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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
157When libev detects a usage error such as a negative timer interval, then 159When libev detects a usage error such as a negative timer interval, then
158it will print a diagnostic message and abort (via the C<assert> mechanism, 160it will print a diagnostic message and abort (via the C<assert> mechanism,
159so C<NDEBUG> will disable this checking): these are programming errors in 161so C<NDEBUG> will disable this checking): these are programming errors in
160the libev caller and need to be fixed there. 162the libev caller and need to be fixed there.
161 163
164Via the C<EV_FREQUENT> macro you can compile in and/or enable extensive
165consistency checking code inside libev that can be used to check for
166internal inconsistencies, suually caused by application bugs.
167
162Libev also has a few internal error-checking C<assert>ions, and also has 168Libev also has a few internal error-checking C<assert>ions. These do not
163extensive consistency checking code. These do not trigger under normal
164circumstances, as they indicate either a bug in libev or worse. 169trigger under normal circumstances, as they indicate either a bug in libev
170or worse.
165 171
166 172
167=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 173=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
168 174
169These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 175These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
174=item ev_tstamp ev_time () 180=item ev_tstamp ev_time ()
175 181
176Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 182Returns 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 183C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
178you actually want to know. Also interesting is the combination of 184you actually want to know. Also interesting is the combination of
179C<ev_update_now> and C<ev_now>. 185C<ev_now_update> and C<ev_now>.
180 186
181=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 187=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
182 188
183Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 189Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked
184either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 190until either it is interrupted or the given time interval has
191passed (approximately - it might return a bit earlier even if not
192interrupted). Returns immediately if C<< interval <= 0 >>.
193
185this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>. 194Basically this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>.
195
196The range of the C<interval> is limited - libev only guarantees to work
197with sleep times of up to one day (C<< interval <= 86400 >>).
186 198
187=item int ev_version_major () 199=item int ev_version_major ()
188 200
189=item int ev_version_minor () 201=item int ev_version_minor ()
190 202
241the current system, you would need to look at C<ev_embeddable_backends () 253the current system, you would need to look at C<ev_embeddable_backends ()
242& ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for recommended ones. 254& ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for recommended ones.
243 255
244See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 256See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
245 257
246=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 258=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size) throw ())
247 259
248Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 260Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
249semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is 261semantics 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 262used 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 263when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
257 269
258You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 270You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
259free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 271free 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. 272or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
261 273
274Example: The following is the C<realloc> function that libev itself uses
275which should work with C<realloc> and C<free> functions of all kinds and
276is probably a good basis for your own implementation.
277
278 static void *
279 ev_realloc_emul (void *ptr, long size) EV_NOEXCEPT
280 {
281 if (size)
282 return realloc (ptr, size);
283
284 free (ptr);
285 return 0;
286 }
287
262Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 288Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
263retries (example requires a standards-compliant C<realloc>). 289retries.
264 290
265 static void * 291 static void *
266 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size) 292 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
267 { 293 {
294 if (!size)
295 {
296 free (ptr);
297 return 0;
298 }
299
268 for (;;) 300 for (;;)
269 { 301 {
270 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size); 302 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size);
271 303
272 if (newptr) 304 if (newptr)
277 } 309 }
278 310
279 ... 311 ...
280 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 312 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
281 313
282=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)) 314=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg) throw ())
283 315
284Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such 316Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
285as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 317as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
286indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 318indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
287callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no 319callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
390 422
391If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid 423If 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 424or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
393C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 425C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
394override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 426override 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 427useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, to work
396around bugs. 428around bugs, or to make libev threadsafe (accessing environment variables
429cannot be done in a threadsafe way, but usually it works if no other
430thread modifies them).
397 431
398=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK> 432=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
399 433
400Instead of calling C<ev_loop_fork> manually after a fork, you can also 434Instead 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. 435make libev check for a fork in each iteration by enabling this flag.
402 436
403This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 437This 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 438and 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 439iterations 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 440GNU/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 441sequence without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux
408C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). 442system also has C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). (Update: glibc
443versions 2.25 apparently removed the C<getpid> optimisation again).
409 444
410The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and 445The 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 446forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking, although you still
412flag. 447have to ignore C<SIGPIPE>) when you use this flag.
413 448
414This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> 449This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
415environment variable. 450environment variable.
416 451
417=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY> 452=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY>
435example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks. 470example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks.
436 471
437=item C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK> 472=item C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK>
438 473
439When this flag is specified, then libev will avoid to modify the signal 474When this flag is specified, then libev will avoid to modify the signal
440mask. Specifically, this means you ahve to make sure signals are unblocked 475mask. Specifically, this means you have to make sure signals are unblocked
441when you want to receive them. 476when you want to receive them.
442 477
443This behaviour is useful when you want to do your own signal handling, or 478This 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 479want to handle signals only in specific threads and want to avoid libev
445unblocking the signals. 480unblocking the signals.
446 481
447This flag's behaviour will become the default in future versions of libev. 482It's also required by POSIX in a threaded program, as libev calls
483C<sigprocmask>, whose behaviour is officially unspecified.
484
485=item C<EVFLAG_NOTIMERFD>
486
487When this flag is specified, the libev will avoid using a C<timerfd> to
488detect time jumps. It will still be able to detect time jumps, but takes
489longer and has a lower accuracy in doing so, but saves a file descriptor
490per loop.
491
492The current implementation only tries to use a C<timerfd> when the first
493C<ev_periodic> watcher is started and falls back on other methods if it
494cannot be created, but this behaviour might change in the future.
448 495
449=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 496=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
450 497
451This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 498This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
452libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 499libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
477This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and 524This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and
478C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>. 525C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>.
479 526
480=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 527=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
481 528
482Use the linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9 529Use the Linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9
483kernels). 530kernels).
484 531
485For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 532For 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 533it 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), 534O(total_fds) where total_fds is the total number of fds (or the highest
488epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). 535fd), epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
489 536
490The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned 537The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
491of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently 538of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
492dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file 539dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
493descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup, 540descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup,
4960.1ms) and so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program 5430.1ms) 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 544forks then I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll
498set, which can take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) 545set, which can take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor)
499and is of course hard to detect. 546and is of course hard to detect.
500 547
501Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but 548Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work,
502of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally 549but of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for
503I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot 550totally I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so
504even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially 551one cannot even remove them from the set) than registered in the set
505on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by 552(especially on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious
506employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the 553notifications by employing an additional generation counter and comparing
507events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. Last 554that against the events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set
555when required. Epoll also erroneously rounds down timeouts, but gives you
556no way to know when and by how much, so sometimes you have to busy-wait
557because epoll returns immediately despite a nonzero timeout. And last
508not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work 558not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work
509perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...). 559perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...).
510 560
511Epoll is truly the train wreck analog among event poll mechanisms, 561Epoll is truly the train wreck among event poll mechanisms, a frankenpoll,
512a frankenpoll, cobbled together in a hurry, no thought to design or 562cobbled together in a hurry, no thought to design or interaction with
513interaction with others. 563others. Oh, the pain, will it ever stop...
514 564
515While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 565While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
516will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such 566will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
517incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different 567incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different
518I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed 568I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
530All this means that, in practice, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> can be as fast or 580All this means that, in practice, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> can be as fast or
531faster than epoll for maybe up to a hundred file descriptors, depending on 581faster than epoll for maybe up to a hundred file descriptors, depending on
532the usage. So sad. 582the usage. So sad.
533 583
534While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in 584While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
535all kernel versions tested so far. 585a lot of kernel revisions, but probably(!) works in current versions.
536 586
537This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as 587This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
538C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 588C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
539 589
590=item C<EVBACKEND_LINUXAIO> (value 64, Linux)
591
592Use the Linux-specific Linux AIO (I<not> C<< aio(7) >> but C<<
593io_submit(2) >>) event interface available in post-4.18 kernels (but libev
594only tries to use it in 4.19+).
595
596This is another Linux train wreck of an event interface.
597
598If this backend works for you (as of this writing, it was very
599experimental), it is the best event interface available on Linux and might
600be well worth enabling it - if it isn't available in your kernel this will
601be detected and this backend will be skipped.
602
603This backend can batch oneshot requests and supports a user-space ring
604buffer to receive events. It also doesn't suffer from most of the design
605problems of epoll (such as not being able to remove event sources from
606the epoll set), and generally sounds too good to be true. Because, this
607being the Linux kernel, of course it suffers from a whole new set of
608limitations, forcing you to fall back to epoll, inheriting all its design
609issues.
610
611For one, it is not easily embeddable (but probably could be done using
612an event fd at some extra overhead). It also is subject to a system wide
613limit that can be configured in F</proc/sys/fs/aio-max-nr>. If no AIO
614requests are left, this backend will be skipped during initialisation, and
615will switch to epoll when the loop is active.
616
617Most problematic in practice, however, is that not all file descriptors
618work with it. For example, in Linux 5.1, TCP sockets, pipes, event fds,
619files, F</dev/null> and many others are supported, but ttys do not work
620properly (a known bug that the kernel developers don't care about, see
621L<https://lore.kernel.org/patchwork/patch/1047453/>), so this is not
622(yet?) a generic event polling interface.
623
624Overall, it seems the Linux developers just don't want it to have a
625generic event handling mechanism other than C<select> or C<poll>.
626
627To work around all these problem, the current version of libev uses its
628epoll backend as a fallback for file descriptor types that do not work. Or
629falls back completely to epoll if the kernel acts up.
630
631This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
632C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
633
540=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 634=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
541 635
542Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 636Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time this backend was
543was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably 637implemented, it was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't
544with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course 638work reliably with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin,
545it's completely useless). Unlike epoll, however, whose brokenness 639where of course it's completely useless). Unlike epoll, however, whose
546is by design, these kqueue bugs can (and eventually will) be fixed 640brokenness is by design, these kqueue bugs can be (and mostly have been)
547without API changes to existing programs. For this reason it's not being 641fixed without API changes to existing programs. For this reason it's not
548"auto-detected" unless you explicitly specify it in the flags (i.e. using 642being "auto-detected" on all platforms unless you explicitly specify it
549C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough) 643in the flags (i.e. using C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a
550system like NetBSD. 644known-to-be-good (-enough) system like NetBSD.
551 645
552You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it 646You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
553only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on 647only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
554the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 648the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
555 649
556It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 650It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
557kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 651kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
558course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 652course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
559cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to 653cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
560two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad (but 654two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad (you
561sane, unlike epoll) and it drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect 655might have to leak fds on fork, but it's more sane than epoll) and it
562cases 656drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
563 657
564This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 658This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
565 659
566While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work 660While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
567everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken 661everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
596among the OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed 690among the OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed
597hacks). 691hacks).
