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Revision 1.38 by root, Sat Nov 24 09:48:38 2007 UTC vs.
Revision 1.66 by root, Mon Dec 3 13:41:25 2007 UTC

3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C 3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C
4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
8
9=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10
11 #include <ev.h>
12
13 ev_io stdin_watcher;
14 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
15
16 /* called when data readable on stdin */
17 static void
18 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents)
19 {
20 /* puts ("stdin ready"); */
21 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); /* just a syntax example */
22 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); /* leave all loop calls */
23 }
24
25 static void
26 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
27 {
28 /* puts ("timeout"); */
29 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); /* leave one loop call */
30 }
31
32 int
33 main (void)
34 {
35 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
36
37 /* initialise an io watcher, then start it */
38 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
39 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
40
41 /* simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout */
42 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
43 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
44
45 /* loop till timeout or data ready */
46 ev_loop (loop, 0);
47
48 return 0;
49 }
8 50
9=head1 DESCRIPTION 51=head1 DESCRIPTION
10 52
11Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 53Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
12file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage 54file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage
21details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the 63details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the
22watcher. 64watcher.
23 65
24=head1 FEATURES 66=head1 FEATURES
25 67
26Libev supports select, poll, the linux-specific epoll and the bsd-specific 68Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
27kqueue mechanisms for file descriptor events, relative timers, absolute 69BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
28timers with customised rescheduling, signal events, process status change 70for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
29events (related to SIGCHLD), and event watchers dealing with the event 71(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers
30loop mechanism itself (idle, prepare and check watchers). It also is quite 72with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals
73(C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and event
74watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>,
75C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as
76file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events
77(C<ev_fork>).
78
79It also is quite fast (see this
31fast (see this L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing 80L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
32it to libevent for example). 81for example).
33 82
34=head1 CONVENTIONS 83=head1 CONVENTIONS
35 84
36Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration 85Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will
37will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info 86be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about
38about various configuration options please have a look at the file 87various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in
39F<README.embed> in the libev distribution. If libev was configured without 88this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event
40support for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial 89loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop>
41argument of name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) 90(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument.
42will not have this argument.
43 91
44=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION 92=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION
45 93
46Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 94Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
47(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 95(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
48the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 96the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
49called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 97called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
50to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 98to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
51it, you should treat it as such. 99it, you should treat it as such.
52 100
53
54=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 101=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
55 102
56These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 103These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
57library in any way. 104library in any way.
58 105
77Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch, 124Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch,
78as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 125as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
79compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 126compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
80not a problem. 127not a problem.
81 128
82Example: make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 129Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
83version: 130version.
84 131
85 assert (("libev version mismatch", 132 assert (("libev version mismatch",
86 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 133 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
87 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 134 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
88 135
118 165
119See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 166See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
120 167
121=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 168=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
122 169
123Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar to the 170Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
124realloc C function, the semantics are identical). It is used to allocate 171semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to
125and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when memory 172allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when
126needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some potentially 173memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some
127destructive action. The default is your system realloc function. 174potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc
175function.
128 176
129You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 177You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
130free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 178free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
131or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 179or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
132 180
133Example: replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 181Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
134retries: better than mine). 182retries).
135 183
136 static void * 184 static void *
137 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, long size) 185 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
138 { 186 {
139 for (;;) 187 for (;;)
140 { 188 {
141 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size); 189 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size);
142 190
158callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 206callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no
159matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 207matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
160requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 208requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
161(such as abort). 209(such as abort).
162 210
163Example: do the same thing as libev does internally: 211Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
164 212
165 static void 213 static void
166 fatal_error (const char *msg) 214 fatal_error (const char *msg)
167 { 215 {
168 perror (msg); 216 perror (msg);
218C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 266C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
219override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 267override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
220useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 268useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
221around bugs. 269around bugs.
222 270
271=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
272
273Instead of calling C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork> manually after
274a fork, you can also make libev check for a fork in each iteration by
275enabling this flag.
276
277This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
278and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
279iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
280Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
281without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my Linux system also has
282C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
283
284The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
285forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
286flag.
287
288This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
289environment variable.
