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Revision 1.371 by root, Sat Jun 4 05:25:03 2011 UTC

43 43
44 int 44 int
45 main (void) 45 main (void)
46 { 46 {
47 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs 47 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
48 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 48 struct ev_loop *loop = EV_DEFAULT;
49 49
50 // initialise an io watcher, then start it 50 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
51 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable 51 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
52 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 52 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
53 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 53 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
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
77on event-based programming, nor will it introduce event-based programming 77on event-based programming, nor will it introduce event-based programming
78with libev. 78with libev.
79 79
80Familiarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed 80Familiarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed
81throughout this document. 81throughout this document.
82
83=head1 WHAT TO READ WHEN IN A HURRY
84
85This manual tries to be very detailed, but unfortunately, this also makes
86it very long. If you just want to know the basics of libev, I suggest
87reading L<ANATOMY OF A WATCHER>, then the L<EXAMPLE PROGRAM> above and
88look up the missing functions in L<GLOBAL FUNCTIONS> and the C<ev_io> and
89C<ev_timer> sections in L<WATCHER TYPES>.
82 90
83=head1 ABOUT LIBEV 91=head1 ABOUT LIBEV
84 92
85Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 93Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
86file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage 94file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
170you actually want to know. Also interesting is the combination of 178you actually want to know. Also interesting is the combination of
171C<ev_update_now> and C<ev_now>. 179C<ev_update_now> and C<ev_now>.
172 180
173=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 181=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
174 182
175Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 183Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked
176either 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
177this 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 >>).
178 192
179=item int ev_version_major () 193=item int ev_version_major ()
180 194
181=item int ev_version_minor () 195=item int ev_version_minor ()
182 196
233the current system, you would need to look at C<ev_embeddable_backends () 247the current system, you would need to look at C<ev_embeddable_backends ()
234& ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for recommended ones. 248& ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for recommended ones.
235 249
236See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 250See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
237 251
238=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT] 252=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
239 253
240Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 254Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
241semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is 255semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
242used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero 256used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
243when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort 257when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
269 } 283 }
270 284
271 ... 285 ...
272 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 286 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
273 287
274=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); [NOT REENTRANT] 288=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg))
275 289
276Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such 290Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
277as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 291as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
278indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 292indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
279callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no 293callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
291 } 305 }
292 306
293 ... 307 ...
294 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error); 308 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error);
295 309
310=item ev_feed_signal (int signum)
311
312This function can be used to "simulate" a signal receive. It is completely
313safe to call this function at any time, from any context, including signal
314handlers or random threads.
315
316Its main use is to customise signal handling in your process, especially
317in the presence of threads. For example, you could block signals
318by default in all threads (and specifying C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK> when
319creating any loops), and in one thread, use C<sigwait> or any other
320mechanism to wait for signals, then "deliver" them to libev by calling
321C<ev_feed_signal>.
322
296=back 323=back
297 324
298=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 325=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING EVENT LOOPS
299 326
300An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> is 327An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> is
301I<not> optional in this case unless libev 3 compatibility is disabled, as 328I<not> optional in this case unless libev 3 compatibility is disabled, as
302libev 3 had an C<ev_loop> function colliding with the struct name). 329libev 3 had an C<ev_loop> function colliding with the struct name).
303 330
304The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which 331The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
305supports signals and child events, and dynamically created event loops 332supports child process events, and dynamically created event loops which
306which do not. 333do not.
307 334
308=over 4 335=over 4
309 336
310=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 337=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
311 338
312This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised 339This returns the "default" event loop object, which is what you should
313yet and return it. If the default loop could not be initialised, returns 340normally use when you just need "the event loop". Event loop objects and
314false. If it already was initialised it simply returns it (and ignores the 341the C<flags> parameter are described in more detail in the entry for
315flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 342C<ev_loop_new>.
343
344If the default loop is already initialised then this function simply
345returns it (and ignores the flags. If that is troubling you, check
346C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). Otherwise it will create it with the given
347flags, which should almost always be C<0>, unless the caller is also the
348one calling C<ev_run> or otherwise qualifies as "the main program".
316 349
317If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 350If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
318function. 351function (or via the C<EV_DEFAULT> macro).
319 352
320Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it 353Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
321from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely, 354from multiple threads, you have to employ some kind of mutex (note also
322as loops cannot be shared easily between threads anyway). 355that this case is unlikely, as loops cannot be shared easily between
356threads anyway).
323 357
324The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and 358The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_child> watchers,
325C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler 359and to do this, it always registers a handler for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is
326for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either 360a problem for your application you can either create a dynamic loop with
327create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you 361C<ev_loop_new> which doesn't do that, or you can simply overwrite the
328can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling 362C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling C<ev_default_init>.
329C<ev_default_init>. 363
364Example: This is the most typical usage.
365
366 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
367 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
368
369Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
370environment settings to be taken into account:
371
372 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
373
374=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
375
376This will create and initialise a new event loop object. If the loop
377could not be initialised, returns false.
378
379This function is thread-safe, and one common way to use libev with
380threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the default
381loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
330 382
331The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 383The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
332backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). 384backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
333 385
334The following flags are supported: 386The following flags are supported:
369environment variable. 421environment variable.
370 422
371=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY> 423=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY>
372 424
373When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the 425When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the
374I<inotify> API for it's C<ev_stat> watchers. Apart from debugging and 426I<inotify> API for its C<ev_stat> watchers. Apart from debugging and
375testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as 427testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as
376otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle. 428otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle.
377 429
378=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD> 430=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD>
379 431
380When this flag is specified, then libev will attempt to use the 432When this flag is specified, then libev will attempt to use the
381I<signalfd> API for it's C<ev_signal> (and C<ev_child>) watchers. This API 433I<signalfd> API for its C<ev_signal> (and C<ev_child>) watchers. This API
382delivers signals synchronously, which makes it both faster and might make 434delivers signals synchronously, which makes it both faster and might make
383it possible to get the queued signal data. It can also simplify signal 435it possible to get the queued signal data. It can also simplify signal
384handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your 436handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your
385threads that are not interested in handling them. 437threads that are not interested in handling them.
386 438
387Signalfd will not be used by default as this changes your signal mask, and 439Signalfd will not be used by default as this changes your signal mask, and
388there are a lot of shoddy libraries and programs (glib's threadpool for 440there are a lot of shoddy libraries and programs (glib's threadpool for
389example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks. 441example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks.
442
443=item C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK>
444
445When this flag is specified, then libev will avoid to modify the signal
446mask. Specifically, this means you ahve to make sure signals are unblocked
447when you want to receive them.
448
449This behaviour is useful when you want to do your own signal handling, or
450want to handle signals only in specific threads and want to avoid libev
451unblocking the signals.
452
453It's also required by POSIX in a threaded program, as libev calls
454C<sigprocmask>, whose behaviour is officially unspecified.