598 692
599On the negative side, the interface is I<bizarre> - so bizarre that 693On the negative side, the interface is I<bizarre> - so bizarre that
600even sun itself gets it wrong in their code examples: The event polling 694even sun itself gets it wrong in their code examples: The event polling
601function sometimes returning events to the caller even though an error 695function sometimes returns events to the caller even though an error
602occurred, but with no indication whether it has done so or not (yes, it's 696occurred, but with no indication whether it has done so or not (yes, it's
603even documented that way) - deadly for edge-triggered interfaces where 697even documented that way) - deadly for edge-triggered interfaces where you
604you absolutely have to know whether an event occurred or not because you 698absolutely have to know whether an event occurred or not because you have
605have to re-arm the watcher. 699to re-arm the watcher.
606 700
607Fortunately libev seems to be able to work around these idiocies. 701Fortunately libev seems to be able to work around these idiocies.
608 702
609This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as 703This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
610C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 704C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
640 734
641Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is 735Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
642used if available. 736used if available.
643 737
644 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_loop_new (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE); 738 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_loop_new (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
739
740Example: Similarly, on linux, you mgiht want to take advantage of the
741linux aio backend if possible, but fall back to something else if that
742isn't available.
743
744 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_loop_new (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_LINUXAIO);
645 745
646=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 746=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
647 747
648Destroys an event loop object (frees all memory and kernel state 748Destroys an event loop object (frees all memory and kernel state
649etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 749etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
666If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use C<ev_loop_new> 766If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use C<ev_loop_new>
667and C<ev_loop_destroy>. 767and C<ev_loop_destroy>.
668 768
669=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 769=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
670 770
671This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations to 771This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations
672reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the 772to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite
673name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in 773the name, you can call it anytime you are allowed to start or stop
674the child process. You I<must> call it (or use C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>) in the 774watchers (except inside an C<ev_prepare> callback), but it makes most
775sense after forking, in the child process. You I<must> call it (or use
675child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>. 776C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>) in the child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>.
676 777
778In addition, if you want to reuse a loop (via this function or
779C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>), you I<also> have to ignore C<SIGPIPE>.
780
677Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after 781Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after
678a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is 782a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is
679because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things 783because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things
680during fork. 784during fork.
681 785
682On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child 786On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
752 856
753This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a 857This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
754very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of 858very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
755the current time is a good idea. 859the current time is a good idea.
756 860
757See also L<The special problem of time updates> in the C<ev_timer> section. 861See also L</The special problem of time updates> in the C<ev_timer> section.
758 862
759=item ev_suspend (loop) 863=item ev_suspend (loop)
760 864
761=item ev_resume (loop) 865=item ev_resume (loop)
762 866
780without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>. 884without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>.
781 885
782Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the 886Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the
783event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>). 887event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>).
784 888
785=item ev_run (loop, int flags) 889=item bool ev_run (loop, int flags)
786 890
787Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 891Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
788after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start 892after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start
789handling events. It will ask the operating system for any new events, call 893handling events. It will ask the operating system for any new events, call
790the watcher callbacks, an then repeat the whole process indefinitely: This 894the watcher callbacks, and then repeat the whole process indefinitely: This
791is why event loops are called I<loops>. 895is why event loops are called I<loops>.
792 896
793If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will keep handling events 897If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will keep handling events
794until either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_break> was 898until either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_break> was
795called. 899called.
900
901The return value is false if there are no more active watchers (which
902usually means "all jobs done" or "deadlock"), and true in all other cases
903(which usually means " you should call C<ev_run> again").
796 904
797Please note that an explicit C<ev_break> is usually better than 905Please note that an explicit C<ev_break> is usually better than
798relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 906relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
799finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program 907finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
800that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue 908that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
801of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of 909of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
802beauty. 910beauty.
803 911
804This function is also I<mostly> exception-safe - you can break out of 912This function is I<mostly> exception-safe - you can break out of a
805a C<ev_run> call by calling C<longjmp> in a callback, throwing a C++ 913C<ev_run> call by calling C<longjmp> in a callback, throwing a C++
806exception and so on. This does not decrement the C<ev_depth> value, nor 914exception and so on. This does not decrement the C<ev_depth> value, nor
807will it clear any outstanding C<EVBREAK_ONE> breaks. 915will it clear any outstanding C<EVBREAK_ONE> breaks.
808 916
809A flags value of C<EVRUN_NOWAIT> will look for new events, will handle 917A flags value of C<EVRUN_NOWAIT> will look for new events, will handle
810those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not wait and 918those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not wait and
822This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction 930This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
823with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your 931with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
824own C<ev_run>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 932own C<ev_run>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
825usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 933usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
826 934
827Here are the gory details of what C<ev_run> does: 935Here are the gory details of what C<ev_run> does (this is for your
936understanding, not a guarantee that things will work exactly like this in
937future versions):
828 938
829 - Increment loop depth. 939 - Increment loop depth.
830 - Reset the ev_break status. 940 - Reset the ev_break status.
831 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 941 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
832 LOOP: 942 LOOP:
865anymore. 975anymore.
866 976
867 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 977 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
868 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 978 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
869 ev_run (my_loop, 0); 979 ev_run (my_loop, 0);
870 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah! 980 ... jobs done or somebody called break. yeah!
871 981
872=item ev_break (loop, how) 982=item ev_break (loop, how)
873 983
874Can be used to make a call to C<ev_run> return early (but only after it 984Can be used to make a call to C<ev_run> return early (but only after it
875has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 985has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
938overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once. 1048overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
939 1049
940By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more 1050By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
941time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration, 1051time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
942at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and 1052at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
943C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will 1053C<ev_timer>) will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
944introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. The 1054introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. The
945sleep time ensures that libev will not poll for I/O events more often then 1055sleep time ensures that libev will not poll for I/O events more often then
946once per this interval, on average. 1056once per this interval, on average (as long as the host time resolution is
1057good enough).
947 1058
948Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev 1059Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
949to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 1060to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
950latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called 1061latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
951later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null 1062later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null
997invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.). 1108invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.).
998 1109
999If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new 1110If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new
1000callback. 1111callback.
1001 1112
1002=item ev_set_loop_release_cb (loop, void (*release)(EV_P), void (*acquire)(EV_P)) 1113=item ev_set_loop_release_cb (loop, void (*release)(EV_P) throw (), void (*acquire)(EV_P) throw ())
1003 1114
1004Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This 1115Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This
1005can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around 1116can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around
1006each call to a libev function. 1117each call to a libev function.
1007 1118
1008However, C<ev_run> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible 1119However, C<ev_run> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible
1009to wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the event 1120to wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the event
1010loop via C<ev_break> and C<av_async_send>, another way is to set these 1121loop via C<ev_break> and C<ev_async_send>, another way is to set these
1011I<release> and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop. 1122I<release> and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop.
1012 1123
1013When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is 1124When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is
1014suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just 1125suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just
1015afterwards. 1126afterwards.
1107with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_TYPE_start (loop, watcher 1218with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_TYPE_start (loop, watcher
1108*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the 1219*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the
1109corresponding stop function (C<< ev_TYPE_stop (loop, watcher *) >>. 1220corresponding stop function (C<< ev_TYPE_stop (loop, watcher *) >>.
1110 1221
1111As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you 1222As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you
1112must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never 1223must not touch the values stored in it except when explicitly documented
1113reinitialise it or call its C<ev_TYPE_set> macro. 1224otherwise. Most specifically you must never reinitialise it or call its
1225C<ev_TYPE_set> macro.
1114 1226
1115Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the 1227Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the
1116registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as 1228registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as
1117third argument. 1229third argument.
1118 1230
1155 1267
1156=item C<EV_PREPARE> 1268=item C<EV_PREPARE>
1157 1269
1158=item C<EV_CHECK> 1270=item C<EV_CHECK>
1159 1271
1160All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_run> starts 1272All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_run> starts to
1161to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after 1273gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are queued (not invoked)
1162C<ev_run> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any 1274just after C<ev_run> has gathered them, but before it queues any callbacks
1275for any received events. That means C<ev_prepare> watchers are the last
1276watchers invoked before the event loop sleeps or polls for new events, and
1277C<ev_check> watchers will be invoked before any other watchers of the same
1278or lower priority within an event loop iteration.
1279
1163received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 1280Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as many watchers as
1164many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account 1281they want, and all of them will be taken into account (for example, a
1165(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep 1282C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep C<ev_run> from
1166C<ev_run> from blocking). 1283blocking).
1167 1284
1168=item C<EV_EMBED> 1285=item C<EV_EMBED>
1169 1286
1170The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention. 1287The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
1171 1288
1294 1411
1295=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1412=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1296 1413
1297Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 1414Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
1298 1415
1299=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 1416=item ev_set_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1300 1417
1301Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 1418Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
1302(modulo threads). 1419(modulo threads).
1303 1420
1304=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, int priority) 1421=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, int priority)
1322or might not have been clamped to the valid range. 1439or might not have been clamped to the valid range.
1323 1440
1324The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is 1441The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
1325always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :). 1442always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
1326 1443
1327See L<WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS>, below, for a more thorough treatment of 1444See L</WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS>, below, for a more thorough treatment of
1328priorities. 1445priorities.
1329 1446
1330=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents) 1447=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1331 1448
1332Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither 1449Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
1357See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related 1474See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
1358functions that do not need a watcher. 1475functions that do not need a watcher.
1359 1476
1360=back 1477=back
1361 1478
1362=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1479See also the L</ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER> and L</BUILDING YOUR
1363 1480OWN COMPOSITE WATCHERS> idioms.
1364Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
1365and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
1366to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
1367don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data
1368member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
1369data:
1370
1371 struct my_io
1372 {
1373 ev_io io;
1374 int otherfd;
1375 void *somedata;
1376 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
1377 };
1378
1379 ...
1380 struct my_io w;
1381 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
1382
1383And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
1384can cast it back to your own type:
1385
1386 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
1387 {
1388 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
1389 ...
1390 }
1391
1392More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
1393instead have been omitted.
1394
1395Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
1396embedded watchers:
1397
1398 struct my_biggy
1399 {
1400 int some_data;
1401 ev_timer t1;
1402 ev_timer t2;
1403 }
1404
1405In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
1406complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct
1407in the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies), or you need to use
1408some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for real
1409programmers):
1410
1411 #include <stddef.h>
1412
1413 static void
1414 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1415 {
1416 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1417 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
1418 }
1419
1420 static void
1421 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1422 {
1423 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1424 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1425 }
1426 1481
1427=head2 WATCHER STATES 1482=head2 WATCHER STATES
1428 1483
1429There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual - 1484There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual -
1430active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to 1485active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to
1431transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these 1486transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these
1432rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing". 1487rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing".
1433 1488
1434=over 4 1489=over 4
1435 1490
1436=item initialiased 1491=item initialised
1437 1492
1438Before a watcher can be registered with the event looop it has to be 1493Before a watcher can be registered with the event loop it has to be
1439initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to 1494initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to
1440C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function. 1495C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function.
1441 1496
1442In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for use 1497In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for
1443in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at will. 1498use in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at
1499will - as long as you either keep the memory contents intact, or call
1500C<ev_TYPE_init> again.