290
223=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 291=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
224 292
225This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 293This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
226libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 294libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
227but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 295but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
314Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 382Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
315always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 383always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
316handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by 384handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
317undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 385undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
318 386
319Example: try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 387Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
320 388
321 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 389 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
322 if (!epoller) 390 if (!epoller)
323 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 391 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
324 392
361=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 429=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
362 430
363Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 431Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
364C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 432C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
365after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 433after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
434
435=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
436
437Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
438the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
439happily wraps around with enough iterations.
440
441This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
442"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
443C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls.
366 444
367=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 445=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
368 446
369Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 447Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
370use. 448use.
423 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 501 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
424 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 502 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
425 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 503 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
426 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *. 504 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *.
427 505
428Example: queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding 506Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding
429anymore. 507anymore.
430 508
431 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 509 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
432 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 510 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
433 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 511 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
453visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 531visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if
454no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 532no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent
455way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 533way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party
456libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>. 534libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>.
457 535
458Example: create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 536Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
459running when nothing else is active. 537running when nothing else is active.
460 538
461 struct dv_signal exitsig; 539 struct ev_signal exitsig;
462 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 540 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
463 ev_signal_start (myloop, &exitsig); 541 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
464 evf_unref (myloop); 542 evf_unref (loop);
465 543
466Example: for some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 544Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
467 545
468 ev_ref (myloop); 546 ev_ref (loop);
469 ev_signal_stop (myloop, &exitsig); 547 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
470 548
471=back 549=back
550
472 551
473=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 552=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
474 553
475A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 554A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your
476interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 555interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to
543The signal specified in the C<ev_signal> watcher has been received by a thread. 622The signal specified in the C<ev_signal> watcher has been received by a thread.
544 623
545=item C<EV_CHILD> 624=item C<EV_CHILD>
546 625
547The pid specified in the C<ev_child> watcher has received a status change. 626The pid specified in the C<ev_child> watcher has received a status change.
627
628=item C<EV_STAT>
629
630The path specified in the C<ev_stat> watcher changed its attributes somehow.
548 631
549=item C<EV_IDLE> 632=item C<EV_IDLE>
550 633
551The C<ev_idle> watcher has determined that you have nothing better to do. 634The C<ev_idle> watcher has determined that you have nothing better to do.
552 635
560received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 643received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as
561many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account 644many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account
562(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep 645(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep
563C<ev_loop> from blocking). 646C<ev_loop> from blocking).
564 647
648=item C<EV_EMBED>
649
650The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
651
652=item C<EV_FORK>
653
654The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
655C<ev_fork>).
656
565=item C<EV_ERROR> 657=item C<EV_ERROR>
566 658
567An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 659An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might
568happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 660happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
569ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 661ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
576with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multithreaded 668with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multithreaded
577programs, though, so beware. 669programs, though, so beware.
578 670
579=back 671=back
580 672
581=head2 SUMMARY OF GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 673=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
582 674
583In the following description, C<TYPE> stands for the watcher type, 675In the following description, C<TYPE> stands for the watcher type,
584e.g. C<timer> for C<ev_timer> watchers and C<io> for C<ev_io> watchers. 676e.g. C<timer> for C<ev_timer> watchers and C<io> for C<ev_io> watchers.
585 677
586=over 4 678=over 4
595which rolls both calls into one. 687which rolls both calls into one.
596 688
597You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped 689You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped
598(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding. 690(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
599 691
600The callbakc is always of type C<void (*)(ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, 692The callback is always of type C<void (*)(ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,
601int revents)>. 693int revents)>.
602 694
603=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args]) 695=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args])
604 696
605This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to 697This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
643events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher 735events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher
644is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but 736is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but
645C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe) and you must make sure the watcher is available to 737C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe) and you must make sure the watcher is available to
646libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 738libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it).
647 739
648=item callback = ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 740=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
649 741
650Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 742Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
651 743
652=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 744=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
653 745
681 { 773 {
682 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 774 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
683 ... 775 ...
684 } 776 }
685 777
686More interesting and less C-conformant ways of catsing your callback type 778More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
687have been omitted.... 779instead have been omitted.