455
456This flag's behaviour will become the default in future versions of libev.
390 457
391=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 458=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
392 459
393This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 460This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
394libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 461libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
422=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 489=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
423 490
424Use 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
425kernels). 492kernels).
426 493
427For 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
428but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 495it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like
429like 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
430epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). 497fd), epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
431 498
432The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned 499The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
433of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently 500of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
434dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file 501dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
435descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup and 502descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup,
503returning before the timeout value, resulting in additional iterations
504(and only giving 5ms accuracy while select on the same platform gives
436so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program forks then 5050.1ms) and so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program
437I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll set, which can 506forks then I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll
438take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) and is of course 507set, which can take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor)
439hard to detect. 508and is of course hard to detect.
440 509
441Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but 510Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work,
442of 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
443I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot 512totally I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so
444even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially 513one cannot even remove them from the set) than registered in the set
445on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by 514(especially on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious
446employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the 515notifications by employing an additional generation counter and comparing
447events 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 errornously 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
448not 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
449perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...). 521perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...).
522
523Epoll is truly the train wreck among event poll mechanisms, a frankenpoll,
524cobbled together in a hurry, no thought to design or interaction with
525others. Oh, the pain, will it ever stop...
450 526
451While 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
452will 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
453incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different 529incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different
454I<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
520=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 596=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
521 597
522This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 598This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
523it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 599it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
524 600
525Please note that Solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
526notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
527blocking when no data (or space) is available.
528
529While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active 601While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
530file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 602file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
531descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend 603descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
532might perform better. 604might perform better.
533 605
534On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness 606On the positive side, this backend actually performed fully to
535notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification
536in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat among the 607specification in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat
537OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed hacks). 608among the OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed
609hacks).
610
611On the negative side, the interface is I<bizarre> - so bizarre that
612even sun itself gets it wrong in their code examples: The event polling
613function sometimes returning events to the caller even though an error
614occurred, but with no indication whether it has done so or not (yes, it's
615even documented that way) - deadly for edge-triggered interfaces where
616you absolutely have to know whether an event occurred or not because you
617have to re-arm the watcher.
618
619Fortunately libev seems to be able to work around these idiocies.
538 620
539This 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
540C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 622C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
541 623
542=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 624=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
543 625
544Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 626Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
545with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 627with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
546C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 628C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
547 629
548It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 630It is definitely not recommended to use this flag, use whatever
631C<ev_recommended_backends ()> returns, or simply do not specify a backend
632at all.
633
634=item C<EVBACKEND_MASK>
635
636Not a backend at all, but a mask to select all backend bits from a
637C<flags> value, in case you want to mask out any backends from a flags
638value (e.g. when modifying the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> environment variable).
549 639
550=back 640=back
551 641
552If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value, 642If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value,
553then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed 643then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed
554here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends 644here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends
555()> will be tried. 645()> will be tried.
556 646
557Example: This is the most typical usage.
558
559 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
560 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
561
562Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
563environment settings to be taken into account:
564
565 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
566
567Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
568used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
569private event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of
570fds):
571
572 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
573
574=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
575
576Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
577always distinct from the default loop.
578
579Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and one common way to use
580libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
581default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
582
583Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 647Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
584 648
585 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 649 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
586 if (!epoller) 650 if (!epoller)
587 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 651 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
588 652
653Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
654used if available.
655
656 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_loop_new (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
657
589=item ev_default_destroy () 658=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
590 659
591Destroys the default loop (frees all memory and kernel state etc.). None 660Destroys an event loop object (frees all memory and kernel state
592of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal sense, so 661etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
593e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your responsibility to 662sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
594either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before> calling this function, 663responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
595or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually the easiest thing, you 664calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
596can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them for example). 665the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
666for example).
597 667
598Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal 668Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
599handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such 669handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
600as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually. 670as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
601 671
602In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 672This function is normally used on loop objects allocated by
603rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling 673C<ev_loop_new>, but it can also be used on the default loop returned by
674C<ev_default_loop>, in which case it is not thread-safe.
675
676Note that it is not advisable to call this function on the default loop
677except in the rare occasion where you really need to free its resources.
604pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use 678If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use C<ev_loop_new>
605C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>. 679and C<ev_loop_destroy>.
606 680
607=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 681=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
608 682
609Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
610earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
611
612=item ev_default_fork ()
613
614This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations 683This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations to
615to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the 684reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
616name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in 685name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in
617the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little 686the child process. You I<must> call it (or use C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>) in the
618sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev 687child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>.
619functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_run> iteration.
620 688
621Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after 689Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after
622a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is 690a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is
623because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things 691because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things
624during fork. 692during fork.
629call it at all (in fact, C<epoll> is so badly broken that it makes a 697call it at all (in fact, C<epoll> is so badly broken that it makes a
630difference, but libev will usually detect this case on its own and do a 698difference, but libev will usually detect this case on its own and do a
631costly reset of the backend). 699costly reset of the backend).
632 700
633The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 701The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
634it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 702it just in case after a fork.
635quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
636 703
704Example: Automate calling C<ev_loop_fork> on the default loop when
705using pthreads.
706
707 static void
708 post_fork_child (void)
709 {
710 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
711 }
712
713 ...
637 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 714 pthread_atfork (0, 0, post_fork_child);
638
639=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
640
641Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
642C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
643after fork that you want to re-use in the child, and how you keep track of
644them is entirely your own problem.
645 715
646=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop) 716=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
647 717
648Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false 718Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
649otherwise. 719otherwise.
660prepare and check phases. 730prepare and check phases.
661 731
662=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop) 732=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop)
663 733
664Returns the number of times C<ev_run> was entered minus the number of 734Returns the number of times C<ev_run> was entered minus the number of
665times C<ev_run> was exited, in other words, the recursion depth. 735times C<ev_run> was exited normally, in other words, the recursion depth.
666 736
667Outside C<ev_run>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is 737Outside C<ev_run>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is
668C<1>, unless C<ev_run> was invoked recursively (or from another thread), 738C<1>, unless C<ev_run> was invoked recursively (or from another thread),
669in which case it is higher. 739in which case it is higher.
670 740
671Leaving C<ev_run> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread 741Leaving C<ev_run> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread,
672etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this as a hint to avoid such 742throwing an exception etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this
673ungentleman-like behaviour unless it's really convenient. 743as a hint to avoid such ungentleman-like behaviour unless it's really
744convenient, in which case it is fully supported.
674 745
675=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 746=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
676 747
677Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 748Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
678use. 749use.
740finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program 811finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
741that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue 812that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
742of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of 813of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
743beauty. 814beauty.
744 815
816This function is also I<mostly> exception-safe - you can break out of
817a C<ev_run> call by calling C<longjmp> in a callback, throwing a C++
818exception and so on. This does not decrement the C<ev_depth> value, nor
819will it clear any outstanding C<EVBREAK_ONE> breaks.