1444 1501
1445=item started/running/active 1502=item started/running/active
1446 1503
1447Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes 1504Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes
1448property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in 1505property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in
1476latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless 1533latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless
1477of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before 1534of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before
1478freeing it is often a good idea. 1535freeing it is often a good idea.
1479 1536
1480While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the 1537While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the
1481initialised state, that is it can be reused, moved, modified in any way 1538initialised state, that is, it can be reused, moved, modified in any way
1482you wish. 1539you wish (but when you trash the memory block, you need to C<ev_TYPE_init>
1540it again).
1483 1541
1484=back 1542=back
1485 1543
1486=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS 1544=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS
1487 1545
1488Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small 1546Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small
1489integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation 1547integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation
1490between watchers in some way, all else being equal. 1548between watchers in some way, all else being equal.
1491 1549
1492In libev, Watcher priorities can be set using C<ev_set_priority>. See its 1550In libev, watcher priorities can be set using C<ev_set_priority>. See its
1493description for the more technical details such as the actual priority 1551description for the more technical details such as the actual priority
1494range. 1552range.
1495 1553
1496There are two common ways how these these priorities are being interpreted 1554There are two common ways how these these priorities are being interpreted
1497by event loops: 1555by event loops:
1591 1649
1592This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 1650This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
1593information given in the last section. Any initialisation/set macros, 1651information given in the last section. Any initialisation/set macros,
1594functions and members specific to the watcher type are explained. 1652functions and members specific to the watcher type are explained.
1595 1653
1596Members are additionally marked with either I<[read-only]>, meaning that, 1654Most members are additionally marked with either I<[read-only]>, meaning
1597while the watcher is active, you can look at the member and expect some 1655that, while the watcher is active, you can look at the member and expect
1598sensible content, but you must not modify it (you can modify it while the 1656some sensible content, but you must not modify it (you can modify it while
1599watcher is stopped to your hearts content), or I<[read-write]>, which 1657the watcher is stopped to your hearts content), or I<[read-write]>, which
1600means you can expect it to have some sensible content while the watcher 1658means you can expect it to have some sensible content while the watcher
1601is active, but you can also modify it. Modifying it may not do something 1659is active, but you can also modify it. Modifying it may not do something
1602sensible or take immediate effect (or do anything at all), but libev will 1660sensible or take immediate effect (or do anything at all), but libev will
1603not crash or malfunction in any way. 1661not crash or malfunction in any way.
1604 1662
1663In any case, the documentation for each member will explain what the
1664effects are, and if there are any additional access restrictions.
1605 1665
1606=head2 C<ev_io> - is this file descriptor readable or writable? 1666=head2 C<ev_io> - is this file descriptor readable or writable?
1607 1667
1608I/O watchers check whether a file descriptor is readable or writable 1668I/O watchers check whether a file descriptor is readable or writable
1609in each iteration of the event loop, or, more precisely, when reading 1669in each iteration of the event loop, or, more precisely, when reading
1636 1696
1637But really, best use non-blocking mode. 1697But really, best use non-blocking mode.
1638 1698
1639=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors 1699=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1640 1700
1641Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file 1701Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll, linuxaio) need to be told about closing
1642descriptor (either due to calling C<close> explicitly or any other means, 1702a file descriptor (either due to calling C<close> explicitly or any other
1643such as C<dup2>). The reason is that you register interest in some file 1703means, such as C<dup2>). The reason is that you register interest in some
1644descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop 1704file descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently
1645this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is 1705drop this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then
1646registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in 1706is registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is,
1647fact, a different file descriptor. 1707in fact, a different file descriptor.
1648 1708
1649To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows 1709To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows
1650the following policy: Each time C<ev_io_set> is being called, libev 1710the following policy: Each time C<ev_io_set> is being called, libev
1651will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise 1711will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise
1652it is assumed that the file descriptor stays the same. That means that 1712it is assumed that the file descriptor stays the same. That means that
1680always get a readiness notification instantly, and your read (or possibly 1740always get a readiness notification instantly, and your read (or possibly
1681write) will still block on the disk I/O. 1741write) will still block on the disk I/O.
1682 1742
1683Another way to view it is that in the case of sockets, pipes, character 1743Another way to view it is that in the case of sockets, pipes, character
1684devices and so on, there is another party (the sender) that delivers data 1744devices and so on, there is another party (the sender) that delivers data
1685on it's own, but in the case of files, there is no such thing: the disk 1745on its own, but in the case of files, there is no such thing: the disk
1686will not send data on it's own, simply because it doesn't know what you 1746will not send data on its own, simply because it doesn't know what you
1687wish to read - you would first have to request some data. 1747wish to read - you would first have to request some data.
1688 1748
1689Since files are typically not-so-well supported by advanced notification 1749Since files are typically not-so-well supported by advanced notification
1690mechanism, libev tries hard to emulate POSIX behaviour with respect 1750mechanism, libev tries hard to emulate POSIX behaviour with respect
1691to files, even though you should not use it. The reason for this is 1751to files, even though you should not use it. The reason for this is
1701when you rarely read from a file instead of from a socket, and want to 1761when you rarely read from a file instead of from a socket, and want to
1702reuse the same code path. 1762reuse the same code path.
1703 1763
1704=head3 The special problem of fork 1764=head3 The special problem of fork
1705 1765
1706Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit 1766Some backends (epoll, kqueue, linuxaio, iouring) do not support C<fork ()>
1707useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about 1767at all or exhibit useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs
1708it in the child if you want to continue to use it in the child. 1768to be told about it in the child if you want to continue to use it in the
1769child.
1709 1770
1710To support fork in your child processes, you have to call C<ev_loop_fork 1771To support fork in your child processes, you have to call C<ev_loop_fork
1711()> after a fork in the child, enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to 1772()> after a fork in the child, enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to
1712C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 1773C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1713 1774
1771 1832
1772Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to 1833Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to
1773receive events for and C<events> is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or 1834receive events for and C<events> is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
1774C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE>, to express the desire to receive the given events. 1835C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE>, to express the desire to receive the given events.
1775 1836
1776=item int fd [read-only] 1837=item ev_io_modify (ev_io *, int events)
1777 1838
1778The file descriptor being watched. 1839Similar to C<ev_io_set>, but only changes the event mask. Using this might
1840be faster with some backends, as libev can assume that the C<fd> still
1841refers to the same underlying file description, something it cannot do
1842when using C<ev_io_set>.
1779 1843
1844=item int fd [no-modify]
1845
1846The file descriptor being watched. While it can be read at any time, you
1847must not modify this member even when the watcher is stopped - always use
1848C<ev_io_set> for that.
1849
1780=item int events [read-only] 1850=item int events [no-modify]
1781 1851
1782The events being watched. 1852The set of events the fd is being watched for, among other flags. Remember
1853that this is a bit set - to test for C<EV_READ>, use C<< w->events &
1854EV_READ >>, and similarly for C<EV_WRITE>.
1855
1856As with C<fd>, you must not modify this member even when the watcher is
1857stopped, always use C<ev_io_set> or C<ev_io_modify> for that.
1783 1858
1784=back 1859=back
1785 1860
1786=head3 Examples 1861=head3 Examples
1787 1862
1815detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1890detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1816monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1891monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1817 1892
1818The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has 1893The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1819passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this 1894passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this
1820might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the 1895might introduce a small delay, see "the special problem of being too
1896early", below). If multiple timers become ready during the same loop
1821same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked 1897iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked before
1822before ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is 1898ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is no
1823no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively). 1899longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1824 1900
1825=head3 Be smart about timeouts 1901=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1826 1902
1827Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error 1903Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1828recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs, 1904recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1903 1979
1904In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone, 1980In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone,
1905but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only 1981but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only
1906within the callback: 1982within the callback:
1907 1983
1984 ev_tstamp timeout = 60.;
1908 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity 1985 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity
1986 ev_timer timer;
1909 1987
1910 static void 1988 static void
1911 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1989 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1912 { 1990 {
1913 ev_tstamp now = ev_now (EV_A); 1991 // calculate when the timeout would happen
1914 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.; 1992 ev_tstamp after = last_activity - ev_now (EV_A) + timeout;
1915 1993
1916 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out 1994 // if negative, it means we the timeout already occurred
1917 if (timeout < now) 1995 if (after < 0.)
1918 { 1996 {
1919 // timeout occurred, take action 1997 // timeout occurred, take action
1920 } 1998 }
1921 else 1999 else
1922 { 2000 {
1923 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm 2001 // callback was invoked, but there was some recent
1924 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is 2002 // activity. simply restart the timer to time out
1925 // guaranteed to be in the future, so "again" is positive: 2003 // after "after" seconds, which is the earliest time
1926 w->repeat = timeout - now; 2004 // the timeout can occur.
2005 ev_timer_set (w, after, 0.);
1927 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ w); 2006 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ w);
1928 } 2007 }
1929 } 2008 }
1930 2009
1931To summarise the callback: first calculate the real timeout (defined 2010To summarise the callback: first calculate in how many seconds the
1932as "60 seconds after the last activity"), then check if that time has 2011timeout will occur (by calculating the absolute time when it would occur,
1933been reached, which means something I<did>, in fact, time out. Otherwise 2012C<last_activity + timeout>, and subtracting the current time, C<ev_now
1934the callback was invoked too early (C<timeout> is in the future), so 2013(EV_A)> from that).
1935re-schedule the timer to fire at that future time, to see if maybe we have
1936a timeout then.
1937 2014
1938Note how C<ev_timer_again> is used, taking advantage of the 2015If this value is negative, then we are already past the timeout, i.e. we
1939C<ev_timer_again> optimisation when the timer is already running. 2016timed out, and need to do whatever is needed in this case.
2017
2018Otherwise, we now the earliest time at which the timeout would trigger,
2019and simply start the timer with this timeout value.
2020
2021In other words, each time the callback is invoked it will check whether
2022the timeout occurred. If not, it will simply reschedule itself to check
2023again at the earliest time it could time out. Rinse. Repeat.
1940 2024
1941This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds 2025This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds
1942minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to 2026minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to
1943libev to change the timeout. 2027libev to change the timeout.
1944 2028
1945To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity> 2029To start the machinery, simply initialise the watcher and set
1946to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the 2030C<last_activity> to the current time (meaning there was some activity just
1947callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer: 2031now), then call the callback, which will "do the right thing" and start
2032the timer:
1948 2033
2034 last_activity = ev_now (EV_A);
1949 ev_init (timer, callback); 2035 ev_init (&timer, callback);
1950 last_activity = ev_now (loop); 2036 callback (EV_A_ &timer, 0);
1951 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMER);
1952 2037
1953And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in 2038When there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1954C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all: 2039C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1955 2040
2041 if (activity detected)
1956 last_activity = ev_now (loop); 2042 last_activity = ev_now (EV_A);
2043
2044When your timeout value changes, then the timeout can be changed by simply
2045providing a new value, stopping the timer and calling the callback, which
2046will again do the right thing (for example, time out immediately :).
