, and run the signal handling loop in the initial
4914well. 5431thread as well.
4915 5432
4916=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes 5433=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
4917 5434
4918To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally 5435To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally
4919instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX 5436instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX
4925 5442
4926The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to 5443The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
4927have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is 5444have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is
4928good enough for at least into the year 4000 with millisecond accuracy 5445good enough for at least into the year 4000 with millisecond accuracy
4929(the design goal for libev). This requirement is overfulfilled by 5446(the design goal for libev). This requirement is overfulfilled by
4930implementations using IEEE 754, which is basically all existing ones. With 5447implementations using IEEE 754, which is basically all existing ones.
5448
4931IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least 2200. 5449With IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least the
5450year 2255 (and millisecond accuracy till the year 287396 - by then, libev
5451is either obsolete or somebody patched it to use C<long double> or
5452something like that, just kidding).
4932 5453
4933=back 5454=back
4934 5455
4935If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 5456If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
4936 5457
4998=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers) 5519=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
4999 5520
5000=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number) 5521=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
5001 5522
5002Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send> 5523Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
5003calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events 5524calls in the current loop iteration and the loop is currently
5525blocked. Checking for async and signal events involves iterating over all
5004involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers. 5526running async watchers or all signal numbers.
5005 5527
5006=back 5528=back
5007 5529
5008 5530
5009=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X 5531=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X
5018=over 4 5540=over 4
5019 5541
5020=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism 5542=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
5021 5543
5022The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by 5544The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
5023C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L<PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L<EMBEDDING> 5545C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L</"PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS"> in the L</EMBEDDING>
5024section. 5546section.
5025 5547
5026=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed 5548=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed
5027 5549
5028These calls can be replaced easily by their C<ev_loop_xxx> counterparts: 5550These calls can be replaced easily by their C<ev_loop_xxx> counterparts:
5071=over 4 5593=over 4
5072 5594
5073=item active 5595=item active
5074 5596
5075A watcher is active as long as it has been started and not yet stopped. 5597A watcher is active as long as it has been started and not yet stopped.
5076See L<WATCHER STATES> for details. 5598See L</WATCHER STATES> for details.
5077 5599
5078=item application 5600=item application
5079 5601
5080In this document, an application is whatever is using libev. 5602In this document, an application is whatever is using libev.
5081 5603
5117watchers and events. 5639watchers and events.
5118 5640
5119=item pending 5641=item pending
5120 5642
5121A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been 5643A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been
5122detected. See L<WATCHER STATES> for details. 5644detected. See L</WATCHER STATES> for details.
5123 5645
5124=item real time 5646=item real time
5125 5647
5126The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :) 5648The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
5127 5649
5128=item wall-clock time 5650=item wall-clock time
5129 5651
5130The time and date as shown on clocks. Unlike real time, it can actually 5652The time and date as shown on clocks. Unlike real time, it can actually
5131be wrong and jump forwards and backwards, e.g. when the you adjust your 5653be wrong and jump forwards and backwards, e.g. when you adjust your
5132clock. 5654clock.
5133 5655
5134=item watcher 5656=item watcher
5135 5657
5136A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need 5658A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need
5139=back 5661=back
5140 5662
5141=head1 AUTHOR 5663=head1 AUTHOR
5142 5664
5143Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael 5665Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael
5144Magnusson and Emanuele Giaquinta. 5666Magnusson and Emanuele Giaquinta, and minor corrections by many others.
5145 5667

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