820
745A flags value of C<EVRUN_NOWAIT> will look for new events, will handle 821A flags value of C<EVRUN_NOWAIT> will look for new events, will handle
746those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not wait and 822those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not wait and
747block your process in case there are no events and will return after one 823block your process in case there are no events and will return after one
748iteration of the loop. This is sometimes useful to poll and handle new 824iteration of the loop. This is sometimes useful to poll and handle new
749events while doing lengthy calculations, to keep the program responsive. 825events while doing lengthy calculations, to keep the program responsive.
758This 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
759with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your 835with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
760own 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
761usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 837usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
762 838
763Here 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):
764 842
765 - Increment loop depth. 843 - Increment loop depth.
766 - Reset the ev_break status. 844 - Reset the ev_break status.
767 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 845 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
768 LOOP: 846 LOOP:
801anymore. 879anymore.
802 880
803 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 881 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
804 ... 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..)
805 ev_run (my_loop, 0); 883 ev_run (my_loop, 0);
806 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah! 884 ... jobs done or somebody called break. yeah!
807 885
808=item ev_break (loop, how) 886=item ev_break (loop, how)
809 887
810Can 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
811has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 889has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
812C<EVBREAK_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_run> call return, or 890C<EVBREAK_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_run> call return, or
813C<EVBREAK_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_run> calls return. 891C<EVBREAK_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_run> calls return.
814 892
815This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_run> again. 893This "break state" will be cleared on the next call to C<ev_run>.
816 894
817It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls. ##TODO## 895It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls, too, in
896which case it will have no effect.
818 897
819=item ev_ref (loop) 898=item ev_ref (loop)
820 899
821=item ev_unref (loop) 900=item ev_unref (loop)
822 901
843running when nothing else is active. 922running when nothing else is active.
844 923
845 ev_signal exitsig; 924 ev_signal exitsig;
846 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 925 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
847 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 926 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
848 evf_unref (loop); 927 ev_unref (loop);
849 928
850Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 929Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
851 930
852 ev_ref (loop); 931 ev_ref (loop);
853 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 932 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
965See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this 1044See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this
966document. 1045document.
967 1046
968=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data) 1047=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data)
969 1048
970=item ev_userdata (loop) 1049=item void *ev_userdata (loop)
971 1050
972Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When 1051Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When
973C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns 1052C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns
974C<0.> 1053C<0>.
975 1054
976These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop, 1055These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop,
977and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and 1056and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and
978C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for 1057C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for
979any other purpose as well. 1058any other purpose as well.
1107=item C<EV_FORK> 1186=item C<EV_FORK>
1108 1187
1109The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see 1188The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
1110C<ev_fork>). 1189C<ev_fork>).
1111 1190
1191=item C<EV_CLEANUP>
1192
1193The event loop is about to be destroyed (see C<ev_cleanup>).
1194
1112=item C<EV_ASYNC> 1195=item C<EV_ASYNC>
1113 1196
1114The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 1197The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
1115 1198
1116=item C<EV_CUSTOM> 1199=item C<EV_CUSTOM>
1137programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another 1220programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another
1138thing, so beware. 1221thing, so beware.
1139 1222
1140=back 1223=back
1141 1224
1225=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
1226
1227=over 4
1228
1229=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1230
1231This macro initialises the generic portion of a watcher. The contents
1232of the watcher object can be arbitrary (so C<malloc> will do). Only
1233the generic parts of the watcher are initialised, you I<need> to call
1234the type-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> macro afterwards to initialise the
1235type-specific parts. For each type there is also a C<ev_TYPE_init> macro
1236which rolls both calls into one.
1237
1238You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped
1239(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
1240
1241The callback is always of type C<void (*)(struct ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,
1242int revents)>.
1243
1244Example: Initialise an C<ev_io> watcher in two steps.
1245
1246 ev_io w;
1247 ev_init (&w, my_cb);
1248 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1249
1250=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *watcher, [args])
1251
1252This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
1253call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
1254call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this
1255macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a
1256difference to the C<ev_init> macro).
1257
1258Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
1259(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
1260
1261See C<ev_init>, above, for an example.
1262
1263=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
1264
1265This convenience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro
1266calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise
1267a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
1268
1269Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
1270
1271 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1272
1273=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1274
1275Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
1276events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
1277
1278Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
1279whole section.
1280
1281 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
1282
1283=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1284
1285Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
1286the watcher was active or not).
1287
1288It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
1289non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending - but
1290calling C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor
1291pending. If you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is
1292therefore a good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function.
1293
1294=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1295
1296Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started
1297and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify
1298it.
1299
1300=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1301
1302Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding
1303events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher
1304is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but
1305C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
1306make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
1307it).
1308
1309=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1310
1311Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
1312
1313=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1314
1315Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
1316(modulo threads).
1317
1318=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, int priority)
1319
1320=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1321
1322Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
1323integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
1324(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
1325before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
1326from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
1327
1328If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
1329you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
1330
1331You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
1332pending.
1333
1334Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
1335fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
1336or might not have been clamped to the valid range.
1337
1338The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
1339always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
1340
1341See L<WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS>, below, for a more thorough treatment of
1342priorities.
1343
1344=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1345
1346Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
1347C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
1348can deal with that fact, as both are simply passed through to the
1349callback.
1350
1351=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1352
1353If the watcher is pending, this function clears its pending status and
1354returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
1355watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
1356
1357Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
1358callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
1359
1360=item ev_feed_event (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1361
1362Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
1363had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
1364initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). Obviously you must
1365not free the watcher as long as it has pending events.
1366
1367Stopping the watcher, letting libev invoke it, or calling
1368C<ev_clear_pending> will clear the pending event, even if the watcher was
1369not started in the first place.
1370
1371See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
1372functions that do not need a watcher.
1373
1374=back
1375
1376See also the L<ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER> and L<BUILDING YOUR
1377OWN COMPOSITE WATCHERS> idioms.
1378
1142=head2 WATCHER STATES 1379=head2 WATCHER STATES
1143 1380
1144There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual - 1381There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual -
1145active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to 1382active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to
1146transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these 1383transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these
1152 1389
1153Before a watcher can be registered with the event looop it has to be 1390Before a watcher can be registered with the event looop it has to be
1154initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to 1391initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to
1155C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function. 1392C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function.
1156 1393
1157In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for use 1394In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for
1158in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at will. 1395use in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at
1396will - as long as you either keep the memory contents intact, or call
1397C<ev_TYPE_init> again.
1159 1398
1160=item started/running/active 1399=item started/running/active
1161 1400
1162Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes 1401Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes
1163property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in 1402property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in
1191latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless 1430latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless
1192of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before 1431of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before
1193freeing it is often a good idea. 1432freeing it is often a good idea.