2047
2048 timeout = new_value;
2049 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &timer);
2050 callback (EV_A_ &timer, 0);
1957 2051
1958This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the 2052This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1959time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient. 2053time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1960
1961Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1962callback :) - just change the timeout and invoke the callback, which will
1963fix things for you.
1964 2054
1965=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts. 2055=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts.
1966 2056
1967If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all 2057If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all
1968employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can 2058employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can
1995Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is 2085Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is
1996rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays 2086rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays
1997off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually 2087off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually
1998overkill :) 2088overkill :)
1999 2089
2090=head3 The special problem of being too early
2091
2092If you ask a timer to call your callback after three seconds, then
2093you expect it to be invoked after three seconds - but of course, this
2094cannot be guaranteed to infinite precision. Less obviously, it cannot be
2095guaranteed to any precision by libev - imagine somebody suspending the
2096process with a STOP signal for a few hours for example.
2097
2098So, libev tries to invoke your callback as soon as possible I<after> the
2099delay has occurred, but cannot guarantee this.
2100
2101A less obvious failure mode is calling your callback too early: many event
2102loops compare timestamps with a "elapsed delay >= requested delay", but
2103this can cause your callback to be invoked much earlier than you would
2104expect.
2105
2106To see why, imagine a system with a clock that only offers full second
2107resolution (think windows if you can't come up with a broken enough OS
2108yourself). If you schedule a one-second timer at the time 500.9, then the
2109event loop will schedule your timeout to elapse at a system time of 500
2110(500.9 truncated to the resolution) + 1, or 501.
2111
2112If an event library looks at the timeout 0.1s later, it will see "501 >=
2113501" and invoke the callback 0.1s after it was started, even though a
2114one-second delay was requested - this is being "too early", despite best
2115intentions.
2116
2117This is the reason why libev will never invoke the callback if the elapsed
2118delay equals the requested delay, but only when the elapsed delay is
2119larger than the requested delay. In the example above, libev would only invoke
2120the callback at system time 502, or 1.1s after the timer was started.
2121
2122So, while libev cannot guarantee that your callback will be invoked
2123exactly when requested, it I<can> and I<does> guarantee that the requested
2124delay has actually elapsed, or in other words, it always errs on the "too
2125late" side of things.
2126
2000=head3 The special problem of time updates 2127=head3 The special problem of time updates
2001 2128
2002Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at 2129Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes
2003least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current 2130at least one system call): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
2004time only before and after C<ev_run> collects new events, which causes a 2131time only before and after C<ev_run> collects new events, which causes a
2005growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling 2132growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
2006lots of events in one iteration. 2133lots of events in one iteration.
2007 2134
2008The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 2135The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
2009time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 2136time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
2010of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If 2137of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If
2011you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the 2138you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the
2012timeout on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this: 2139timeout on the current time, use something like the following to adjust
2140for it:
2013 2141
2014 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 2142 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + (ev_time () - ev_now ()), 0.);
2015 2143
2016If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an 2144If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
2017update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update 2145update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
2018()>. 2146()>, although that will push the event time of all outstanding events
2147further into the future.
2148
2149=head3 The special problem of unsynchronised clocks
2150
2151Modern systems have a variety of clocks - libev itself uses the normal
2152"wall clock" clock and, if available, the monotonic clock (to avoid time
2153jumps).
2154
2155Neither of these clocks is synchronised with each other or any other clock
2156on the system, so C<ev_time ()> might return a considerably different time
2157than C<gettimeofday ()> or C<time ()>. On a GNU/Linux system, for example,
2158a call to C<gettimeofday> might return a second count that is one higher
2159than a directly following call to C<time>.
2160
2161The moral of this is to only compare libev-related timestamps with
2162C<ev_time ()> and C<ev_now ()>, at least if you want better precision than
2163a second or so.
2164
2165One more problem arises due to this lack of synchronisation: if libev uses
2166the system monotonic clock and you compare timestamps from C<ev_time>
2167or C<ev_now> from when you started your timer and when your callback is
2168invoked, you will find that sometimes the callback is a bit "early".
2169
2170This is because C<ev_timer>s work in real time, not wall clock time, so
2171libev makes sure your callback is not invoked before the delay happened,
2172I<measured according to the real time>, not the system clock.
2173
2174If your timeouts are based on a physical timescale (e.g. "time out this
2175connection after 100 seconds") then this shouldn't bother you as it is
2176exactly the right behaviour.
2177
2178If you want to compare wall clock/system timestamps to your timers, then
2179you need to use C<ev_periodic>s, as these are based on the wall clock
2180time, where your comparisons will always generate correct results.
2019 2181
2020=head3 The special problems of suspended animation 2182=head3 The special problems of suspended animation
2021 2183
2022When you leave the server world it is quite customary to hit machines that 2184When you leave the server world it is quite customary to hit machines that
2023can suspend/hibernate - what happens to the clocks during such a suspend? 2185can suspend/hibernate - what happens to the clocks during such a suspend?
2053 2215
2054=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 2216=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
2055 2217
2056=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 2218=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
2057 2219
2058Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat> 2220Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds (fractional and
2059is C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped once the timeout is 2221negative values are supported). If C<repeat> is C<0.>, then it will
2060reached. If it is positive, then the timer will automatically be 2222automatically be stopped once the timeout is reached. If it is positive,
2061configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds later, again, and again, 2223then the timer will automatically be configured to trigger again C<repeat>
2062until stopped manually. 2224seconds later, again, and again, until stopped manually.
2063 2225
2064The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if 2226The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if
2065you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally 2227you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally
2066trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot 2228trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot
2067keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to 2229keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to
2068do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 2230do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
2069 2231
2070=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *) 2232=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
2071 2233
2072This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 2234This will act as if the timer timed out, and restarts it again if it is
2073repeating. The exact semantics are: 2235repeating. It basically works like calling C<ev_timer_stop>, updating the
2236timeout to the C<repeat> value and calling C<ev_timer_start>.
2074 2237
2238The exact semantics are as in the following rules, all of which will be
2239applied to the watcher:
2240
2241=over 4
2242
2075If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 2243=item If the timer is pending, the pending status is always cleared.
2076 2244
2077If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 2245=item If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed
2246out, without invoking it).
2078 2247
2079If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 2248=item If the timer is repeating, make the C<repeat> value the new timeout
2080C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 2249and start the timer, if necessary.
2081 2250
2251=back
2252
2082This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a 2253This sounds a bit complicated, see L</Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a
2083usage example. 2254usage example.
2084 2255
2085=item ev_tstamp ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *) 2256=item ev_tstamp ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *)
2086 2257
2087Returns the remaining time until a timer fires. If the timer is active, 2258Returns the remaining time until a timer fires. If the timer is active,
2140Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 2311Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
2141(and unfortunately a bit complex). 2312(and unfortunately a bit complex).
2142 2313
2143Unlike C<ev_timer>, periodic watchers are not based on real time (or 2314Unlike C<ev_timer>, periodic watchers are not based on real time (or
2144relative time, the physical time that passes) but on wall clock time 2315relative time, the physical time that passes) but on wall clock time
2145(absolute time, the thing you can read on your calender or clock). The 2316(absolute time, the thing you can read on your calendar or clock). The
2146difference is that wall clock time can run faster or slower than real 2317difference is that wall clock time can run faster or slower than real
2147time, and time jumps are not uncommon (e.g. when you adjust your 2318time, and time jumps are not uncommon (e.g. when you adjust your
2148wrist-watch). 2319wrist-watch).
2149 2320
2150You can tell a periodic watcher to trigger after some specific point 2321You can tell a periodic watcher to trigger after some specific point
2155C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger roughly 10 seconds after starting 2326C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger roughly 10 seconds after starting
2156it, as it uses a relative timeout). 2327it, as it uses a relative timeout).
2157 2328
2158C<ev_periodic> watchers can also be used to implement vastly more complex 2329C<ev_periodic> watchers can also be used to implement vastly more complex
2159timers, such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or 2330timers, such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or
2160other complicated rules. This cannot be done with C<ev_timer> watchers, as 2331other complicated rules. This cannot easily be done with C<ev_timer>
2161those cannot react to time jumps. 2332watchers, as those cannot react to time jumps.
2162 2333
2163As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the 2334As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
2164point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple 2335point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple
2165timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with 2336timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with
2166earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values 2337earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values
2207 2378
2208Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 2379Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
2209C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 2380C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
2210time where C<time = offset (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 2381time where C<time = offset (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
2211 2382
2212For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<offset> value is near 2383The C<interval> I<MUST> be positive, and for numerical stability, the
2213C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for 2384interval value should be higher than C<1/8192> (which is around 100
2214this value, and in fact is often specified as zero. 2385microseconds) and C<offset> should be higher than C<0> and should have
2386at most a similar magnitude as the current time (say, within a factor of
2387ten). Typical values for offset are, in fact, C<0> or something between
2388C<0> and C<interval>, which is also the recommended range.
2215 2389
2216Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU 2390Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
2217speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability 2391speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
2218will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one 2392will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
2219millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough). 2393millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
2249 2423
2250NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is higher than or 2424NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is higher than or
2251equal to the passed C<now> value >>. 2425equal to the passed C<now> value >>.
2252 2426
2253This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that 2427This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that
2254triggers on "next midnight, local time". To do this, you would calculate the 2428triggers on "next midnight, local time". To do this, you would calculate
2255next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How 2429the next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for
2256you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main 2430this. Here is a (completely untested, no error checking) example on how to
2257reason I omitted it as an example). 2431do this:
2432
2433 #include <time.h>
2434
2435 static ev_tstamp
2436 my_rescheduler (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
2437 {
2438 time_t tnow = (time_t)now;
2439 struct tm tm;
2440 localtime_r (&tnow, &tm);
2441
2442 tm.tm_sec = tm.tm_min = tm.tm_hour = 0; // midnight current day
2443 ++tm.tm_mday; // midnight next day
2444
2445 return mktime (&tm);
2446 }
2447
2448Note: this code might run into trouble on days that have more then two
2449midnights (beginning and end).
2258 2450
2259=back 2451=back
2260 2452
2261=item ev_periodic_again (loop, ev_periodic *) 2453=item ev_periodic_again (loop, ev_periodic *)
2262 2454
2327 2519
2328 ev_periodic hourly_tick; 2520 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
2329 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 2521 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
2330 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 2522 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
2331 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 2523 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
2332 2524
2333 2525
2334=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 2526=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
2335 2527
2336Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 2528Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
2337signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 2529signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
2347only within the same loop, i.e. you can watch for C<SIGINT> in your 2539only within the same loop, i.e. you can watch for C<SIGINT> in your
2348default loop and for C<SIGIO> in another loop, but you cannot watch for 2540default loop and for C<SIGIO> in another loop, but you cannot watch for
2349C<SIGINT> in both the default loop and another loop at the same time. At 2541C<SIGINT> in both the default loop and another loop at the same time. At
2350the moment, C<SIGCHLD> is permanently tied to the default loop. 2542the moment, C<SIGCHLD> is permanently tied to the default loop.