780
781Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple
782watchers:
783
784 struct my_biggy
785 {
786 int some_data;
787 ev_timer t1;
788 ev_timer t2;
789 }
790
791In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated,
792you need to use C<offsetof>:
793
794 #include <stddef.h>
795
796 static void
797 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
798 {
799 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
800 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
801 }
802
803 static void
804 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
805 {
806 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
807 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
808 }
688 809
689 810
690=head1 WATCHER TYPES 811=head1 WATCHER TYPES
691 812
692This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 813This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
693information given in the last section. 814information given in the last section. Any initialisation/set macros,
815functions and members specific to the watcher type are explained.
694 816
817Members are additionally marked with either I<[read-only]>, meaning that,
818while the watcher is active, you can look at the member and expect some
819sensible content, but you must not modify it (you can modify it while the
820watcher is stopped to your hearts content), or I<[read-write]>, which
821means you can expect it to have some sensible content while the watcher
822is active, but you can also modify it. Modifying it may not do something
823sensible or take immediate effect (or do anything at all), but libev will
824not crash or malfunction in any way.
695 825
826
696=head2 C<ev_io> - is this file descriptor readable or writable 827=head2 C<ev_io> - is this file descriptor readable or writable?
697 828
698I/O watchers check whether a file descriptor is readable or writable 829I/O watchers check whether a file descriptor is readable or writable
699in each iteration of the event loop (This behaviour is called 830in each iteration of the event loop, or, more precisely, when reading
700level-triggering because you keep receiving events as long as the 831would not block the process and writing would at least be able to write
701condition persists. Remember you can stop the watcher if you don't want to 832some data. This behaviour is called level-triggering because you keep
702act on the event and neither want to receive future events). 833receiving events as long as the condition persists. Remember you can stop
834the watcher if you don't want to act on the event and neither want to
835receive future events.
703 836
704In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 837In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
705fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 838fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
706descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 839descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
707required if you know what you are doing). 840required if you know what you are doing).
708 841
709You have to be careful with dup'ed file descriptors, though. Some backends 842You have to be careful with dup'ed file descriptors, though. Some backends
710(the linux epoll backend is a notable example) cannot handle dup'ed file 843(the linux epoll backend is a notable example) cannot handle dup'ed file
711descriptors correctly if you register interest in two or more fds pointing 844descriptors correctly if you register interest in two or more fds pointing
712to the same underlying file/socket etc. description (that is, they share 845to the same underlying file/socket/etc. description (that is, they share
713the same underlying "file open"). 846the same underlying "file open").
714 847
715If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 848If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend
716(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and 849(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and
717C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 850C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
718 851
852Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
853receive "spurious" readyness notifications, that is your callback might
854be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
855because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
856lot of those (for example solaris ports), it is very easy to get into
857this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus
858it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
859C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
860
861If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not
862play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test
863wether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface
864such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
865its own, so its quite safe to use).
866
719=over 4 867=over 4
720 868
721=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 869=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
722 870
723=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 871=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
724 872
725Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The fd is the file descriptor to rceeive 873Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to
726events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_READ | 874rceeive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
727EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 875C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events.
728 876
729Please note that most of the more scalable backend mechanisms (for example 877=item int fd [read-only]
730epoll and solaris ports) can result in spurious readyness notifications 878
731for file descriptors, so you practically need to use non-blocking I/O (and 879The file descriptor being watched.
732treat callback invocation as hint only), or retest separately with a safe 880
733interface before doing I/O (XLib can do this), or force the use of either 881=item int events [read-only]
734C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>, which don't suffer from this 882
735problem. Also note that it is quite easy to have your callback invoked 883The events being watched.
736when the readyness condition is no longer valid even when employing
737typical ways of handling events, so its a good idea to use non-blocking
738I/O unconditionally.