1194 1433
1195While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the 1434While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the
1196initialised state, that is it can be reused, moved, modified in any way 1435initialised state, that is, it can be reused, moved, modified in any way
1197you wish. 1436you wish (but when you trash the memory block, you need to C<ev_TYPE_init>
1437it again).
1198 1438
1199=back 1439=back
1200
1201=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
1202
1203=over 4
1204
1205=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1206
1207This macro initialises the generic portion of a watcher. The contents
1208of the watcher object can be arbitrary (so C<malloc> will do). Only
1209the generic parts of the watcher are initialised, you I<need> to call
1210the type-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> macro afterwards to initialise the
1211type-specific parts. For each type there is also a C<ev_TYPE_init> macro
1212which rolls both calls into one.
1213
1214You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped
1215(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
1216
1217The callback is always of type C<void (*)(struct ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,
1218int revents)>.
1219
1220Example: Initialise an C<ev_io> watcher in two steps.
1221
1222 ev_io w;
1223 ev_init (&w, my_cb);
1224 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1225
1226=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *watcher, [args])
1227
1228This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
1229call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
1230call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this
1231macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a
1232difference to the C<ev_init> macro).
1233
1234Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
1235(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
1236
1237See C<ev_init>, above, for an example.
1238
1239=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
1240
1241This convenience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro
1242calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise
1243a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
1244
1245Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
1246
1247 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1248
1249=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1250
1251Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
1252events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
1253
1254Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
1255whole section.
1256
1257 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
1258
1259=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1260
1261Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
1262the watcher was active or not).
1263
1264It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
1265non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending - but
1266calling C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor
1267pending. If you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is
1268therefore a good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function.
1269
1270=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1271
1272Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started
1273and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify
1274it.
1275
1276=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1277
1278Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding
1279events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher
1280is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but
1281C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
1282make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
1283it).
1284
1285=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1286
1287Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
1288
1289=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1290
1291Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
1292(modulo threads).
1293
1294=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, int priority)
1295
1296=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1297
1298Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
1299integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
1300(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
1301before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
1302from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
1303
1304If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
1305you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
1306
1307You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
1308pending.
1309
1310Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
1311fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
1312or might not have been clamped to the valid range.
1313
1314The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
1315always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
1316
1317See L<WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS>, below, for a more thorough treatment of
1318priorities.
1319
1320=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1321
1322Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
1323C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
1324can deal with that fact, as both are simply passed through to the
1325callback.
1326
1327=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1328
1329If the watcher is pending, this function clears its pending status and
1330returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
1331watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
1332
1333Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
1334callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
1335
1336=item ev_feed_event (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1337
1338Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
1339had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
1340initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). Obviously you must
1341not free the watcher as long as it has pending events.
1342
1343Stopping the watcher, letting libev invoke it, or calling
1344C<ev_clear_pending> will clear the pending event, even if the watcher was
1345not started in the first place.
1346
1347See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
1348functions that do not need a watcher.
1349
1350=back
1351
1352
1353=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
1354
1355Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
1356and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
1357to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
1358don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data
1359member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
1360data:
1361
1362 struct my_io
1363 {
1364 ev_io io;
1365 int otherfd;
1366 void *somedata;
1367 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
1368 };
1369
1370 ...
1371 struct my_io w;
1372 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
1373
1374And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
1375can cast it back to your own type:
1376
1377 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
1378 {
1379 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
1380 ...
1381 }
1382
1383More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
1384instead have been omitted.
1385
1386Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
1387embedded watchers:
1388
1389 struct my_biggy
1390 {
1391 int some_data;
1392 ev_timer t1;
1393 ev_timer t2;
1394 }
1395
1396In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
1397complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct
1398in the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies), or you need to use
1399some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for real
1400programmers):
1401
1402 #include <stddef.h>
1403
1404 static void
1405 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1406 {
1407 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1408 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
1409 }
1410
1411 static void
1412 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1413 {
1414 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1415 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1416 }
1417 1440
1418=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS 1441=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS
1419 1442
1420Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small 1443Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small
1421integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation 1444integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation
1548In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 1571In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
1549fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 1572fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
1550descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1573descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
1551required if you know what you are doing). 1574required if you know what you are doing).
1552 1575
1553If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a
1554known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
1555C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). The same applies to file
1556descriptors for which non-blocking operation makes no sense (such as
1557files) - libev doesn't guarantee any specific behaviour in that case.
1558
1559Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1576Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1560receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might 1577receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is, your callback might
1561be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1578be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
1562because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1579because there is no data. It is very easy to get into this situation even
1563lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into 1580with a relatively standard program structure. Thus it is best to always
1564this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1581use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning C<EAGAIN> is far
1565it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
1566C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 1582preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
1567 1583
1568If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should 1584If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should
1569not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately 1585not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately
1570re-test whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good 1586re-test whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good
1571interface such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already 1587interface such as poll (fortunately in the case of Xlib, it already does
1572does this on its own, so its quite safe to use). Some people additionally 1588this on its own, so its quite safe to use). Some people additionally
1573use C<SIGALRM> and an interval timer, just to be sure you won't block 1589use C<SIGALRM> and an interval timer, just to be sure you won't block
1574indefinitely. 1590indefinitely.
1575 1591
1576But really, best use non-blocking mode. 1592But really, best use non-blocking mode.
1577 1593
1605 1621
1606There is no workaround possible except not registering events 1622There is no workaround possible except not registering events
1607for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to 1623for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to
1608C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 1624C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1609 1625
1626=head3 The special problem of files
1627
1628Many people try to use C<select> (or libev) on file descriptors
1629representing files, and expect it to become ready when their program
1630doesn't block on disk accesses (which can take a long time on their own).
1631
1632However, this cannot ever work in the "expected" way - you get a readiness
1633notification as soon as the kernel knows whether and how much data is
1634there, and in the case of open files, that's always the case, so you
1635always get a readiness notification instantly, and your read (or possibly
1636write) will still block on the disk I/O.
1637
1638Another way to view it is that in the case of sockets, pipes, character
1639devices and so on, there is another party (the sender) that delivers data
1640on its own, but in the case of files, there is no such thing: the disk
1641will not send data on its own, simply because it doesn't know what you
1642wish to read - you would first have to request some data.
1643
1644Since files are typically not-so-well supported by advanced notification
1645mechanism, libev tries hard to emulate POSIX behaviour with respect
1646to files, even though you should not use it. The reason for this is
1647convenience: sometimes you want to watch STDIN or STDOUT, which is
1648usually a tty, often a pipe, but also sometimes files or special devices
1649(for example, C<epoll> on Linux works with F</dev/random> but not with
1650F</dev/urandom>), and even though the file might better be served with
1651asynchronous I/O instead of with non-blocking I/O, it is still useful when
1652it "just works" instead of freezing.
1653
1654So avoid file descriptors pointing to files when you know it (e.g. use
1655libeio), but use them when it is convenient, e.g. for STDIN/STDOUT, or
1656when you rarely read from a file instead of from a socket, and want to
1657reuse the same code path.