2351 2543
2352When the first watcher gets started will libev actually register something 2544Only after the first watcher for a signal is started will libev actually
2353with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as 2545register something with the kernel. It thus coexists with your own signal
2354you don't register any with libev for the same signal). 2546handlers as long as you don't register any with libev for the same signal.
2355 2547
2356If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with 2548If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
2357C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should 2549C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should
2358not be unduly interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting 2550not be unduly interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting
2359interrupted by signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher 2551interrupted by signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher
2362=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create 2554=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create
2363 2555
2364Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition 2556Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition
2365(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after 2557(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after
2366stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal, 2558stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal,
2367and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler. 2559and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler (but
2560see C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK>).
2368 2561
2369While this does not matter for the signal disposition (libev never 2562While this does not matter for the signal disposition (libev never
2370sets signals to C<SIG_IGN>, so handlers will be reset to C<SIG_DFL> on 2563sets signals to C<SIG_IGN>, so handlers will be reset to C<SIG_DFL> on
2371C<execve>), this matters for the signal mask: many programs do not expect 2564C<execve>), this matters for the signal mask: many programs do not expect
2372certain signals to be blocked. 2565certain signals to be blocked.
2543 2736
2544=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 2737=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
2545 2738
2546This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 2739This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
2547C<stat> on that path in regular intervals (or when the OS says it changed) 2740C<stat> on that path in regular intervals (or when the OS says it changed)
2548and sees if it changed compared to the last time, invoking the callback if 2741and sees if it changed compared to the last time, invoking the callback
2549it did. 2742if it did. Starting the watcher C<stat>'s the file, so only changes that
2743happen after the watcher has been started will be reported.
2550 2744
2551The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 2745The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
2552not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does not 2746not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does not
2553exist" (or more correctly "path cannot be stat'ed") is signified by the 2747exist" (or more correctly "path cannot be stat'ed") is signified by the
2554C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is otherwise always forced to be at 2748C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is otherwise always forced to be at
2784Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 2978Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
2785effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do 2979effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do
2786"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 2980"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
2787event loop has handled all outstanding events. 2981event loop has handled all outstanding events.
2788 2982
2983=head3 Abusing an C<ev_idle> watcher for its side-effect
2984
2985As long as there is at least one active idle watcher, libev will never
2986sleep unnecessarily. Or in other words, it will loop as fast as possible.
2987For this to work, the idle watcher doesn't need to be invoked at all - the
2988lowest priority will do.
2989
2990This mode of operation can be useful together with an C<ev_check> watcher,
2991to do something on each event loop iteration - for example to balance load
2992between different connections.
2993
2994See L</Abusing an ev_check watcher for its side-effect> for a longer
2995example.
2996
2789=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2997=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2790 2998
2791=over 4 2999=over 4
2792 3000
2793=item ev_idle_init (ev_idle *, callback) 3001=item ev_idle_init (ev_idle *, callback)
2804callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 3012callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
2805 3013
2806 static void 3014 static void
2807 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents) 3015 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents)
2808 { 3016 {
3017 // stop the watcher
3018 ev_idle_stop (loop, w);
3019
3020 // now we can free it
2809 free (w); 3021 free (w);
3022
2810 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 3023 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
2811 // no longer anything immediate to do. 3024 // no longer anything immediate to do.
2812 } 3025 }
2813 3026
2814 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle)); 3027 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle));
2816 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_watcher); 3029 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_watcher);
2817 3030
2818 3031
2819=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 3032=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
2820 3033
2821Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs: 3034Prepare and check watchers are often (but not always) used in pairs:
2822prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 3035prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
2823afterwards. 3036afterwards.
2824 3037
2825You I<must not> call C<ev_run> or similar functions that enter 3038You I<must not> call C<ev_run> (or similar functions that enter the
2826the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 3039current event loop) or C<ev_loop_fork> from either C<ev_prepare> or
2827watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The 3040C<ev_check> watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine,
2828rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in 3041however. The rationale behind this is that you do not need to check
2829those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking, 3042for recursion in those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be
2830C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be 3043C<ev_prepare>, blocking, C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each
2831called in pairs bracketing the blocking call. 3044kind they will always be called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.
2832 3045
2833Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and 3046Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and
2834their use is somewhat advanced. They could be used, for example, to track 3047their use is somewhat advanced. They could be used, for example, to track
2835variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a 3048variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a
2836coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if 3049coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if
2854with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 3067with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine
2855of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event 3068of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
2856loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 3069loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
2857low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 3070low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
2858 3071
2859It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) 3072When used for this purpose, it is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers
2860priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers 3073highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) priority, to ensure that they are being run before
2861after the poll (this doesn't matter for C<ev_prepare> watchers). 3074any other watchers after the poll (this doesn't matter for C<ev_prepare>
3075watchers).
2862 3076
2863Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, too) should not 3077Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, too) should not
2864activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully supports this, they 3078activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully supports this, they
2865might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers did their job. As 3079might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers did their job. As
2866C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other (non-libev) event 3080C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other (non-libev) event
2867loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their 3081loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
2868C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with 3082C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
2869others). 3083others).
3084
3085=head3 Abusing an C<ev_check> watcher for its side-effect
3086
3087C<ev_check> (and less often also C<ev_prepare>) watchers can also be
3088useful because they are called once per event loop iteration. For
3089example, if you want to handle a large number of connections fairly, you
3090normally only do a bit of work for each active connection, and if there
3091is more work to do, you wait for the next event loop iteration, so other
3092connections have a chance of making progress.
3093
3094Using an C<ev_check> watcher is almost enough: it will be called on the
3095next event loop iteration. However, that isn't as soon as possible -
3096without external events, your C<ev_check> watcher will not be invoked.
3097
3098This is where C<ev_idle> watchers come in handy - all you need is a
3099single global idle watcher that is active as long as you have one active
3100C<ev_check> watcher. The C<ev_idle> watcher makes sure the event loop
3101will not sleep, and the C<ev_check> watcher makes sure a callback gets
3102invoked. Neither watcher alone can do that.
2870 3103
2871=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 3104=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2872 3105
2873=over 4 3106=over 4
2874 3107
3075 3308
3076=over 4 3309=over 4
3077 3310
3078=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 3311=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
3079 3312
3080=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 3313=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
3081 3314
3082Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 3315Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
3083embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be 3316embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
3084invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback 3317invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
3085to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done, 3318to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
3106used). 3339used).
3107 3340
3108 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 3341 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
3109 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 3342 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
3110 ev_embed embed; 3343 ev_embed embed;
3111 3344
3112 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 3345 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
3113 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 3346 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
3114 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 3347 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
3115 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 3348 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
3116 : 0; 3349 : 0;
3130C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 3363C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
3131 3364
3132 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 3365 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
3133 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 3366 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
3134 ev_embed embed; 3367 ev_embed embed;
3135 3368
3136 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 3369 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
3137 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 3370 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
3138 { 3371 {
3139 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 3372 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
3140 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed); 3373 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
3148 3381
3149=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 3382=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
3150 3383
3151Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 3384Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
3152whoever is a good citizen cared to tell libev about it by calling 3385whoever is a good citizen cared to tell libev about it by calling
3153C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork>). The invocation is done before the 3386C<ev_loop_fork>). The invocation is done before the event loop blocks next
3154event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 3387and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, and only in the child
3155and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling 3388after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling C<ev_default_fork> cheats
3156C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 3389and calls it in the wrong process, the fork handlers will be invoked, too,
3157handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 3390of course.
3158 3391
3159=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible? 3392=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible?
3160 3393
3161Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to set 3394Most uses of C<fork ()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to set
3162up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This 3395up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This
3163sequence should be handled by libev without any problems. 3396sequence should be handled by libev without any problems.
3164 3397
3165This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling 3398This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling
3166in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the 3399in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the
3243 atexit (program_exits); 3476 atexit (program_exits);
3244 3477
3245 3478
3246=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop 3479=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop
3247 3480
3248In general, you cannot use an C<ev_run> from multiple threads or other 3481In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other
3249asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event 3482asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
3250loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads). 3483loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
3251 3484
3252Sometimes, however, you need to wake up an event loop you do not control, 3485Sometimes, however, you need to wake up an event loop you do not control,
3253for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what C<ev_async> 3486for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what C<ev_async>
3255it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe. 3488it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe.
3256 3489
3257This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals, 3490This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
3258too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed 3491too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
3259(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of 3492(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
3260C<ev_async_sent> calls). In fact, you could use signal watchers as a kind 3493C<ev_async_send> calls). In fact, you could use signal watchers as a kind
3261of "global async watchers" by using a watcher on an otherwise unused 3494of "global async watchers" by using a watcher on an otherwise unused
3262signal, and C<ev_feed_signal> to signal this watcher from another thread, 3495signal, and C<ev_feed_signal> to signal this watcher from another thread,
3263even without knowing which loop owns the signal. 3496even without knowing which loop owns the signal.
3264
3265Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not
3266just the default loop.
3267 3497
3268=head3 Queueing 3498=head3 Queueing
3269 3499
3270C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason 3500C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
3271is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a 3501is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
3363trust me. 3593trust me.
3364 3594
3365=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *) 3595=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
3366 3596
3367Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds 3597Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
3368an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike 3598an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop, and instantly
3599returns.
3600
3369C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or 3601Unlike C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads,
3370similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding 3602signal or similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the
3371section below on what exactly this means). 3603embedding section below on what exactly this means).
3372 3604
3373Note that, as with other watchers in libev, multiple events might get 3605Note that, as with other watchers in libev, multiple events might get
3374compressed into a single callback invocation (another way to look at this 3606compressed into a single callback invocation (another way to look at
3375is that C<ev_async> watchers are level-triggered, set on C<ev_async_send>, 3607this is that C<ev_async> watchers are level-triggered: they are set on
3376reset when the event loop detects that). 3608C<ev_async_send>, reset when the event loop detects that).
3377 3609
3378This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per event loop 3610This call incurs the overhead of at most one extra system call per event
3379iteration, so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to 3611loop iteration, if the event loop is blocked, and no syscall at all if
3380repeated calls to C<ev_async_send> for the same event loop. 3612the event loop (or your program) is processing events. That means that
3613repeated calls are basically free (there is no need to avoid calls for
3614performance reasons) and that the overhead becomes smaller (typically
3615zero) under load.
3381 3616
3382=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *) 3617=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
3383 3618
3384Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the 3619Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
3385watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the 3620watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
3402 3637
3403There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now. 3638There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now.
