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58 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 58 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
59 59
60 // now wait for events to arrive 60 // now wait for events to arrive
61 ev_run (loop, 0); 61 ev_run (loop, 0);
62 62
63 // unloop was called, so exit 63 // break was called, so exit
64 return 0; 64 return 0;
65 } 65 }
66 66
67=head1 ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT 67=head1 ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
68 68
178you actually want to know. Also interesting is the combination of 178you actually want to know. Also interesting is the combination of
179C<ev_update_now> and C<ev_now>. 179C<ev_update_now> and C<ev_now>.
180 180
181=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 181=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
182 182
183Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 183Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked
184either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 184until either it is interrupted or the given time interval has
185passed (approximately - it might return a bit earlier even if not
186interrupted). Returns immediately if C<< interval <= 0 >>.
187
185this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>. 188Basically this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>.
189
190The range of the C<interval> is limited - libev only guarantees to work
191with sleep times of up to one day (C<< interval <= 86400 >>).
186 192
187=item int ev_version_major () 193=item int ev_version_major ()
188 194
189=item int ev_version_minor () 195=item int ev_version_minor ()
190 196
435example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks. 441example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks.
436 442
437=item C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK> 443=item C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK>
438 444
439When this flag is specified, then libev will avoid to modify the signal 445When this flag is specified, then libev will avoid to modify the signal
440mask. Specifically, this means you ahve to make sure signals are unblocked 446mask. Specifically, this means you have to make sure signals are unblocked
441when you want to receive them. 447when you want to receive them.
442 448
443This behaviour is useful when you want to do your own signal handling, or 449This 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 450want to handle signals only in specific threads and want to avoid libev
445unblocking the signals. 451unblocking the signals.
452
453It's also required by POSIX in a threaded program, as libev calls
454C<sigprocmask>, whose behaviour is officially unspecified.
446 455
447This flag's behaviour will become the default in future versions of libev. 456This flag's behaviour will become the default in future versions of libev.
448 457
449=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 458=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
450 459
480=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 489=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
481 490
482Use the linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9 491Use the linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9
483kernels). 492kernels).
484 493
485For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 494For 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 495it 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), 496O(total_fds) where total_fds is the total number of fds (or the highest
488epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). 497fd), epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
489 498
490The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned 499The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
491of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently 500of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
492dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file 501dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
493descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup, 502descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup,
4960.1ms) and so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program 5050.1ms) 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 506forks then I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll
498set, which can take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) 507set, which can take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor)
499and is of course hard to detect. 508and is of course hard to detect.
500 509
501Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but 510Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work,
502of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally 511but of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for
503I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot 512totally I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so
504even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially 513one cannot even remove them from the set) than registered in the set
505on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by 514(especially on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious
506employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the 515notifications by employing an additional generation counter and comparing
507events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. Last 516that against the events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set
517when required. Epoll also erroneously rounds down timeouts, but gives you
518no way to know when and by how much, so sometimes you have to busy-wait
519because epoll returns immediately despite a nonzero timeout. And last
508not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work 520not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work
509perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...). 521perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...).
510 522
511Epoll is truly the train wreck analog among event poll mechanisms, 523Epoll is truly the train wreck among event poll mechanisms, a frankenpoll,
512a frankenpoll, cobbled together in a hurry, no thought to design or 524cobbled together in a hurry, no thought to design or interaction with
513interaction with others. 525others. Oh, the pain, will it ever stop...
514 526
515While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 527While 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 528will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
517incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different 529incident (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 530I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
596among the OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed 608among the OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed
597hacks). 609hacks).
598 610
599On the negative side, the interface is I<bizarre> - so bizarre that 611On the negative side, the interface is I<bizarre> - so bizarre that
600even sun itself gets it wrong in their code examples: The event polling 612even sun itself gets it wrong in their code examples: The event polling
601function sometimes returning events to the caller even though an error 613function 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 614occurred, but with no indication whether it has done so or not (yes, it's
603even documented that way) - deadly for edge-triggered interfaces where 615even documented that way) - deadly for edge-triggered interfaces where you
604you absolutely have to know whether an event occurred or not because you 616absolutely have to know whether an event occurred or not because you have
605have to re-arm the watcher. 617to re-arm the watcher.