1658
1610=head3 The special problem of fork 1659=head3 The special problem of fork
1611 1660
1612Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit 1661Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit
1613useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about 1662useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about
1614it in the child. 1663it in the child if you want to continue to use it in the child.
1615 1664
1616To support fork in your programs, you either have to call 1665To support fork in your child processes, you have to call C<ev_loop_fork
1617C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child, 1666()> after a fork in the child, enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to
1618enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or 1667C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1619C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1620 1668
1621=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE 1669=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1622 1670
1623While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about C<SIGPIPE>: 1671While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about C<SIGPIPE>:
1624when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets 1672when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets
2114 2162
2115Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 2163Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
2116C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 2164C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
2117time where C<time = offset (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 2165time where C<time = offset (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
2118 2166
2119For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<offset> value is near 2167The C<interval> I<MUST> be positive, and for numerical stability, the
2120C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for 2168interval value should be higher than C<1/8192> (which is around 100
2121this value, and in fact is often specified as zero. 2169microseconds) and C<offset> should be higher than C<0> and should have
2170at most a similar magnitude as the current time (say, within a factor of
2171ten). Typical values for offset are, in fact, C<0> or something between
2172C<0> and C<interval>, which is also the recommended range.
2122 2173
2123Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU 2174Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
2124speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability 2175speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
2125will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one 2176will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
2126millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough). 2177millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
2240 2291
2241=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 2292=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
2242 2293
2243Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 2294Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
2244signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 2295signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
2245will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 2296will try its best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
2246normal event processing, like any other event. 2297normal event processing, like any other event.
2247 2298
2248If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use 2299If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use
2249C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing 2300C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing
2250the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to 2301the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to
2269=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create 2320=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create
2270 2321
2271Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition 2322Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition
2272(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after 2323(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after
2273stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal, 2324stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal,
2274and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler. 2325and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler (but
2326see C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK>).
2275 2327
2276While this does not matter for the signal disposition (libev never 2328While this does not matter for the signal disposition (libev never
2277sets signals to C<SIG_IGN>, so handlers will be reset to C<SIG_DFL> on 2329sets signals to C<SIG_IGN>, so handlers will be reset to C<SIG_DFL> on
2278C<execve>), this matters for the signal mask: many programs do not expect 2330C<execve>), this matters for the signal mask: many programs do not expect
2279certain signals to be blocked. 2331certain signals to be blocked.
2292I<has> to modify the signal mask, at least temporarily. 2344I<has> to modify the signal mask, at least temporarily.
2293 2345
2294So I can't stress this enough: I<If you do not reset your signal mask when 2346So I can't stress this enough: I<If you do not reset your signal mask when
2295you expect it to be empty, you have a race condition in your code>. This 2347you expect it to be empty, you have a race condition in your code>. This
2296is not a libev-specific thing, this is true for most event libraries. 2348is not a libev-specific thing, this is true for most event libraries.
2349
2350=head3 The special problem of threads signal handling
2351
2352POSIX threads has problematic signal handling semantics, specifically,
2353a lot of functionality (sigfd, sigwait etc.) only really works if all
2354threads in a process block signals, which is hard to achieve.
2355
2356When you want to use sigwait (or mix libev signal handling with your own
2357for the same signals), you can tackle this problem by globally blocking
2358all signals before creating any threads (or creating them with a fully set
2359sigprocmask) and also specifying the C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK> when creating
2360loops. Then designate one thread as "signal receiver thread" which handles
2361these signals. You can pass on any signals that libev might be interested
2362in by calling C<ev_feed_signal>.
2297 2363
2298=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2364=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2299 2365
2300=over 4 2366=over 4
2301 2367
3075disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support 3141disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support
3076signal watchers). 3142signal watchers).
3077 3143
3078When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for 3144When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for
3079other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call 3145other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call
3080C<ev_default_destroy ()> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>. Destroying 3146C<ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT)> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>.
3081the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered watchers, so you 3147Destroying the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered
3082have to be careful not to execute code that modifies those watchers. Note 3148watchers, so you have to be careful not to execute code that modifies
3083also that in that case, you have to re-register any signal watchers. 3149those watchers. Note also that in that case, you have to re-register any
3150signal watchers.
3084 3151
3085=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 3152=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
3086 3153
3087=over 4 3154=over 4
3088 3155
3089=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 3156=item ev_fork_init (ev_fork *, callback)
3090 3157
3091Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 3158Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
3092kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 3159kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
3093believe me. 3160really.
3094 3161
3095=back 3162=back
3096 3163
3097 3164
3165=head2 C<ev_cleanup> - even the best things end
3166
3167Cleanup watchers are called just before the event loop is being destroyed
3168by a call to C<ev_loop_destroy>.
3169
3170While there is no guarantee that the event loop gets destroyed, cleanup
3171watchers provide a convenient method to install cleanup hooks for your
3172program, worker threads and so on - you just to make sure to destroy the
3173loop when you want them to be invoked.
3174
3175Cleanup watchers are invoked in the same way as any other watcher. Unlike
3176all other watchers, they do not keep a reference to the event loop (which
3177makes a lot of sense if you think about it). Like all other watchers, you
3178can call libev functions in the callback, except C<ev_cleanup_start>.
3179
3180=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
3181
3182=over 4
3183
3184=item ev_cleanup_init (ev_cleanup *, callback)
3185
3186Initialises and configures the cleanup watcher - it has no parameters of
3187any kind. There is a C<ev_cleanup_set> macro, but using it is utterly
3188pointless, I assure you.
3189
3190=back
3191
3192Example: Register an atexit handler to destroy the default loop, so any
3193cleanup functions are called.
3194
3195 static void
3196 program_exits (void)
3197 {
3198 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
3199 }
3200
3201 ...
3202 atexit (program_exits);
3203
3204
3098=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop 3205=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop
3099 3206
3100In general, you cannot use an C<ev_run> from multiple threads or other 3207In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other
3101asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event 3208asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
3102loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads). 3209loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
3103 3210
3104Sometimes, however, you need to wake up an event loop you do not control, 3211Sometimes, however, you need to wake up an event loop you do not control,
3105for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what C<ev_async> 3212for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what C<ev_async>
3107it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe. 3214it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe.
3108 3215
3109This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals, 3216This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
3110too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed 3217too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
3111(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of 3218(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
3112C<ev_async_sent> calls). 3219C<ev_async_sent> calls). In fact, you could use signal watchers as a kind
3220of "global async watchers" by using a watcher on an otherwise unused
3221signal, and C<ev_feed_signal> to signal this watcher from another thread,
3222even without knowing which loop owns the signal.
3113 3223
3114Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not 3224Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not
3115just the default loop. 3225just the default loop.