739 884
740=back 885=back
741 886
742Example: call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 887Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
743readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 888readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
744attempt to read a whole line in the callback: 889attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
745 890
746 static void 891 static void
747 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 892 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
748 { 893 {
749 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 894 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
756 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 901 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
757 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 902 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
758 ev_loop (loop, 0); 903 ev_loop (loop, 0);
759 904
760 905
761=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally recurring timeouts 906=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
762 907
763Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 908Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
764given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 909given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
765 910
766The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that 911The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that
801=item ev_timer_again (loop) 946=item ev_timer_again (loop)
802 947
803This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 948This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
804repeating. The exact semantics are: 949repeating. The exact semantics are:
805 950
951If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
952
806If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it. 953If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
807 954
808If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat 955If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
809value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value. 956C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
810 957
811This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 958This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
812example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle 959example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle
813timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60 960timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
814seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to 961seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
815configure an C<ev_timer> with after=repeat=60 and calling ev_timer_again each 962configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
816time you successfully read or write some data. If you go into an idle 963C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
817state where you do not expect data to travel on the socket, you can stop 964you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
818the timer, and again will automatically restart it if need be. 965socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
966automatically restart it if need be.
967
968That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
969altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
970
971 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
972 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
973 ...
974 timer->again = 17.;
975 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
976 ...
977 timer->again = 10.;
978 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
979
980This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
981you want to modify its timeout value.
982
983=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
984
985The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
986or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
987which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
819 988
820=back 989=back
821 990
822Example: create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 991Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
823 992
824 static void 993 static void
825 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 994 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
826 { 995 {
827 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 996 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
829 998
830 struct ev_timer mytimer; 999 struct ev_timer mytimer;
831 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1000 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
832 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1001 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
833 1002
834Example: create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1003Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
835inactivity. 1004inactivity.
836 1005
837 static void 1006 static void
838 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1007 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
839 { 1008 {
848 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 1017 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
849 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 1018 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
850 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 1019 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
851 1020
852 1021
853=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron 1022=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
854 1023
855Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 1024Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
856(and unfortunately a bit complex). 1025(and unfortunately a bit complex).
857 1026
858Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 1027Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time)
950Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1119Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
951when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1120when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
952a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1121a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
953program when the crontabs have changed). 1122program when the crontabs have changed).
954 1123
1124=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1125
1126The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1127take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1128called.
1129
1130=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1131
1132The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1133switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1134the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1135
955=back 1136=back
956 1137
957Example: call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1138Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
958system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1139system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
959potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1140potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability.
960 1141
961 static void 1142 static void
962 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1143 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
966 1147
967 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1148 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
968 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1149 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
969 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1150 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
970 1151
971Example: the same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1152Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
972 1153
973 #include <math.h> 1154 #include <math.h>
974 1155
975 static ev_tstamp 1156 static ev_tstamp
976 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1157 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
978 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1159 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;
979 } 1160 }
980 1161
981 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1162 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
982 1163
983Example: call a callback every hour, starting now: 1164Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
984 1165
985 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1166 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
986 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1167 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
987 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1168 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
988 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1169 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
989 1170
990 1171
991=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled 1172=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
992 1173
993Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 1174Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
994signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 1175signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
995will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 1176will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
996normal event processing, like any other event. 1177normal event processing, like any other event.
1009=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum) 1190=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)
1010 1191
1011Configures the watcher to trigger on the given signal number (usually one 1192Configures the watcher to trigger on the given signal number (usually one
1012of the C<SIGxxx> constants). 1193of the C<SIGxxx> constants).
1013 1194
1195=item int signum [read-only]
1196
1197The signal the watcher watches out for.
1198
1014=back 1199=back
1015 1200
1016 1201
1017=head2 C<ev_child> - wait for pid status changes 1202=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1018 1203
1019Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1204Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1020some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1205some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies).
1021 1206
1022=over 4 1207=over 4
1030at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see 1215at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see
1031the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems 1216the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems
1032C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the 1217C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the
1033process causing the status change. 1218process causing the status change.
1034 1219
1220=item int pid [read-only]
1221
1222The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id.
1223
1224=item int rpid [read-write]
1225
1226The process id that detected a status change.
1227
1228=item int rstatus [read-write]
1229
1230The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1231C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1232
1035=back 1233=back
1036 1234
1037Example: try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1235Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1038 1236
1039 static void 1237 static void
1040 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1238 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1041 { 1239 {
1042 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1240 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1045 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1243 struct ev_signal signal_watcher;
1046 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1244 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1047 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1245 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb);
1048 1246
1049 1247
1248=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1249
1250This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1251C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed
1252compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did.