606 618
607Fortunately libev seems to be able to work around these idiocies. 619Fortunately libev seems to be able to work around these idiocies.
608 620
609This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as 621This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
610C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 622C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
822This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction 834This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
823with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your 835with 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 836own C<ev_run>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
825usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 837usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
826 838
827Here are the gory details of what C<ev_run> does: 839Here are the gory details of what C<ev_run> does (this is for your
840understanding, not a guarantee that things will work exactly like this in
841future versions):
828 842
829 - Increment loop depth. 843 - Increment loop depth.
830 - Reset the ev_break status. 844 - Reset the ev_break status.
831 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 845 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
832 LOOP: 846 LOOP:
865anymore. 879anymore.
866 880
867 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 881 ... 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..) 882 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
869 ev_run (my_loop, 0); 883 ev_run (my_loop, 0);
870 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah! 884 ... jobs done or somebody called break. yeah!
871 885
872=item ev_break (loop, how) 886=item ev_break (loop, how)
873 887
874Can be used to make a call to C<ev_run> return early (but only after it 888Can 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 889has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
938overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once. 952overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
939 953
940By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more 954By 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, 955time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
942at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and 956at 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 957C<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 958introduce 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 959sleep time ensures that libev will not poll for I/O events more often then
946once per this interval, on average. 960once per this interval, on average (as long as the host time resolution is
961good enough).
947 962
948Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev 963Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
949to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 964to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
950latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called 965latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
951later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null 966later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null
1357See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related 1372See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
1358functions that do not need a watcher. 1373functions that do not need a watcher.
1359 1374
1360=back 1375=back
1361 1376
1362=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1377See also the L<ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER> and L<BUILDING YOUR
1363 1378OWN 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 1379
1427=head2 WATCHER STATES 1380=head2 WATCHER STATES
1428 1381
1429There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual - 1382There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual -
1430active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to 1383active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to
1433 1386
1434=over 4 1387=over 4
1435 1388
1436=item initialiased 1389=item initialiased
1437 1390
1438Before a watcher can be registered with the event looop it has to be 1391Before 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 1392initialised. 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. 1393C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function.
1441 1394
1442In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for use 1395In 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. 1396use in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at
1397will - as long as you either keep the memory contents intact, or call
1398C<ev_TYPE_init> again.
1444 1399
1445=item started/running/active 1400=item started/running/active
1446 1401
1447Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes 1402Once 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 1403property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in
1476latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless 1431latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless
1477of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before 1432of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before
1478freeing it is often a good idea. 1433freeing it is often a good idea.
1479 1434
1480While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the 1435While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the
1481initialised state, that is it can be reused, moved, modified in any way 1436initialised state, that is, it can be reused, moved, modified in any way
1482you wish. 1437you wish (but when you trash the memory block, you need to C<ev_TYPE_init>
1438it again).
1483 1439
1484=back 1440=back
1485 1441
1486=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS 1442=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS
1487 1443
1680always get a readiness notification instantly, and your read (or possibly 1636always get a readiness notification instantly, and your read (or possibly
1681write) will still block on the disk I/O. 1637write) will still block on the disk I/O.
1682 1638
1683Another way to view it is that in the case of sockets, pipes, character 1639Another 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 1640devices 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 1641on 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 1642will 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. 1643wish to read - you would first have to request some data.
1688 1644
1689Since files are typically not-so-well supported by advanced notification 1645Since files are typically not-so-well supported by advanced notification
1690mechanism, libev tries hard to emulate POSIX behaviour with respect 1646mechanism, libev tries hard to emulate POSIX behaviour with respect
1691to files, even though you should not use it. The reason for this is 1647to files, even though you should not use it. The reason for this is
1815detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1771detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1816monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1772monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1817 1773
1818The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has 1774The 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 1775passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this
1820might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the 1776might introduce a small delay, see "the special problem of being too
1777early", below). If multiple timers become ready during the same loop
1821same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked 1778iteration 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 1779ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is no
1823no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively). 1780longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1824 1781
1825=head3 Be smart about timeouts 1782=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1826 1783
1827Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error 1784Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1828recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs, 1785recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1995Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is 1952Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is
1996rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays 1953rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays
1997off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually 1954off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually
1998overkill :) 1955overkill :)
1999 1956
1957=head3 The special problem of being too early
1958
1959If you ask a timer to call your callback after three seconds, then
1960you expect it to be invoked after three seconds - but of course, this
1961cannot be guaranteed to infinite precision. Less obviously, it cannot be
1962guaranteed to any precision by libev - imagine somebody suspending the
1963process a STOP signal for a few hours for example.