3116 3226
3117=head3 Queueing 3227=head3 Queueing
3212trust me. 3322trust me.
3213 3323
3214=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *) 3324=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
3215 3325
3216Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds 3326Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
3217an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike 3327an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop, and instantly
3328returns.
3329
3218C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or 3330Unlike C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads,
3219similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding 3331signal or similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the
3220section below on what exactly this means). 3332embedding section below on what exactly this means).
3221 3333
3222Note that, as with other watchers in libev, multiple events might get 3334Note that, as with other watchers in libev, multiple events might get
3223compressed into a single callback invocation (another way to look at this 3335compressed into a single callback invocation (another way to look at this
3224is that C<ev_async> watchers are level-triggered, set on C<ev_async_send>, 3336is that C<ev_async> watchers are level-triggered, set on C<ev_async_send>,
3225reset when the event loop detects that). 3337reset when the event loop detects that).
3293Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 3405Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
3294the given events it. 3406the given events it.
3295 3407
3296=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum) 3408=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum)
3297 3409
3298Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default 3410Feed an event as if the given signal occurred. See also C<ev_feed_signal>,
3299loop!). 3411which is async-safe.
3300 3412
3301=back 3413=back
3414
3415
3416=head1 COMMON OR USEFUL IDIOMS (OR BOTH)
3417
3418This section explains some common idioms that are not immediately
3419obvious. Note that examples are sprinkled over the whole manual, and this
3420section only contains stuff that wouldn't fit anywhere else.
3421
3422=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
3423
3424Each watcher has, by default, a C<void *data> member that you can read
3425or modify at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
3426to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
3427don't want to allocate memory separately and store a pointer to it in that
3428data member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
3429data:
3430
3431 struct my_io
3432 {
3433 ev_io io;
3434 int otherfd;
3435 void *somedata;
3436 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
3437 };
3438
3439 ...
3440 struct my_io w;
3441 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
3442
3443And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
3444can cast it back to your own type:
3445
3446 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
3447 {
3448 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
3449 ...
3450 }
3451
3452More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback
3453function type instead have been omitted.
3454
3455=head2 BUILDING YOUR OWN COMPOSITE WATCHERS
3456
3457Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
3458embedded watchers, in effect creating your own watcher that combines
3459multiple libev event sources into one "super-watcher":
3460
3461 struct my_biggy
3462 {
3463 int some_data;
3464 ev_timer t1;
3465 ev_timer t2;
3466 }
3467
3468In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
3469complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct in
3470the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies or C++ coders), or you need
3471to use some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for
3472real programmers):
3473
3474 #include <stddef.h>
3475
3476 static void
3477 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
3478 {
3479 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
3480 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
3481 }
3482
3483 static void
3484 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
3485 {
3486 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
3487 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
3488 }
3489
3490=head2 MODEL/NESTED EVENT LOOP INVOCATIONS AND EXIT CONDITIONS
3491
3492Often (especially in GUI toolkits) there are places where you have
3493I<modal> interaction, which is most easily implemented by recursively
3494invoking C<ev_run>.
3495
3496This brings the problem of exiting - a callback might want to finish the
3497main C<ev_run> call, but not the nested one (e.g. user clicked "Quit", but
3498a modal "Are you sure?" dialog is still waiting), or just the nested one
3499and not the main one (e.g. user clocked "Ok" in a modal dialog), or some
3500other combination: In these cases, C<ev_break> will not work alone.
3501
3502The solution is to maintain "break this loop" variable for each C<ev_run>
3503invocation, and use a loop around C<ev_run> until the condition is
3504triggered, using C<EVRUN_ONCE>:
3505
3506 // main loop
3507 int exit_main_loop = 0;
3508
3509 while (!exit_main_loop)
3510 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3511
3512 // in a model watcher
3513 int exit_nested_loop = 0;
3514
3515 while (!exit_nested_loop)
3516 ev_run (EV_A_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3517
3518To exit from any of these loops, just set the corresponding exit variable:
3519
3520 // exit modal loop
3521 exit_nested_loop = 1;
3522
3523 // exit main program, after modal loop is finished
3524 exit_main_loop = 1;
3525
3526 // exit both
3527 exit_main_loop = exit_nested_loop = 1;
3528
3529=head2 THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE
3530
3531Here is a fictitious example of how to run an event loop in a different
3532thread from where callbacks are being invoked and watchers are
3533created/added/removed.
3534
3535For a real-world example, see the C<EV::Loop::Async> perl module,
3536which uses exactly this technique (which is suited for many high-level
3537languages).
3538
3539The example uses a pthread mutex to protect the loop data, a condition
3540variable to wait for callback invocations, an async watcher to notify the
3541event loop thread and an unspecified mechanism to wake up the main thread.
3542
3543First, you need to associate some data with the event loop:
3544
3545 typedef struct {
3546 mutex_t lock; /* global loop lock */
3547 ev_async async_w;
3548 thread_t tid;
3549 cond_t invoke_cv;
3550 } userdata;
3551
3552 void prepare_loop (EV_P)
3553 {
3554 // for simplicity, we use a static userdata struct.
3555 static userdata u;
3556
3557 ev_async_init (&u->async_w, async_cb);
3558 ev_async_start (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
3559
3560 pthread_mutex_init (&u->lock, 0);
3561 pthread_cond_init (&u->invoke_cv, 0);
3562
3563 // now associate this with the loop
3564 ev_set_userdata (EV_A_ u);
3565 ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (EV_A_ l_invoke);
3566 ev_set_loop_release_cb (EV_A_ l_release, l_acquire);
3567
3568 // then create the thread running ev_run
3569 pthread_create (&u->tid, 0, l_run, EV_A);
3570 }
3571
3572The callback for the C<ev_async> watcher does nothing: the watcher is used
3573solely to wake up the event loop so it takes notice of any new watchers
3574that might have been added:
3575
3576 static void
3577 async_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
3578 {
3579 // just used for the side effects
3580 }
3581
3582The C<l_release> and C<l_acquire> callbacks simply unlock/lock the mutex
3583protecting the loop data, respectively.