1253
1254The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1255not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1256not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is
1257otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of
1258the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1259
1260The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1261relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1262
1263Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply
1264calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You
1265can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify
1266a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,
1267unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around
1268five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also
1269impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats
1270usually overkill.
1271
1272This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1273as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1274resource-intensive.
1275
1276At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1277implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the
1278reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the
1279semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
1280to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1281usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1282polling.
1283
1284=over 4
1285
1286=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1287
1288=item ev_stat_set (ev_stat *, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1289
1290Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of the given
1291C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to
1292be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose
1293a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1294path for as long as the watcher is active.
1295
1296The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected,
1297relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the
1298last change was detected).
1299
1300=item ev_stat_stat (ev_stat *)
1301
1302Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1303watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid
1304detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be
1305useful simply to find out the new values.
1306
1307=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1308
1309The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of
1310C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types
1311suitable for your system. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there
1312was some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1313
1314=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1315
1316The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1317C<prev> != C<attr>.
1318
1319=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1320
1321The specified interval.
1322
1323=item const char *path [read-only]
1324
1325The filesystem path that is being watched.
1326
1327=back
1328
1329Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1330
1331 static void
1332 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1333 {
1334 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1335 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1336 {
1337 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1338 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1339 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1340 }
1341 else
1342 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1343 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1344 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1345 }
1346
1347 ...
1348 ev_stat passwd;
1349
1350 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd");
1351 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1352
1353
1050=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do 1354=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1051 1355
1052Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1356Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending
1053(prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count). That is, as long 1357(prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count). That is, as long
1054as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1358as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals,
1055imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1359imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle
1073kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 1377kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1074believe me. 1378believe me.
1075 1379
1076=back 1380=back
1077 1381
1078Example: dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle>, start it, and in the 1382Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1079callback, free it. Alos, use no error checking, as usual. 1383callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1080 1384
1081 static void 1385 static void
1082 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1386 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1083 { 1387 {
1084 free (w); 1388 free (w);
1089 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 1393 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle));
1090 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 1394 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1091 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 1395 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1092 1396
1093 1397
1094=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop 1398=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
1095 1399
1096Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem: 1400Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem:
1097prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 1401prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
1098afterwards. 1402afterwards.
1099 1403
1404You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter
1405the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
1406watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The
1407rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in
1408those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,
1409C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
1410called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.
1411
1100Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and 1412Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and
1101their use is somewhat advanced. This could be used, for example, to track 1413their use is somewhat advanced. This could be used, for example, to track
1102variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a 1414variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a
1103coroutine library and lots more. 1415coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if
1416you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example,
1417in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare>
1418watcher).
1104 1419
1105This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 1420This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need
1106to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for 1421to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for
1107them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries 1422them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries
1108provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for 1423provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for
1130parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 1445parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1131macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1446macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1132 1447
1133=back 1448=back
1134 1449
1135Example: *TODO*. 1450Example: To include a library such as adns, you would add IO watchers
1451and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, as required by libadns, and
1452in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows is
1453pseudo-code only of course:
1136 1454
1455 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1456 static ev_timer tw;
1137 1457
1458 static void
1459 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1460 {
1461 // set the relevant poll flags
1462 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1463 struct pollfd *fd = (struct pollfd *)w->data;
1464 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1465 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1466 }
1467
1468 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1469 static void
1470 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1471 {
1472 int timeout = 3600000;
1473 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1474 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1475 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1476
1477 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1478 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1479 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1480
1481 // create on ev_io per pollfd
1482 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1483 {
1484 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1485 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1486 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1487
1488 fds [i].revents = 0;
1489 iow [i].data = fds + i;
1490 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1491 }
1492 }
1493
1494 // stop all watchers after blocking
1495 static void
1496 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1497 {
1498 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1499
1500 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1501 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1502
1503 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1504 }
1505
1506
1138=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough 1507=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1139 1508
1140This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 1509This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
1141into another (currently only C<ev_io> events are supported in the embedded 1510into another (currently only C<ev_io> events are supported in the embedded
1142loop, other types of watchers might be handled in a delayed or incorrect 1511loop, other types of watchers might be handled in a delayed or incorrect
1143fashion and must not be used). 1512fashion and must not be used).