1964
1965So, libev tries to invoke your callback as soon as possible I<after> the
1966delay has occured, but cannot guarantee this.
1967
1968A less obvious failure mode is calling your callback too early: many event
1969loops compare timestamps with a "elapsed delay >= requested delay", but
1970this can cause your callback to be invoked much earlier than you would
1971expect.
1972
1973To see why, imagine a system with a clock that only offers full second
1974resolution (think windows if you can't come up with a broken enough OS
1975yourself). If you schedule a one-second timer at the time 500.9, then the
1976event loop will schedule your timeout to elapse at a system time of 500
1977(500.9 truncated to the resolution) + 1, or 501.
1978
1979If an event library looks at the timeout 0.1s later, it will see "501 >=
1980501" and invoke the callback 0.1s after it was started, even though a
1981one-second delay was requested - this is being "too early", despite best
1982intentions.
1983
1984This is the reason why libev will never invoke the callback if the elapsed
1985delay equals the requested delay, but only when the elapsed delay is
1986larger than the requested delay. In the example above, libev would only invoke
1987the callback at system time 502, or 1.1s after the timer was started.
1988
1989So, while libev cannot guarantee that your callback will be invoked
1990exactly when requested, it I<can> and I<does> guarantee that the requested
1991delay has actually elapsed, or in other words, it always errs on the "too
1992late" side of things.
1993
2000=head3 The special problem of time updates 1994=head3 The special problem of time updates
2001 1995
2002Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at 1996Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
2003least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current 1997least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
2004time only before and after C<ev_run> collects new events, which causes a 1998time only before and after C<ev_run> collects new events, which causes a
2014 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 2008 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
2015 2009
2016If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an 2010If 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 2011update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
2018()>. 2012()>.
2013
2014=head3 The special problem of unsychronised clocks
2015
2016Modern systems have a variety of clocks - libev itself uses the normal
2017"wall clock" clock and, if available, the monotonic clock (to avoid time
2018jumps).
2019
2020Neither of these clocks is synchronised with each other or any other clock
2021on the system, so C<ev_time ()> might return a considerably different time
2022than C<gettimeofday ()> or C<time ()>. On a GNU/Linux system, for example,
2023a call to C<gettimeofday> might return a second count that is one higher
2024than a directly following call to C<time>.
2025
2026The moral of this is to only compare libev-related timestamps with
2027C<ev_time ()> and C<ev_now ()>, at least if you want better precision than
2028a seocnd or so.
2029
2030One more problem arises due to this lack of synchronisation: if libev uses
2031the system monotonic clock and you compare timestamps from C<ev_time>
2032or C<ev_now> from when you started your timer and when your callback is
2033invoked, you will find that sometimes the callback is a bit "early".
2034
2035This is because C<ev_timer>s work in real time, not wall clock time, so
2036libev makes sure your callback is not invoked before the delay happened,
2037I<measured according to the real time>, not the system clock.
2038
2039If your timeouts are based on a physical timescale (e.g. "time out this
2040connection after 100 seconds") then this shouldn't bother you as it is
2041exactly the right behaviour.
2042
2043If you want to compare wall clock/system timestamps to your timers, then
2044you need to use C<ev_periodic>s, as these are based on the wall clock
2045time, where your comparisons will always generate correct results.
2019 2046
2020=head3 The special problems of suspended animation 2047=head3 The special problems of suspended animation
2021 2048
2022When you leave the server world it is quite customary to hit machines that 2049When 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? 2050can suspend/hibernate - what happens to the clocks during such a suspend?