3584
3585 static void
3586 l_release (EV_P)
3587 {
3588 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3589 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
3590 }
3591
3592 static void
3593 l_acquire (EV_P)
3594 {
3595 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3596 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
3597 }
3598
3599The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
3600into C<ev_run>:
3601
3602 void *
3603 l_run (void *thr_arg)
3604 {
3605 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg;
3606
3607 l_acquire (EV_A);
3608 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0);
3609 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
3610 l_release (EV_A);
3611
3612 return 0;
3613 }
3614
3615Instead of invoking all pending watchers, the C<l_invoke> callback will
3616signal the main thread via some unspecified mechanism (signals? pipe
3617writes? C<Async::Interrupt>?) and then waits until all pending watchers
3618have been called (in a while loop because a) spurious wakeups are possible
3619and b) skipping inter-thread-communication when there are no pending
3620watchers is very beneficial):
3621
3622 static void
3623 l_invoke (EV_P)
3624 {
3625 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3626
3627 while (ev_pending_count (EV_A))
3628 {
3629 wake_up_other_thread_in_some_magic_or_not_so_magic_way ();
3630 pthread_cond_wait (&u->invoke_cv, &u->lock);
3631 }
3632 }
3633
3634Now, whenever the main thread gets told to invoke pending watchers, it
3635will grab the lock, call C<ev_invoke_pending> and then signal the loop
3636thread to continue:
3637
3638 static void
3639 real_invoke_pending (EV_P)
3640 {
3641 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3642
3643 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
3644 ev_invoke_pending (EV_A);
3645 pthread_cond_signal (&u->invoke_cv);
3646 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
3647 }
3648
3649Whenever you want to start/stop a watcher or do other modifications to an
3650event loop, you will now have to lock:
3651
3652 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
3653 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3654
3655 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
3656
3657 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
3658 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ &timeout_watcher);
3659 ev_async_send (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
3660 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
3661
3662Note that sending the C<ev_async> watcher is required because otherwise
3663an event loop currently blocking in the kernel will have no knowledge
3664about the newly added timer. By waking up the loop it will pick up any new
3665watchers in the next event loop iteration.
3666
3667=head2 THREADS, COROUTINES, CONTINUATIONS, QUEUES... INSTEAD OF CALLBACKS
3668
3669While the overhead of a callback that e.g. schedules a thread is small, it
3670is still an overhead. If you embed libev, and your main usage is with some
3671kind of threads or coroutines, you might want to customise libev so that
3672doesn't need callbacks anymore.
3673
3674Imagine you have coroutines that you can switch to using a function
3675C<switch_to (coro)>, that libev runs in a coroutine called C<libev_coro>
3676and that due to some magic, the currently active coroutine is stored in a
3677global called C<current_coro>. Then you can build your own "wait for libev
3678event" primitive by changing C<EV_CB_DECLARE> and C<EV_CB_INVOKE> (note
3679the differing C<;> conventions):
3680
3681 #define EV_CB_DECLARE(type) struct my_coro *cb;
3682 #define EV_CB_INVOKE(watcher) switch_to ((watcher)->cb)
3683
3684That means instead of having a C callback function, you store the
3685coroutine to switch to in each watcher, and instead of having libev call
3686your callback, you instead have it switch to that coroutine.
3687
3688A coroutine might now wait for an event with a function called
3689C<wait_for_event>. (the watcher needs to be started, as always, but it doesn't
3690matter when, or whether the watcher is active or not when this function is
3691called):
3692
3693 void
3694 wait_for_event (ev_watcher *w)
3695 {
3696 ev_cb_set (w) = current_coro;
3697 switch_to (libev_coro);
3698 }
3699
3700That basically suspends the coroutine inside C<wait_for_event> and
3701continues the libev coroutine, which, when appropriate, switches back to
3702this or any other coroutine. I am sure if you sue this your own :)
3703
3704You can do similar tricks if you have, say, threads with an event queue -
3705instead of storing a coroutine, you store the queue object and instead of
3706switching to a coroutine, you push the watcher onto the queue and notify
3707any waiters.
3708
3709To embed libev, see L<EMBEDDING>, but in short, it's easiest to create two
3710files, F<my_ev.h> and F<my_ev.c> that include the respective libev files:
3711
3712 // my_ev.h
3713 #define EV_CB_DECLARE(type) struct my_coro *cb;
3714 #define EV_CB_INVOKE(watcher) switch_to ((watcher)->cb);
3715 #include "../libev/ev.h"
3716
3717 // my_ev.c
3718 #define EV_H "my_ev.h"
3719 #include "../libev/ev.c"
3720
3721And then use F<my_ev.h> when you would normally use F<ev.h>, and compile
3722F<my_ev.c> into your project. When properly specifying include paths, you
3723can even use F<ev.h> as header file name directly.
3302 3724
3303 3725
3304=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION 3726=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION
3305 3727
3306Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot 3728Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot
3307emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints: 3729emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints:
3308 3730
3309=over 4 3731=over 4
3732
3733=item * Only the libevent-1.4.1-beta API is being emulated.
3734
3735This was the newest libevent version available when libev was implemented,
3736and is still mostly unchanged in 2010.
3310 3737
3311=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual. 3738=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual.
3312 3739
3313=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback, 3740=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback,
3314ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events. 3741ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events.
3320=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 3747=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
3321will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 3748will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
3322is an ev_pri field. 3749is an ev_pri field.
3323 3750
3324=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the 3751=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
3325first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals. 3752base that registered the signal gets the signals.
3326 3753
3327=item * Other members are not supported. 3754=item * Other members are not supported.
3328 3755
3329=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 3756=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
3330to use the libev header file and library. 3757to use the libev header file and library.
3349Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++ 3776Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
3350classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer 3777classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
3351that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if 3778that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
3352you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev). 3779you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
3353 3780
3354Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be 3781Currently, functions, static and non-static member functions and classes
3355used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only 3782with C<operator ()> can be used as callbacks. Other types should be easy
3356need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other 3783to add as long as they only need one additional pointer for context. If
3357types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing 3784you need support for other types of functors please contact the author
3358it). 3785(preferably after implementing it).
3359 3786
3360Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 3787Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
3361 3788
3362=over 4 3789=over 4
3363 3790
3791F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 4218F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
3792 4219
3793In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the 4220In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the
3794configuration, but has to be more conservative. 4221configuration, but has to be more conservative.
3795 4222
4223=item EV_USE_FLOOR
4224
4225If defined to be C<1>, libev will use the C<floor ()> function for its
4226periodic reschedule calculations, otherwise libev will fall back on a
4227portable (slower) implementation. If you enable this, you usually have to
4228link against libm or something equivalent. Enabling this when the C<floor>
4229function is not available will fail, so the safe default is to not enable
4230this.
4231
3796=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 4232=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
3797 4233
3798If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 4234If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
3799monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no 4235monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no
3800use of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, 4236use of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this,
4231And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 4667And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
4232 4668
4233 #include "ev_cpp.h" 4669 #include "ev_cpp.h"
4234 #include "ev.c" 4670 #include "ev.c"
4235 4671
4236=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS OR LIBRARIES 4672=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS, LIBRARIES OR THE ENVIRONMENT
4237 4673
4238=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES 4674=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES
4239 4675
4240=head3 THREADS 4676=head3 THREADS
4241 4677
4292default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop 4728default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
4293watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal. 4729watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
4294 4730
4295=back 4731=back
4296 4732
4297=head4 THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE 4733See also L<THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE>.
4298
4299Here is a fictitious example of how to run an event loop in a different
4300thread than where callbacks are being invoked and watchers are
4301created/added/removed.