3404 3639
3405=over 4 3640=over 4
3406 3641
3407=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback) 3642=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback, arg)
3408 3643
3409This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your 3644This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your
3410callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stops both 3645callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stops both
3411watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd 3646watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd
3412or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 3647or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
3440 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 3675 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
3441 3676
3442=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents) 3677=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents)
3443 3678
3444Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 3679Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
3445the given events it. 3680the given events.
3446 3681
3447=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum) 3682=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum)
3448 3683
3449Feed an event as if the given signal occurred. See also C<ev_feed_signal>, 3684Feed an event as if the given signal occurred. See also C<ev_feed_signal>,
3450which is async-safe. 3685which is async-safe.
3456 3691
3457This section explains some common idioms that are not immediately 3692This section explains some common idioms that are not immediately
3458obvious. Note that examples are sprinkled over the whole manual, and this 3693obvious. Note that examples are sprinkled over the whole manual, and this
3459section only contains stuff that wouldn't fit anywhere else. 3694section only contains stuff that wouldn't fit anywhere else.
3460 3695
3461=over 4 3696=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
3462 3697
3463=item Model/nested event loop invocations and exit conditions. 3698Each watcher has, by default, a C<void *data> member that you can read
3699or modify at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
3700to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
3701don't want to allocate memory separately and store a pointer to it in that
3702data member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
3703data:
3704
3705 struct my_io
3706 {
3707 ev_io io;
3708 int otherfd;
3709 void *somedata;
3710 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
3711 };
3712
3713 ...
3714 struct my_io w;
3715 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
3716
3717And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
3718can cast it back to your own type:
3719
3720 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
3721 {
3722 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
3723 ...
3724 }
3725
3726More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback
3727function type instead have been omitted.
3728
3729=head2 BUILDING YOUR OWN COMPOSITE WATCHERS
3730
3731Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
3732embedded watchers, in effect creating your own watcher that combines
3733multiple libev event sources into one "super-watcher":
3734
3735 struct my_biggy
3736 {
3737 int some_data;
3738 ev_timer t1;
3739 ev_timer t2;
3740 }
3741
3742In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
3743complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct in
3744the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies or C++ coders), or you need
3745to use some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for
3746real programmers):
3747
3748 #include <stddef.h>
3749
3750 static void
3751 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
3752 {
3753 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
3754 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
3755 }
3756
3757 static void
3758 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
3759 {
3760 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
3761 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
3762 }
3763
3764=head2 AVOIDING FINISHING BEFORE RETURNING
3765
3766Often you have structures like this in event-based programs:
3767
3768 callback ()
3769 {
3770 free (request);
3771 }
3772
3773 request = start_new_request (..., callback);
3774
3775The intent is to start some "lengthy" operation. The C<request> could be
3776used to cancel the operation, or do other things with it.
3777
3778It's not uncommon to have code paths in C<start_new_request> that
3779immediately invoke the callback, for example, to report errors. Or you add
3780some caching layer that finds that it can skip the lengthy aspects of the
3781operation and simply invoke the callback with the result.
3782
3783The problem here is that this will happen I<before> C<start_new_request>
3784has returned, so C<request> is not set.
3785
3786Even if you pass the request by some safer means to the callback, you
3787might want to do something to the request after starting it, such as
3788canceling it, which probably isn't working so well when the callback has
3789already been invoked.
3790
3791A common way around all these issues is to make sure that
3792C<start_new_request> I<always> returns before the callback is invoked. If
3793C<start_new_request> immediately knows the result, it can artificially
3794delay invoking the callback by using a C<prepare> or C<idle> watcher for
3795example, or more sneakily, by reusing an existing (stopped) watcher and
3796pushing it into the pending queue:
3797
3798 ev_set_cb (watcher, callback);
3799 ev_feed_event (EV_A_ watcher, 0);
3800
3801This way, C<start_new_request> can safely return before the callback is
3802invoked, while not delaying callback invocation too much.
3803
3804=head2 MODEL/NESTED EVENT LOOP INVOCATIONS AND EXIT CONDITIONS
3464 3805
3465Often (especially in GUI toolkits) there are places where you have 3806Often (especially in GUI toolkits) there are places where you have
3466I<modal> interaction, which is most easily implemented by recursively 3807I<modal> interaction, which is most easily implemented by recursively
3467invoking C<ev_run>. 3808invoking C<ev_run>.
3468 3809
3469This brings the problem of exiting - a callback might want to finish the 3810This brings the problem of exiting - a callback might want to finish the
3470main C<ev_run> call, but not the nested one (e.g. user clicked "Quit", but 3811main C<ev_run> call, but not the nested one (e.g. user clicked "Quit", but
3471a modal "Are you sure?" dialog is still waiting), or just the nested one 3812a modal "Are you sure?" dialog is still waiting), or just the nested one
3472and not the main one (e.g. user clocked "Ok" in a modal dialog), or some 3813and not the main one (e.g. user clocked "Ok" in a modal dialog), or some
3473other combination: In these cases, C<ev_break> will not work alone. 3814other combination: In these cases, a simple C<ev_break> will not work.
3474 3815
3475The solution is to maintain "break this loop" variable for each C<ev_run> 3816The solution is to maintain "break this loop" variable for each C<ev_run>
3476invocation, and use a loop around C<ev_run> until the condition is 3817invocation, and use a loop around C<ev_run> until the condition is
3477triggered, using C<EVRUN_ONCE>: 3818triggered, using C<EVRUN_ONCE>:
3478 3819
3480 int exit_main_loop = 0; 3821 int exit_main_loop = 0;
3481 3822
3482 while (!exit_main_loop) 3823 while (!exit_main_loop)
3483 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ EVRUN_ONCE); 3824 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3484 3825
3485 // in a model watcher 3826 // in a modal watcher
3486 int exit_nested_loop = 0; 3827 int exit_nested_loop = 0;
3487 3828
3488 while (!exit_nested_loop) 3829 while (!exit_nested_loop)
3489 ev_run (EV_A_ EVRUN_ONCE); 3830 ev_run (EV_A_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3490 3831
3497 exit_main_loop = 1; 3838 exit_main_loop = 1;
3498 3839
3499 // exit both 3840 // exit both
3500 exit_main_loop = exit_nested_loop = 1; 3841 exit_main_loop = exit_nested_loop = 1;
3501 3842
3502=item Thread locking example 3843=head2 THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE
3503 3844
3504Here is a fictitious example of how to run an event loop in a different 3845Here is a fictitious example of how to run an event loop in a different
3505thread than where callbacks are being invoked and watchers are 3846thread from where callbacks are being invoked and watchers are
3506created/added/removed. 3847created/added/removed.
3507 3848
3508For a real-world example, see the C<EV::Loop::Async> perl module, 3849For a real-world example, see the C<EV::Loop::Async> perl module,
3509which uses exactly this technique (which is suited for many high-level 3850which uses exactly this technique (which is suited for many high-level
3510languages). 3851languages).
3536 // now associate this with the loop 3877 // now associate this with the loop
3537 ev_set_userdata (EV_A_ u); 3878 ev_set_userdata (EV_A_ u);
3538 ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (EV_A_ l_invoke); 3879 ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (EV_A_ l_invoke);
3539 ev_set_loop_release_cb (EV_A_ l_release, l_acquire); 3880 ev_set_loop_release_cb (EV_A_ l_release, l_acquire);
3540 3881
3541 // then create the thread running ev_loop 3882 // then create the thread running ev_run
3542 pthread_create (&u->tid, 0, l_run, EV_A); 3883 pthread_create (&u->tid, 0, l_run, EV_A);
3543 } 3884 }
3544 3885
3545The callback for the C<ev_async> watcher does nothing: the watcher is used 3886The callback for the C<ev_async> watcher does nothing: the watcher is used
3546solely to wake up the event loop so it takes notice of any new watchers 3887solely to wake up the event loop so it takes notice of any new watchers
3635Note that sending the C<ev_async> watcher is required because otherwise 3976Note that sending the C<ev_async> watcher is required because otherwise
3636an event loop currently blocking in the kernel will have no knowledge 3977an event loop currently blocking in the kernel will have no knowledge
3637about the newly added timer. By waking up the loop it will pick up any new 3978about the newly added timer. By waking up the loop it will pick up any new
3638watchers in the next event loop iteration. 3979watchers in the next event loop iteration.
3639 3980
3640=back 3981=head2 THREADS, COROUTINES, CONTINUATIONS, QUEUES... INSTEAD OF CALLBACKS
3982
3983While the overhead of a callback that e.g. schedules a thread is small, it
3984is still an overhead. If you embed libev, and your main usage is with some
3985kind of threads or coroutines, you might want to customise libev so that
3986doesn't need callbacks anymore.
3987
3988Imagine you have coroutines that you can switch to using a function
3989C<switch_to (coro)>, that libev runs in a coroutine called C<libev_coro>
3990and that due to some magic, the currently active coroutine is stored in a
3991global called C<current_coro>. Then you can build your own "wait for libev
3992event" primitive by changing C<EV_CB_DECLARE> and C<EV_CB_INVOKE> (note
3993the differing C<;> conventions):
3994
3995 #define EV_CB_DECLARE(type) struct my_coro *cb;
3996 #define EV_CB_INVOKE(watcher) switch_to ((watcher)->cb)
3997
3998That means instead of having a C callback function, you store the
3999coroutine to switch to in each watcher, and instead of having libev call
4000your callback, you instead have it switch to that coroutine.
4001
4002A coroutine might now wait for an event with a function called
4003C<wait_for_event>. (the watcher needs to be started, as always, but it doesn't
4004matter when, or whether the watcher is active or not when this function is
4005called):
4006
4007 void
4008 wait_for_event (ev_watcher *w)
4009 {
4010 ev_set_cb (w, current_coro);
4011 switch_to (libev_coro);
4012 }
4013
4014That basically suspends the coroutine inside C<wait_for_event> and
4015continues the libev coroutine, which, when appropriate, switches back to
4016this or any other coroutine.
4017
4018You can do similar tricks if you have, say, threads with an event queue -
4019instead of storing a coroutine, you store the queue object and instead of
4020switching to a coroutine, you push the watcher onto the queue and notify
4021any waiters.
4022
4023To embed libev, see L</EMBEDDING>, but in short, it's easiest to create two
4024files, F<my_ev.h> and F<my_ev.c> that include the respective libev files:
4025
4026 // my_ev.h
4027 #define EV_CB_DECLARE(type) struct my_coro *cb;
4028 #define EV_CB_INVOKE(watcher) switch_to ((watcher)->cb)
4029 #include "../libev/ev.h"
4030
4031 // my_ev.c
4032 #define EV_H "my_ev.h"
4033 #include "../libev/ev.c"
4034
4035And then use F<my_ev.h> when you would normally use F<ev.h>, and compile
4036F<my_ev.c> into your project. When properly specifying include paths, you
4037can even use F<ev.h> as header file name directly.