2067keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to 2094keep 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. 2095do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
2069 2096
2070=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *) 2097=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
2071 2098
2072This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 2099This will act as if the timer timed out and restarts it again if it is
2073repeating. The exact semantics are: 2100repeating. The exact semantics are:
2074 2101
2075If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 2102If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
2076 2103
2077If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 2104If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
2207 2234
2208Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 2235Another 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 2236C<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. 2237time where C<time = offset (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
2211 2238
2212For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<offset> value is near 2239The C<interval> I<MUST> be positive, and for numerical stability, the
2213C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for 2240interval value should be higher than C<1/8192> (which is around 100
2214this value, and in fact is often specified as zero. 2241microseconds) and C<offset> should be higher than C<0> and should have
2242at most a similar magnitude as the current time (say, within a factor of
2243ten). Typical values for offset are, in fact, C<0> or something between
2244C<0> and C<interval>, which is also the recommended range.
2215 2245
2216Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU 2246Note 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 2247speed 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 2248will 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). 2249millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
2362=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create 2392=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create
2363 2393
2364Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition 2394Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition
2365(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after 2395(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after
2366stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal, 2396stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal,
2367and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler. 2397and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler (but
2398see C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK>).
2368 2399
2369While this does not matter for the signal disposition (libev never 2400While 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 2401sets 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 2402C<execve>), this matters for the signal mask: many programs do not expect
2372certain signals to be blocked. 2403certain signals to be blocked.
3243 atexit (program_exits); 3274 atexit (program_exits);
3244 3275
3245 3276
3246=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop 3277=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop
3247 3278
3248In general, you cannot use an C<ev_run> from multiple threads or other 3279In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other
3249asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event 3280asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
3250loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads). 3281loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
3251 3282
3252Sometimes, however, you need to wake up an event loop you do not control, 3283Sometimes, 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> 3284for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what C<ev_async>
3260C<ev_async_sent> calls). In fact, you could use signal watchers as a kind 3291C<ev_async_sent> calls). In fact, you could use signal watchers as a kind
3261of "global async watchers" by using a watcher on an otherwise unused 3292of "global async watchers" by using a watcher on an otherwise unused
3262signal, and C<ev_feed_signal> to signal this watcher from another thread, 3293signal, and C<ev_feed_signal> to signal this watcher from another thread,
3263even without knowing which loop owns the signal. 3294even without knowing which loop owns the signal.
3264 3295
3265Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not
3266just the default loop.
3267
3268=head3 Queueing 3296=head3 Queueing
3269 3297
3270C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason 3298C<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 3299is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
3272multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't 3300multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
3363trust me. 3391trust me.
3364 3392
3365=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *) 3393=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
3366 3394
3367Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds 3395Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
3368an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike 3396an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop, and instantly
3397returns.
3398
3369C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or 3399Unlike 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 3400signal or similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the
3371section below on what exactly this means). 3401embedding section below on what exactly this means).
3372 3402
3373Note that, as with other watchers in libev, multiple events might get 3403Note that, as with other watchers in libev, multiple events might get
3374compressed into a single callback invocation (another way to look at this 3404compressed 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>, 3405this is that C<ev_async> watchers are level-triggered: they are set on
3376reset when the event loop detects that). 3406C<ev_async_send>, reset when the event loop detects that).
3377 3407
3378This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per event loop 3408This 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 3409loop 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. 3410the event loop (or your program) is processing events. That means that
3411repeated calls are basically free (there is no need to avoid calls for
3412performance reasons) and that the overhead becomes smaller (typically
3413zero) under load.
3381 3414
3382=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *) 3415=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
3383 3416
3384Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the 3417Returns 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 3418watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
3456 3489
3457This section explains some common idioms that are not immediately 3490This section explains some common idioms that are not immediately
3458obvious. Note that examples are sprinkled over the whole manual, and this 3491obvious. Note that examples are sprinkled over the whole manual, and this
3459section only contains stuff that wouldn't fit anywhere else. 3492section only contains stuff that wouldn't fit anywhere else.
3460 3493
3494=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
3495
3496Each watcher has, by default, a C<void *data> member that you can read
3497or modify at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
3498to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
3499don't want to allocate memory separately and store a pointer to it in that
3500data member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
3501data:
3502
3503 struct my_io
3504 {
3505 ev_io io;
3506 int otherfd;
3507 void *somedata;
3508 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
3509 };
3510
3511 ...
3512 struct my_io w;
3513 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
3514
3515And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
3516can cast it back to your own type:
3517
3518 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
3519 {
3520 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
3521 ...