1221 1590
1222Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 1591Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1223similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 1592similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1224apropriate way for embedded loops. 1593apropriate way for embedded loops.
1225 1594
1595=item struct ev_loop *loop [read-only]
1596
1597The embedded event loop.
1598
1599=back
1600
1601
1602=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
1603
1604Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
1605whoever is a good citizen cared to tell libev about it by calling
1606C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork>). The invocation is done before the
1607event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
1608and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
1609C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
1610handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
1611
1612=over 4
1613
1614=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1615
1616Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
1617kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1618believe me.
1619
1226=back 1620=back
1227 1621
1228 1622
1229=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 1623=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
1230 1624
1392 1786
1393=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only 1787=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only
1394 1788
1395Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>. 1789Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
1396 1790
1791=item w->update () C<ev::stat> only
1792
1793Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
1794
1397=back 1795=back
1398 1796
1399=back 1797=back
1400 1798
1401Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 1799Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
1414 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb) 1812 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb)
1415 { 1813 {
1416 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 1814 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
1417 } 1815 }
1418 1816
1817
1818=head1 MACRO MAGIC
1819
1820Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is
1821C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines wether (most) functions and
1822callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
1823
1824To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
1825following macros are defined:
1826
1827=over 4
1828
1829=item C<EV_A>, C<EV_A_>
1830
1831This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
1832loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
1833C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
1834
1835 ev_unref (EV_A);
1836 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
1837 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1838
1839It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
1840which is often provided by the following macro.
1841
1842=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
1843
1844This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
1845loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
1846C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
1847
1848 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
1849 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
1850
1851 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
1852 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1853
1854It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
1855suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
1856
1857=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
1858
1859Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
1860loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
1861
1862=back
1863
1864Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
1865macros so it will work regardless of wether multiple loops are supported
1866or not.
1867
1868 static void
1869 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1870 {
1871 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
1872 }
1873
1874 ev_check check;
1875 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
1876 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
1877 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1878
1879=head1 EMBEDDING
1880
1881Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1882applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1883Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe)
1884and rxvt-unicode.
1885
1886The goal is to enable you to just copy the neecssary files into your
1887source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so
1888you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of
1889libev somewhere in your source tree).
1890
1891=head2 FILESETS
1892
1893Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files
1894in your app.
1895
1896=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP
1897
1898To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual
1899configuration (no autoconf):
1900
1901 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
1902 #include "ev.c"
1903
1904This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a
1905single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use
1906it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best
1907done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and
1908where you can put other configuration options):
1909
1910 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
1911 #include "ev.h"
1912
1913Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
1914compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
1915as a bug).
1916
1917You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
1918in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
1919
1920 ev.h
1921 ev.c
1922 ev_vars.h
1923 ev_wrap.h
1924
1925 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1926
1927 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
1928 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1929 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1930 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1931 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1932
1933F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
1934to compile this single file.
1935
1936=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
1937
1938To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:
1939
1940 #include "event.c"
1941
1942in the file including F<ev.c>, and:
1943
1944 #include "event.h"
1945
1946in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>.
1947
1948You need the following additional files for this:
1949
1950 event.h
1951 event.c
1952
1953=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT
1954
1955Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in
1956whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your
1957F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then
1958include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.
1959
1960For this of course you need the m4 file:
1961
1962 libev.m4
1963
1964=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
1965
1966Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to define
1967before including any of its files. The default is not to build for multiplicity
1968and only include the select backend.
1969
1970=over 4
1971
1972=item EV_STANDALONE
1973
1974Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which
1975keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy
1976implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not
1977supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in
1978F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
1979
1980=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
1981
1982If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1983monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use
1984of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
1985usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
1986the functionality isn't available is safe, though, althoguh you have
1987to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
1988function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
1989
1990=item EV_USE_REALTIME
1991
1992If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1993realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at
1994runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will
1995be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
1996(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See tzhe note about libraries
1997in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
1998
1999=item EV_USE_SELECT
2000
2001If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
2002C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no
2003other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
2004will not be compiled in.