3641 4038
3642 4039
3643=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION 4040=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION
3644 4041
3645Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot 4042Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot
3675 4072
3676=back 4073=back
3677 4074
3678=head1 C++ SUPPORT 4075=head1 C++ SUPPORT
3679 4076
4077=head2 C API
4078
4079The normal C API should work fine when used from C++: both ev.h and the
4080libev sources can be compiled as C++. Therefore, code that uses the C API
4081will work fine.
4082
4083Proper exception specifications might have to be added to callbacks passed
4084to libev: exceptions may be thrown only from watcher callbacks, all other
4085callbacks (allocator, syserr, loop acquire/release and periodic reschedule
4086callbacks) must not throw exceptions, and might need a C<noexcept>
4087specification. If you have code that needs to be compiled as both C and
4088C++ you can use the C<EV_NOEXCEPT> macro for this:
4089
4090 static void
4091 fatal_error (const char *msg) EV_NOEXCEPT
4092 {
4093 perror (msg);
4094 abort ();
4095 }
4096
4097 ...
4098 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error);
4099
4100The only API functions that can currently throw exceptions are C<ev_run>,
4101C<ev_invoke>, C<ev_invoke_pending> and C<ev_loop_destroy> (the latter
4102because it runs cleanup watchers).
4103
4104Throwing exceptions in watcher callbacks is only supported if libev itself
4105is compiled with a C++ compiler or your C and C++ environments allow
4106throwing exceptions through C libraries (most do).
4107
4108=head2 C++ API
4109
3680Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 4110Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
3681you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change 4111you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
3682the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 4112the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
3683 4113
3684To use it, 4114To use it,
3685 4115
3686 #include <ev++.h> 4116 #include <ev++.h>
3687 4117
3688This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many 4118This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
3689of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are 4119of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
3690put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding 4120put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
3699with C<operator ()> can be used as callbacks. Other types should be easy 4129with C<operator ()> can be used as callbacks. Other types should be easy
3700to add as long as they only need one additional pointer for context. If 4130to add as long as they only need one additional pointer for context. If
3701you need support for other types of functors please contact the author 4131you need support for other types of functors please contact the author
3702(preferably after implementing it). 4132(preferably after implementing it).
3703 4133
4134For all this to work, your C++ compiler either has to use the same calling
4135conventions as your C compiler (for static member functions), or you have
4136to embed libev and compile libev itself as C++.
4137
3704Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 4138Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
3705 4139
3706=over 4 4140=over 4
3707 4141
3708=item C<ev::READ>, C<ev::WRITE> etc. 4142=item C<ev::READ>, C<ev::WRITE> etc.
3717=item C<ev::io>, C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic>, C<ev::idle>, C<ev::sig> etc. 4151=item C<ev::io>, C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic>, C<ev::idle>, C<ev::sig> etc.
3718 4152
3719For each C<ev_TYPE> watcher in F<ev.h> there is a corresponding class of 4153For each C<ev_TYPE> watcher in F<ev.h> there is a corresponding class of
3720the same name in the C<ev> namespace, with the exception of C<ev_signal> 4154the same name in the C<ev> namespace, with the exception of C<ev_signal>
3721which is called C<ev::sig> to avoid clashes with the C<signal> macro 4155which is called C<ev::sig> to avoid clashes with the C<signal> macro
3722defines by many implementations. 4156defined by many implementations.
3723 4157
3724All of those classes have these methods: 4158All of those classes have these methods:
3725 4159
3726=over 4 4160=over 4
3727 4161
3789 void operator() (ev::io &w, int revents) 4223 void operator() (ev::io &w, int revents)
3790 { 4224 {
3791 ... 4225 ...
3792 } 4226 }
3793 } 4227 }
3794 4228
3795 myfunctor f; 4229 myfunctor f;
3796 4230
3797 ev::io w; 4231 ev::io w;
3798 w.set (&f); 4232 w.set (&f);
3799 4233
3817Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 4251Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
3818do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 4252do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
3819 4253
3820=item w->set ([arguments]) 4254=item w->set ([arguments])
3821 4255
3822Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Either this 4256Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set> (except for C<ev::embed> watchers>),
3823method or a suitable start method must be called at least once. Unlike the 4257with the same arguments. Either this method or a suitable start method
3824C counterpart, an active watcher gets automatically stopped and restarted 4258must be called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher
3825when reconfiguring it with this method. 4259gets automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
4260method.
4261
4262For C<ev::embed> watchers this method is called C<set_embed>, to avoid
4263clashing with the C<set (loop)> method.
3826 4264
3827=item w->start () 4265=item w->start ()
3828 4266
3829Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the 4267Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
3830constructor already stores the event loop. 4268constructor already stores the event loop.
3860watchers in the constructor. 4298watchers in the constructor.
3861 4299
3862 class myclass 4300 class myclass
3863 { 4301 {
3864 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 4302 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3865 ev::io2 io2 ; void io2_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 4303 ev::io io2 ; void io2_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3866 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 4304 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
3867 4305
3868 myclass (int fd) 4306 myclass (int fd)
3869 { 4307 {
3870 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 4308 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
3921L<http://hackage.haskell.org/cgi-bin/hackage-scripts/package/hlibev>. 4359L<http://hackage.haskell.org/cgi-bin/hackage-scripts/package/hlibev>.
3922 4360
3923=item D 4361=item D
3924 4362
3925Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to 4363Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
3926be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>. 4364be found at L<http://www.llucax.com.ar/proj/ev.d/index.html>.
3927 4365
3928=item Ocaml 4366=item Ocaml
3929 4367
3930Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at 4368Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
3931L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>. 4369L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
3934 4372
3935Brian Maher has written a partial interface to libev for lua (at the 4373Brian Maher has written a partial interface to libev for lua (at the
3936time of this writing, only C<ev_io> and C<ev_timer>), to be found at 4374time of this writing, only C<ev_io> and C<ev_timer>), to be found at
3937L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>. 4375L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>.
3938 4376
4377=item Javascript
4378
4379Node.js (L<http://nodejs.org>) uses libev as the underlying event library.
4380
4381=item Others
4382
4383There are others, and I stopped counting.
4384
3939=back 4385=back
3940 4386
3941 4387
3942=head1 MACRO MAGIC 4388=head1 MACRO MAGIC
3943 4389
3979suitable for use with C<EV_A>. 4425suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
3980 4426
3981=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 4427=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
3982 4428
3983Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 4429Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
3984loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 4430loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). The default loop
4431will be initialised if it isn't already initialised.
4432
4433For non-multiplicity builds, these macros do nothing, so you always have
4434to initialise the loop somewhere.
3985 4435
3986=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_> 4436=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_>
3987 4437
3988Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the 4438Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the
3989default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour 4439default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour
4056 ev_vars.h 4506 ev_vars.h
4057 ev_wrap.h 4507 ev_wrap.h
4058 4508
4059 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 4509 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
4060 4510
4061 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default) 4511 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled
4062 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 4512 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled
4063 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 4513 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled
4514 ev_linuxaio.c only when the linux aio backend is enabled
4515 ev_iouring.c only when the linux io_uring backend is enabled
4064 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 4516 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled
4065 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 4517 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled
4066 4518
4067F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need 4519F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
4068to compile this single file. 4520to compile this single file.
4069 4521
4070=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 4522=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
4134supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in 4586supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in
4135F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 4587F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
4136 4588
4137In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the 4589In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the
4138configuration, but has to be more conservative. 4590configuration, but has to be more conservative.
4591
4592=item EV_USE_FLOOR
4593
4594If defined to be C<1>, libev will use the C<floor ()> function for its
4595periodic reschedule calculations, otherwise libev will fall back on a
4596portable (slower) implementation. If you enable this, you usually have to
4597link against libm or something equivalent. Enabling this when the C<floor>
4598function is not available will fail, so the safe default is to not enable
4599this.
4139 4600
4140=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 4601=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
4141 4602
4142If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 4603If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
4143monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no 4604monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no
4180available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This will improve 4641available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This will improve
4181C<ev_signal> and C<ev_async> performance and reduce resource consumption. 4642C<ev_signal> and C<ev_async> performance and reduce resource consumption.
4182If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 4643If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc
41832.7 or newer, otherwise disabled. 46442.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
4184 4645
4646=item EV_USE_SIGNALFD
4647
4648If defined to be C<1>, then libev will assume that C<signalfd ()> is
4649available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This enables
4650the use of EVFLAG_SIGNALFD for faster and simpler signal handling. If
4651undefined, it will be enabled if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc
46522.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
4653
4654=item EV_USE_TIMERFD
4655
4656If defined to be C<1>, then libev will assume that C<timerfd ()> is
4657available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This allows
4658libev to detect time jumps accurately. If undefined, it will be enabled
4659if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.8 or newer and define
4660C<TFD_TIMER_CANCEL_ON_SET>, otherwise disabled.
4661
4662=item EV_USE_EVENTFD
4663
4664If defined to be C<1>, then libev will assume that C<eventfd ()> is
4665available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This will improve
4666C<ev_signal> and C<ev_async> performance and reduce resource consumption.
4667If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc
46682.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
4669
4185=item EV_USE_SELECT 4670=item EV_USE_SELECT
4186 4671
4187If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 4672If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
4188C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at auto-detection will be done: if no 4673C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at auto-detection will be done: if no
4189other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend 4674other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
4229If programs implement their own fd to handle mapping on win32, then this 4714If programs implement their own fd to handle mapping on win32, then this
4230macro can be used to override the C<close> function, useful to unregister 4715macro can be used to override the C<close> function, useful to unregister
4231file descriptors again. Note that the replacement function has to close 4716file descriptors again. Note that the replacement function has to close
4232the underlying OS handle. 4717the underlying OS handle.
4233 4718
4719=item EV_USE_WSASOCKET
4720
4721If defined to be C<1>, libev will use C<WSASocket> to create its internal
4722communication socket, which works better in some environments. Otherwise,
4723the normal C<socket> function will be used, which works better in other
4724environments.
4725
4234=item EV_USE_POLL 4726=item EV_USE_POLL
4235 4727
4236If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2) 4728If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
4237backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 4729backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
4238takes precedence over select. 4730takes precedence over select.
4242If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux 4734If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux
4243C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime, 4735C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
4244otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred 4736otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
4245backend for GNU/Linux systems. If undefined, it will be enabled if the 4737backend for GNU/Linux systems. If undefined, it will be enabled if the
4246headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled. 4738headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
4739
4740=item EV_USE_LINUXAIO
4741
4742If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux aio
4743backend (C<EV_USE_EPOLL> must also be enabled). If undefined, it will be
4744enabled on linux, otherwise disabled.
4745
4746=item EV_USE_IOURING
4747
4748If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux
4749io_uring backend (C<EV_USE_EPOLL> must also be enabled). Due to it's
4750current limitations it has to be requested explicitly. If undefined, it
4751will be enabled on linux, otherwise disabled.