3522 }
3523
3524More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback
3525function type instead have been omitted.
3526
3527=head2 BUILDING YOUR OWN COMPOSITE WATCHERS
3528
3529Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
3530embedded watchers, in effect creating your own watcher that combines
3531multiple libev event sources into one "super-watcher":
3532
3533 struct my_biggy
3534 {
3535 int some_data;
3536 ev_timer t1;
3537 ev_timer t2;
3538 }
3539
3540In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
3541complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct in
3542the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies or C++ coders), or you need
3543to use some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for
3544real programmers):
3545
3546 #include <stddef.h>
3547
3548 static void
3549 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
3550 {
3551 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
3552 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
3553 }
3554
3555 static void
3556 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
3557 {
3558 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
3559 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
3560 }
3561
3461=head2 MODEL/NESTED EVENT LOOP INVOCATIONS AND EXIT CONDITIONS 3562=head2 MODEL/NESTED EVENT LOOP INVOCATIONS AND EXIT CONDITIONS
3462 3563
3463Often (especially in GUI toolkits) there are places where you have 3564Often (especially in GUI toolkits) there are places where you have
3464I<modal> interaction, which is most easily implemented by recursively 3565I<modal> interaction, which is most easily implemented by recursively
3465invoking C<ev_run>. 3566invoking C<ev_run>.
3498 exit_main_loop = exit_nested_loop = 1; 3599 exit_main_loop = exit_nested_loop = 1;
3499 3600
3500=head2 THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE 3601=head2 THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE
3501 3602
3502Here is a fictitious example of how to run an event loop in a different 3603Here is a fictitious example of how to run an event loop in a different
3503thread than where callbacks are being invoked and watchers are 3604thread from where callbacks are being invoked and watchers are
3504created/added/removed. 3605created/added/removed.
3505 3606
3506For a real-world example, see the C<EV::Loop::Async> perl module, 3607For a real-world example, see the C<EV::Loop::Async> perl module,
3507which uses exactly this technique (which is suited for many high-level 3608which uses exactly this technique (which is suited for many high-level
3508languages). 3609languages).
3534 // now associate this with the loop 3635 // now associate this with the loop
3535 ev_set_userdata (EV_A_ u); 3636 ev_set_userdata (EV_A_ u);
3536 ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (EV_A_ l_invoke); 3637 ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (EV_A_ l_invoke);
3537 ev_set_loop_release_cb (EV_A_ l_release, l_acquire); 3638 ev_set_loop_release_cb (EV_A_ l_release, l_acquire);
3538 3639
3539 // then create the thread running ev_loop 3640 // then create the thread running ev_run
3540 pthread_create (&u->tid, 0, l_run, EV_A); 3641 pthread_create (&u->tid, 0, l_run, EV_A);
3541 } 3642 }
3542 3643
3543The callback for the C<ev_async> watcher does nothing: the watcher is used 3644The callback for the C<ev_async> watcher does nothing: the watcher is used
3544solely to wake up the event loop so it takes notice of any new watchers 3645solely to wake up the event loop so it takes notice of any new watchers
3633Note that sending the C<ev_async> watcher is required because otherwise 3734Note that sending the C<ev_async> watcher is required because otherwise
3634an event loop currently blocking in the kernel will have no knowledge 3735an event loop currently blocking in the kernel will have no knowledge
3635about the newly added timer. By waking up the loop it will pick up any new 3736about the newly added timer. By waking up the loop it will pick up any new
3636watchers in the next event loop iteration. 3737watchers in the next event loop iteration.
3637 3738
3638=back 3739=head2 THREADS, COROUTINES, CONTINUATIONS, QUEUES... INSTEAD OF CALLBACKS
3740
3741While the overhead of a callback that e.g. schedules a thread is small, it
3742is still an overhead. If you embed libev, and your main usage is with some
3743kind of threads or coroutines, you might want to customise libev so that
3744doesn't need callbacks anymore.