4302
4303For a real-world example, see the C<EV::Loop::Async> perl module,
4304which uses exactly this technique (which is suited for many high-level
4305languages).
4306
4307The example uses a pthread mutex to protect the loop data, a condition
4308variable to wait for callback invocations, an async watcher to notify the
4309event loop thread and an unspecified mechanism to wake up the main thread.
4310
4311First, you need to associate some data with the event loop:
4312
4313 typedef struct {
4314 mutex_t lock; /* global loop lock */
4315 ev_async async_w;
4316 thread_t tid;
4317 cond_t invoke_cv;
4318 } userdata;
4319
4320 void prepare_loop (EV_P)
4321 {
4322 // for simplicity, we use a static userdata struct.
4323 static userdata u;
4324
4325 ev_async_init (&u->async_w, async_cb);
4326 ev_async_start (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4327
4328 pthread_mutex_init (&u->lock, 0);
4329 pthread_cond_init (&u->invoke_cv, 0);
4330
4331 // now associate this with the loop
4332 ev_set_userdata (EV_A_ u);
4333 ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (EV_A_ l_invoke);
4334 ev_set_loop_release_cb (EV_A_ l_release, l_acquire);
4335
4336 // then create the thread running ev_loop
4337 pthread_create (&u->tid, 0, l_run, EV_A);
4338 }
4339
4340The callback for the C<ev_async> watcher does nothing: the watcher is used
4341solely to wake up the event loop so it takes notice of any new watchers
4342that might have been added:
4343
4344 static void
4345 async_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
4346 {
4347 // just used for the side effects
4348 }
4349
4350The C<l_release> and C<l_acquire> callbacks simply unlock/lock the mutex
4351protecting the loop data, respectively.
4352
4353 static void
4354 l_release (EV_P)
4355 {
4356 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4357 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4358 }
4359
4360 static void
4361 l_acquire (EV_P)
4362 {
4363 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4364 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4365 }
4366
4367The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
4368into C<ev_run>:
4369
4370 void *
4371 l_run (void *thr_arg)
4372 {
4373 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg;
4374
4375 l_acquire (EV_A);
4376 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0);
4377 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
4378 l_release (EV_A);
4379
4380 return 0;
4381 }
4382
4383Instead of invoking all pending watchers, the C<l_invoke> callback will
4384signal the main thread via some unspecified mechanism (signals? pipe
4385writes? C<Async::Interrupt>?) and then waits until all pending watchers
4386have been called (in a while loop because a) spurious wakeups are possible
4387and b) skipping inter-thread-communication when there are no pending
4388watchers is very beneficial):
4389
4390 static void
4391 l_invoke (EV_P)
4392 {
4393 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4394
4395 while (ev_pending_count (EV_A))
4396 {
4397 wake_up_other_thread_in_some_magic_or_not_so_magic_way ();
4398 pthread_cond_wait (&u->invoke_cv, &u->lock);
4399 }
4400 }
4401
4402Now, whenever the main thread gets told to invoke pending watchers, it
4403will grab the lock, call C<ev_invoke_pending> and then signal the loop
4404thread to continue:
4405
4406 static void
4407 real_invoke_pending (EV_P)
4408 {
4409 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4410
4411 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4412 ev_invoke_pending (EV_A);
4413 pthread_cond_signal (&u->invoke_cv);
4414 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4415 }
4416
4417Whenever you want to start/stop a watcher or do other modifications to an
4418event loop, you will now have to lock:
4419
4420 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
4421 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4422
4423 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
4424
4425 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4426 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ &timeout_watcher);
4427 ev_async_send (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4428 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4429
4430Note that sending the C<ev_async> watcher is required because otherwise
4431an event loop currently blocking in the kernel will have no knowledge
4432about the newly added timer. By waking up the loop it will pick up any new
4433watchers in the next event loop iteration.
4434 4734
4435=head3 COROUTINES 4735=head3 COROUTINES
4436 4736
4437Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 4737Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
4438libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different 4738libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
4707structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also 5007structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
4708assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher 5008assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
4709callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev 5009callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
4710calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally. 5010calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
4711 5011
5012=item pointer accesses must be thread-atomic
5013
5014Accessing a pointer value must be atomic, it must both be readable and
5015writable in one piece - this is the case on all current architectures.
5016
4712=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well 5017=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
4713 5018
4714The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as 5019The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
4715C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different 5020C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
4716threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is 5021threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
4822=back 5127=back
4823 5128
4824 5129
4825=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X 5130=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X
4826 5131
4827The major version 4 introduced some minor incompatible changes to the API. 5132The major version 4 introduced some incompatible changes to the API.
4828 5133
4829At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file tries to implement superficial 5134At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file provides compatibility definitions
4830compatibility, so most programs should still compile. Those might be 5135for all changes, so most programs should still compile. The compatibility
4831removed in later versions of libev, so better update early than late. 5136layer might be removed in later versions of libev, so better update to the
5137new API early than late.
4832 5138
4833=over 4 5139=over 4
5140
5141=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
5142
5143The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
5144C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L<PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L<EMBEDDING>
5145section.
5146
5147=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed
5148
5149These calls can be replaced easily by their C<ev_loop_xxx> counterparts:
5150
5151 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
5152 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
4834 5153
4835=item function/symbol renames 5154=item function/symbol renames
4836 5155
4837A number of functions and symbols have been renamed: 5156A number of functions and symbols have been renamed:
4838 5157
4857ev_loop> anymore and C<EV_TIMER> now follows the same naming scheme 5176ev_loop> anymore and C<EV_TIMER> now follows the same naming scheme
4858as all other watcher types. Note that C<ev_loop_fork> is still called 5177as all other watcher types. Note that C<ev_loop_fork> is still called
4859C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the C<ev_fork> 5178C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the C<ev_fork>
4860typedef. 5179typedef.
4861 5180
4862=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
4863
4864The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
4865C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L<PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L<EMBEDDING>
4866section.
4867
4868=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES> 5181=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES>
4869 5182
4870The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different 5183The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different
4871mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile 5184mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile
4872and work, but the library code will of course be larger. 5185and work, but the library code will of course be larger.
4934The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :) 5247The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
4935 5248
4936=item wall-clock time 5249=item wall-clock time
4937 5250
4938The time and date as shown on clocks. Unlike real time, it can actually 5251The time and date as shown on clocks. Unlike real time, it can actually
4939be wrong and jump forwards and backwards, e.g. when the you adjust your 5252be wrong and jump forwards and backwards, e.g. when you adjust your
4940clock. 5253clock.
4941 5254
4942=item watcher 5255=item watcher
4943 5256
4944A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need 5257A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need
4946 5259
4947=back 5260=back
4948 5261
4949=head1 AUTHOR 5262=head1 AUTHOR
4950 5263
4951Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson. 5264Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael
5265Magnusson and Emanuele Giaquinta, and minor corrections by many others.
4952 5266

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