4247 4752
4248=item EV_USE_KQUEUE 4753=item EV_USE_KQUEUE
4249 4754
4250If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style 4755If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style
4251C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime, 4756C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,
4273If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 4778If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
4274interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will 4779interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
4275be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers 4780be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers
4276indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled. 4781indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
4277 4782
4783=item EV_NO_SMP
4784
4785If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that memory is always coherent
4786between threads, that is, threads can be used, but threads never run on
4787different cpus (or different cpu cores). This reduces dependencies
4788and makes libev faster.
4789
4790=item EV_NO_THREADS
4791
4792If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that it will never be called from
4793different threads (that includes signal handlers), which is a stronger
4794assumption than C<EV_NO_SMP>, above. This reduces dependencies and makes
4795libev faster.
4796
4278=item EV_ATOMIC_T 4797=item EV_ATOMIC_T
4279 4798
4280Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose 4799Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
4281access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such 4800access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No
4282type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type 4801such type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own
4283that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking" 4802type that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal
4284as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers. 4803handler "locking" as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async>
4804watchers.
4285 4805
4286In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 4806In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
4287(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms. 4807(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
4288 4808
4289=item EV_H (h) 4809=item EV_H (h)
4316will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 4836will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
4317additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 4837additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
4318for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 4838for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
4319argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 4839argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
4320 4840
4841Note that C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_> will no longer provide a
4842default loop when multiplicity is switched off - you always have to
4843initialise the loop manually in this case.
4844
4321=item EV_MINPRI 4845=item EV_MINPRI
4322 4846
4323=item EV_MAXPRI 4847=item EV_MAXPRI
4324 4848
4325The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to 4849The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
4361 #define EV_USE_POLL 1 4885 #define EV_USE_POLL 1
4362 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1 4886 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
4363 #define EV_ASYNC_ENABLE 1 4887 #define EV_ASYNC_ENABLE 1
4364 4888
4365The actual value is a bitset, it can be a combination of the following 4889The actual value is a bitset, it can be a combination of the following
4366values: 4890values (by default, all of these are enabled):
4367 4891
4368=over 4 4892=over 4
4369 4893
4370=item C<1> - faster/larger code 4894=item C<1> - faster/larger code
4371 4895
4375code size by roughly 30% on amd64). 4899code size by roughly 30% on amd64).
4376 4900
4377When optimising for size, use of compiler flags such as C<-Os> with 4901When optimising for size, use of compiler flags such as C<-Os> with
4378gcc is recommended, as well as C<-DNDEBUG>, as libev contains a number of 4902gcc is recommended, as well as C<-DNDEBUG>, as libev contains a number of
4379assertions. 4903assertions.
4904
4905The default is off when C<__OPTIMIZE_SIZE__> is defined by your compiler
4906(e.g. gcc with C<-Os>).
4380 4907
4381=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures 4908=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures
4382 4909
4383Replaces the small 2-heap for timer management by a faster 4-heap, larger 4910Replaces the small 2-heap for timer management by a faster 4-heap, larger
4384hash table sizes and so on. This will usually further increase code size 4911hash table sizes and so on. This will usually further increase code size
4385and can additionally have an effect on the size of data structures at 4912and can additionally have an effect on the size of data structures at
4386runtime. 4913runtime.
4387 4914
4915The default is off when C<__OPTIMIZE_SIZE__> is defined by your compiler
4916(e.g. gcc with C<-Os>).
4917
4388=item C<4> - full API configuration 4918=item C<4> - full API configuration
4389 4919
4390This enables priorities (sets C<EV_MAXPRI>=2 and C<EV_MINPRI>=-2), and 4920This enables priorities (sets C<EV_MAXPRI>=2 and C<EV_MINPRI>=-2), and
4391enables multiplicity (C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>=1). 4921enables multiplicity (C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>=1).
4392 4922
4422 4952
4423With an intelligent-enough linker (gcc+binutils are intelligent enough 4953With an intelligent-enough linker (gcc+binutils are intelligent enough
4424when you use C<-Wl,--gc-sections -ffunction-sections>) functions unused by 4954when you use C<-Wl,--gc-sections -ffunction-sections>) functions unused by
4425your program might be left out as well - a binary starting a timer and an 4955your program might be left out as well - a binary starting a timer and an
4426I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb. 4956I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb.
4957
4958=item EV_API_STATIC
4959
4960If this symbol is defined (by default it is not), then all identifiers
4961will have static linkage. This means that libev will not export any
4962identifiers, and you cannot link against libev anymore. This can be useful
4963when you embed libev, only want to use libev functions in a single file,
4964and do not want its identifiers to be visible.
4965
4966To use this, define C<EV_API_STATIC> and include F<ev.c> in the file that
4967wants to use libev.
4968
4969This option only works when libev is compiled with a C compiler, as C++
4970doesn't support the required declaration syntax.
4427 4971
4428=item EV_AVOID_STDIO 4972=item EV_AVOID_STDIO
4429 4973
4430If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio 4974If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio
4431functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the code size 4975functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the code size
4489in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not 5033in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
4490called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be 5034called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
4491called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the 5035called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
4492verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down 5036verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
4493libev considerably. 5037libev considerably.
5038
5039Verification errors are reported via C's C<assert> mechanism, so if you
5040disable that (e.g. by defining C<NDEBUG>) then no errors will be reported.
4494 5041
4495The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it 5042The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
4496will be C<0>. 5043will be C<0>.
4497 5044
4498=item EV_COMMON 5045=item EV_COMMON
4575And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 5122And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
4576 5123
4577 #include "ev_cpp.h" 5124 #include "ev_cpp.h"
4578 #include "ev.c" 5125 #include "ev.c"
4579 5126
4580=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS OR LIBRARIES 5127=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS, LIBRARIES OR THE ENVIRONMENT
4581 5128
4582=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES 5129=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES
4583 5130
4584=head3 THREADS 5131=head3 THREADS
4585 5132
4636default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop 5183default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
4637watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal. 5184watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
4638 5185
4639=back 5186=back
4640 5187
4641See also L<Thread locking example>. 5188See also L</THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE>.
4642 5189
4643=head3 COROUTINES 5190=head3 COROUTINES
4644 5191
4645Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 5192Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
4646libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different 5193libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
4811requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 5358requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
4812model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 5359model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
4813the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 5360the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
4814descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 5361descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
4815e.g. cygwin. Actually, it only applies to the microsofts own compilers, 5362e.g. cygwin. Actually, it only applies to the microsofts own compilers,
4816as every compielr comes with a slightly differently broken/incompatible 5363as every compiler comes with a slightly differently broken/incompatible
4817environment. 5364environment.
4818 5365
4819Lifting these limitations would basically require the full 5366Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
4820re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into this kind of thing, 5367re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into this kind of thing,
4821then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable way (note 5368then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable way (note
4915structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also 5462structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
4916assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher 5463assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
4917callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev 5464callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
4918calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally. 5465calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
4919 5466
5467=item null pointers and integer zero are represented by 0 bytes
5468
5469Libev uses C<memset> to initialise structs and arrays to C<0> bytes, and
5470relies on this setting pointers and integers to null.
5471
4920=item pointer accesses must be thread-atomic 5472=item pointer accesses must be thread-atomic
4921 5473
4922Accessing a pointer value must be atomic, it must both be readable and 5474Accessing a pointer value must be atomic, it must both be readable and
4923writable in one piece - this is the case on all current architectures. 5475writable in one piece - this is the case on all current architectures.
4924 5476
4937thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would 5489thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would
4938be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and 5490be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and
4939C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however. 5491C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however.
4940 5492
4941The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads 5493The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads
4942except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as 5494except the initial one, and run the signal handling loop in the initial
4943well. 5495thread as well.
4944 5496
4945=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes 5497=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
4946 5498
4947To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally 5499To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally
4948instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX 5500instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX
4954 5506
4955The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to 5507The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
4956have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is 5508have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is
4957good enough for at least into the year 4000 with millisecond accuracy 5509good enough for at least into the year 4000 with millisecond accuracy
4958(the design goal for libev). This requirement is overfulfilled by 5510(the design goal for libev). This requirement is overfulfilled by
4959implementations using IEEE 754, which is basically all existing ones. With 5511implementations using IEEE 754, which is basically all existing ones.
5512
4960IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least 2200. 5513With IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least the
5514year 2255 (and millisecond accuracy till the year 287396 - by then, libev
5515is either obsolete or somebody patched it to use C<long double> or
5516something like that, just kidding).
4961 5517
4962=back 5518=back
4963 5519
4964If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 5520If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
4965 5521
5027=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers) 5583=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
5028 5584
5029=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number) 5585=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
5030 5586
5031Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send> 5587Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
5032calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events 5588calls in the current loop iteration and the loop is currently
5589blocked. Checking for async and signal events involves iterating over all
5033involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers. 5590running async watchers or all signal numbers.
5034 5591
5035=back 5592=back
5036 5593
5037 5594
5038=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X 5595=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X
5047=over 4 5604=over 4
5048 5605
5049=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism 5606=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
5050 5607
5051The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by 5608The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
5052C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L<PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L<EMBEDDING> 5609C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L</"PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS"> in the L</EMBEDDING>
5053section. 5610section.
5054 5611
5055=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed 5612=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed
5056 5613
5057These calls can be replaced easily by their C<ev_loop_xxx> counterparts: 5614These calls can be replaced easily by their C<ev_loop_xxx> counterparts:
5100=over 4 5657=over 4
5101 5658
5102=item active 5659=item active
5103 5660
5104A watcher is active as long as it has been started and not yet stopped. 5661A watcher is active as long as it has been started and not yet stopped.
5105See L<WATCHER STATES> for details. 5662See L</WATCHER STATES> for details.
5106 5663
5107=item application 5664=item application
5108 5665
5109In this document, an application is whatever is using libev. 5666In this document, an application is whatever is using libev.
5110 5667
5146watchers and events. 5703watchers and events.
5147 5704
5148=item pending 5705=item pending
5149 5706
5150A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been 5707A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been
5151detected. See L<WATCHER STATES> for details. 5708detected. See L</WATCHER STATES> for details.
5152 5709
5153=item real time 5710=item real time
5154 5711
5155The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :) 5712The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
5156 5713
5157=item wall-clock time 5714=item wall-clock time
5158 5715
5159The time and date as shown on clocks. Unlike real time, it can actually 5716The time and date as shown on clocks. Unlike real time, it can actually
5160be wrong and jump forwards and backwards, e.g. when the you adjust your 5717be wrong and jump forwards and backwards, e.g. when you adjust your
5161clock. 5718clock.
5162 5719
5163=item watcher 5720=item watcher
5164 5721
5165A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need 5722A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need
5168=back 5725=back
5169 5726
5170=head1 AUTHOR 5727=head1 AUTHOR
5171 5728
5172Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael 5729Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael
5173Magnusson and Emanuele Giaquinta. 5730Magnusson and Emanuele Giaquinta, and minor corrections by many others.
5174 5731

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