2005
2006=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
2007
2008If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set>
2009structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing
2010C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it misguesses the bitset layout on
2011exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some
2012low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only
2013allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might
2014influence the size of the C<fd_set> used.
2015
2016=item EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET
2017
2018When defined to C<1>, the select backend will assume that
2019select/socket/connect etc. don't understand file descriptors but
2020wants osf handles on win32 (this is the case when the select to
2021be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call
2022C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise,
2023it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
2024on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.
2025
2026=item EV_USE_POLL
2027
2028If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
2029backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
2030takes precedence over select.
2031
2032=item EV_USE_EPOLL
2033
2034If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux
2035C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
2036otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the
2037preferred backend for GNU/Linux systems.
2038
2039=item EV_USE_KQUEUE
2040
2041If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style
2042C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,
2043otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2044backend for BSD and BSD-like systems, although on most BSDs kqueue only
2045supports some types of fds correctly (the only platform we found that
2046supports ptys for example was NetBSD), so kqueue might be compiled in, but
2047not be used unless explicitly requested. The best way to use it is to find
2048out whether kqueue supports your type of fd properly and use an embedded
2049kqueue loop.
2050
2051=item EV_USE_PORT
2052
2053If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Solaris
205410 port style backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
2055otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2056backend for Solaris 10 systems.
2057
2058=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
2059
2060reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
2061
2062=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2063
2064If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2065interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2066be detected at runtime.
2067
2068=item EV_H
2069
2070The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
2071undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This
2072can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
2073
2074=item EV_CONFIG_H
2075
2076If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
2077F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
2078C<EV_H>, above.
2079
2080=item EV_EVENT_H
2081
2082Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
2083of how the F<event.h> header can be found.
2084
2085=item EV_PROTOTYPES
2086
2087If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
2088prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
2089occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions
2090around libev functions.
2091
2092=item EV_MULTIPLICITY
2093
2094If undefined or defined to C<1>, then all event-loop-specific functions
2095will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
2096additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
2097for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
2098argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
2099
2100=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2101
2102If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2103defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2104code.
2105
2106=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2107
2108If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
2109defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2110
2111=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
2112
2113If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
2114defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2115
2116=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
2117
2118If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
2119defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2120
2121=item EV_MINIMAL
2122
2123If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2124speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override
2125some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64.
2126
2127=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2128
2129C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2130pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2131than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to
2132increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
2133
2134=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
2135
2136C<ev_staz> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2137inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2138usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2139watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2140two).
2141
2142=item EV_COMMON
2143
2144By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
2145this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
2146members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
2147though, and it must be identical each time.
2148
2149For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
2150
2151 #define EV_COMMON \
2152 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \
2153 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */
2154
2155=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)
2156
2157=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)
2158
2159=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb)
2160
2161Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher,
2162and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member
2163definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.v> header file for
2164their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
2165avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
2166method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2167
2168=head2 EXAMPLES
2169
2170For a real-world example of a program the includes libev
2171verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module
2172(L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV.html>). It has the libev files in
2173the F<libev/> subdirectory and includes them in the F<EV/EVAPI.h> (public
2174interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file
2175will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header
2176file.
2177
2178The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2179that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2180
2181 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
2182 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2183 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2184 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2185 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2186 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2187 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2188 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2189 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2190
2191 #include "ev++.h"
2192
2193And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
2194
2195 #include "ev_cpp.h"
2196 #include "ev.c"
2197
2198
2199=head1 COMPLEXITIES
2200
2201In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2202libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2203documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2204
2205=over 4
2206
2207=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
2208
2209=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
2210
2211=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)
2212
2213=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)
2214
2215=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2216
2217=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1)
2218
2219=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2220
2221=item Activating one watcher: O(1)
2222
2223=back
2224
2225
1419=head1 AUTHOR 2226=head1 AUTHOR
1420 2227
1421Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 2228Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
1422 2229

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