3745
3746Imagine you have coroutines that you can switch to using a function
3747C<switch_to (coro)>, that libev runs in a coroutine called C<libev_coro>
3748and that due to some magic, the currently active coroutine is stored in a
3749global called C<current_coro>. Then you can build your own "wait for libev
3750event" primitive by changing C<EV_CB_DECLARE> and C<EV_CB_INVOKE> (note
3751the differing C<;> conventions):
3752
3753 #define EV_CB_DECLARE(type) struct my_coro *cb;
3754 #define EV_CB_INVOKE(watcher) switch_to ((watcher)->cb)
3755
3756That means instead of having a C callback function, you store the
3757coroutine to switch to in each watcher, and instead of having libev call
3758your callback, you instead have it switch to that coroutine.
3759
3760A coroutine might now wait for an event with a function called
3761C<wait_for_event>. (the watcher needs to be started, as always, but it doesn't
3762matter when, or whether the watcher is active or not when this function is
3763called):
3764
3765 void
3766 wait_for_event (ev_watcher *w)
3767 {
3768 ev_cb_set (w) = current_coro;
3769 switch_to (libev_coro);
3770 }
3771
3772That basically suspends the coroutine inside C<wait_for_event> and
3773continues the libev coroutine, which, when appropriate, switches back to
3774this or any other coroutine. I am sure if you sue this your own :)
3775
3776You can do similar tricks if you have, say, threads with an event queue -
3777instead of storing a coroutine, you store the queue object and instead of
3778switching to a coroutine, you push the watcher onto the queue and notify
3779any waiters.
3780
3781To embed libev, see L<EMBEDDING>, but in short, it's easiest to create two
3782files, F<my_ev.h> and F<my_ev.c> that include the respective libev files:
3783
3784 // my_ev.h
3785 #define EV_CB_DECLARE(type) struct my_coro *cb;
3786 #define EV_CB_INVOKE(watcher) switch_to ((watcher)->cb);
3787 #include "../libev/ev.h"
3788
3789 // my_ev.c
3790 #define EV_H "my_ev.h"
3791 #include "../libev/ev.c"
3792
3793And then use F<my_ev.h> when you would normally use F<ev.h>, and compile
3794F<my_ev.c> into your project. When properly specifying include paths, you
3795can even use F<ev.h> as header file name directly.
3639 3796
3640 3797
3641=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION 3798=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION
3642 3799
3643Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot 3800Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot
3858watchers in the constructor. 4015watchers in the constructor.
3859 4016
3860 class myclass 4017 class myclass
3861 { 4018 {
3862 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 4019 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3863 ev::io2 io2 ; void io2_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 4020 ev::io io2 ; void io2_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3864 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 4021 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
3865 4022
3866 myclass (int fd) 4023 myclass (int fd)
3867 { 4024 {
3868 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 4025 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
3919L<http://hackage.haskell.org/cgi-bin/hackage-scripts/package/hlibev>. 4076L<http://hackage.haskell.org/cgi-bin/hackage-scripts/package/hlibev>.
3920 4077
3921=item D 4078=item D
3922 4079
3923Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to 4080Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
3924be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>. 4081be found at L<http://www.llucax.com.ar/proj/ev.d/index.html>.
3925 4082
3926=item Ocaml 4083=item Ocaml
3927 4084
3928Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at 4085Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
3929L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>. 4086L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
3977suitable for use with C<EV_A>. 4134suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
3978 4135
3979=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 4136=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
3980 4137
3981Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 4138Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
3982loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 4139loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). The default loop
4140will be initialised if it isn't already initialised.
4141
4142For non-multiplicity builds, these macros do nothing, so you always have
4143to initialise the loop somewhere.
3983 4144
3984=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_> 4145=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_>
3985 4146
3986Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the 4147Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the
3987default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour 4148default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour
4132supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in 4293supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in
4133F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 4294F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
4134 4295
4135In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the 4296In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the
4136configuration, but has to be more conservative. 4297configuration, but has to be more conservative.
4298
4299=item EV_USE_FLOOR
4300
4301If defined to be C<1>, libev will use the C<floor ()> function for its
4302periodic reschedule calculations, otherwise libev will fall back on a
4303portable (slower) implementation. If you enable this, you usually have to
4304link against libm or something equivalent. Enabling this when the C<floor>
4305function is not available will fail, so the safe default is to not enable
4306this.
4137 4307
4138=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 4308=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
4139 4309
4140If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 4310If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
4141monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no 4311monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no
4274indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled. 4444indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
4275 4445
4276=item EV_ATOMIC_T 4446=item EV_ATOMIC_T
4277 4447
4278Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose 4448Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
4279access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such 4449access is atomic and serialised with respect to other threads or signal
4280type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type 4450contexts. No such type is easily found in the C language, so you can
4281that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking" 4451provide your own type that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used
4282as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers. 4452both for signal handler "locking" as well as for signal and thread safety
4453in C<ev_async> watchers.
4283 4454
4284In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 4455In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
4285(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms. 4456(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms,
4457although strictly speaking using a type that also implies a memory fence
4458is required.
4286 4459
4287=item EV_H (h) 4460=item EV_H (h)
4288 4461
4289The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 4462The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
4290undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be 4463undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be
4313If undefined or defined to C<1>, then all event-loop-specific functions 4486If undefined or defined to C<1>, then all event-loop-specific functions
4314will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 4487will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
4315additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 4488additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
4316for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 4489for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
4317argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 4490argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
4491
4492Note that C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_> will no longer provide a
4493default loop when multiplicity is switched off - you always have to
4494initialise the loop manually in this case.
4318 4495
4319=item EV_MINPRI 4496=item EV_MINPRI
4320 4497
4321=item EV_MAXPRI 4498=item EV_MAXPRI
4322 4499
4573And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 4750And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
4574 4751
4575 #include "ev_cpp.h" 4752 #include "ev_cpp.h"
4576 #include "ev.c" 4753 #include "ev.c"
4577 4754
4578=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS OR LIBRARIES 4755=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS, LIBRARIES OR THE ENVIRONMENT
4579 4756
4580=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES 4757=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES
4581 4758
4582=head3 THREADS 4759=head3 THREADS
4583 4760
4809requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 4986requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
4810model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 4987model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
4811the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 4988the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
4812descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 4989descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
4813e.g. cygwin. Actually, it only applies to the microsofts own compilers, 4990e.g. cygwin. Actually, it only applies to the microsofts own compilers,
4814as every compielr comes with a slightly differently broken/incompatible 4991as every compiler comes with a slightly differently broken/incompatible
4815environment. 4992environment.
4816 4993
4817Lifting these limitations would basically require the full 4994Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
4818re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into this kind of thing, 4995re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into this kind of thing,
4819then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable way (note 4996then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable way (note
4952 5129
4953The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to 5130The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
4954have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is 5131have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is
4955good enough for at least into the year 4000 with millisecond accuracy 5132good enough for at least into the year 4000 with millisecond accuracy
4956(the design goal for libev). This requirement is overfulfilled by 5133(the design goal for libev). This requirement is overfulfilled by
4957implementations using IEEE 754, which is basically all existing ones. With 5134implementations using IEEE 754, which is basically all existing ones.
5135
4958IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least 2200. 5136With IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least the
5137year 2255 (and millisecond accuray till the year 287396 - by then, libev
5138is either obsolete or somebody patched it to use C<long double> or
5139something like that, just kidding).
4959 5140
4960=back 5141=back
4961 5142
4962If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 5143If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
4963 5144
5025=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers) 5206=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
5026 5207
5027=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number) 5208=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
5028 5209
5029Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send> 5210Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
5030calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events 5211calls in the current loop iteration and the loop is currently
5212blocked. Checking for async and signal events involves iterating over all
5031involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers. 5213running async watchers or all signal numbers.
5032 5214
5033=back 5215=back
5034 5216
5035 5217
5036=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X 5218=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X
5153The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :) 5335The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
5154 5336
5155=item wall-clock time 5337=item wall-clock time
5156 5338
5157The time and date as shown on clocks. Unlike real time, it can actually 5339The time and date as shown on clocks. Unlike real time, it can actually
5158be wrong and jump forwards and backwards, e.g. when the you adjust your 5340be wrong and jump forwards and backwards, e.g. when you adjust your
5159clock. 5341clock.
5160 5342
5161=item watcher 5343=item watcher
5162 5344
5163A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need 5345A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need
5166=back 5348=back
5167 5349
5168=head1 AUTHOR 5350=head1 AUTHOR
5169 5351
5170Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael 5352Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael
5171Magnusson and Emanuele Giaquinta. 5353Magnusson and Emanuele Giaquinta, and minor corrections by many others.
5172 5354

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