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26 puts ("stdin ready"); 26 puts ("stdin ready");
27 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher 27 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
28 // with its corresponding stop function. 28 // with its corresponding stop function.
29 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 29 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
30 30
31 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating 31 // this causes all nested ev_run's to stop iterating
32 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); 32 ev_break (EV_A_ EVBREAK_ALL);
33 } 33 }
34 34
35 // another callback, this time for a time-out 35 // another callback, this time for a time-out
36 static void 36 static void
37 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 37 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
38 { 38 {
39 puts ("timeout"); 39 puts ("timeout");
40 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating 40 // this causes the innermost ev_run to stop iterating
41 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); 41 ev_break (EV_A_ EVBREAK_ONE);
42 } 42 }
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);
56 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout 56 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
57 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 57 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
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_loop (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
75While this document tries to be as complete as possible in documenting 75While this document tries to be as complete as possible in documenting
76libev, its usage and the rationale behind its design, it is not a tutorial 76libev, its usage and the rationale behind its design, it is not a tutorial
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
80Familarity 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
98=head2 FEATURES 106=head2 FEATURES
99 107
100Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the 108Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
101BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms 109BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
102for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface 110for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
103(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers 111(for C<ev_stat>), Linux eventfd/signalfd (for faster and cleaner
104with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals 112inter-thread wakeup (C<ev_async>)/signal handling (C<ev_signal>)) relative
105(C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and event 113timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers with customised rescheduling
106watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>, 114(C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals (C<ev_signal>), process status
107C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as 115change events (C<ev_child>), and event watchers dealing with the event
108file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events 116loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>, C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and
109(C<ev_fork>). 117C<ev_check> watchers) as well as file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even
118limited support for fork events (C<ev_fork>).
110 119
111It also is quite fast (see this 120It also is quite fast (see this
112L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent 121L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
113for example). 122for example).
114 123
117Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common) 126Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
118configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For 127configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
119more info about various configuration options please have a look at 128more info about various configuration options please have a look at
120B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support 129B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
121for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of 130for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of
122name C<loop> (which is always of type C<ev_loop *>) will not have 131name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have
123this argument. 132this argument.
124 133
125=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION 134=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
126 135
127Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing 136Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing
128the (fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere 137the (fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (in practice
129near the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This 138somewhere near the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't
130type is called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually 139ask). This type is called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use
131aliases to the C<double> type in C. When you need to do any calculations 140too. It usually aliases to the C<double> type in C. When you need to do
132on it, you should treat it as some floating point value. Unlike the name 141any calculations on it, you should treat it as some floating point value.
142
133component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences 143Unlike the name component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for
134throughout libev. 144time differences (e.g. delays) throughout libev.
135 145
136=head1 ERROR HANDLING 146=head1 ERROR HANDLING
137 147
138Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors 148Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors
139and internal errors (bugs). 149and internal errors (bugs).
163 173
164=item ev_tstamp ev_time () 174=item ev_tstamp ev_time ()
165 175
166Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 176Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
167C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp 177C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
168you actually want to know. 178you actually want to know. Also interesting is the combination of
179C<ev_now_update> and C<ev_now>.
169 180
170=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 181=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
171 182
172Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 183Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked
173either 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
174this 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 >>).
175 192
176=item int ev_version_major () 193=item int ev_version_major ()
177 194
178=item int ev_version_minor () 195=item int ev_version_minor ()
179 196
190as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 207as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
191compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 208compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
192not a problem. 209not a problem.
193 210
194Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 211Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
195version. 212version (note, however, that this will not detect other ABI mismatches,
213such as LFS or reentrancy).
196 214
197 assert (("libev version mismatch", 215 assert (("libev version mismatch",
198 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 216 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
199 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 217 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
200 218
211 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 229 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
212 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 230 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
213 231
214=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 232=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
215 233
216Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also 234Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and
217recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one 235also recommended for this platform, meaning it will work for most file
236descriptor types. This set is often smaller than the one returned by
218returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on 237C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on most BSDs
219most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it 238and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it (assuming
220(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that 239you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that libev will
221libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 240probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
222 241
223=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 242=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
224 243
225Returns the set of backends that are embeddable in other event loops. This 244Returns the set of backends that are embeddable in other event loops. This
226is the theoretical, all-platform, value. To find which backends 245value is platform-specific but can include backends not available on the
227might be supported on the current system, you would need to look at 246current system. To find which embeddable backends might be supported on
228C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 247the current system, you would need to look at C<ev_embeddable_backends ()
229recommended ones. 248& ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for recommended ones.
230 249
231See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 250See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
232 251
233=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT] 252=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
234 253
235Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 254Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
236semantics 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
237used 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
238when 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
264 } 283 }
265 284
266 ... 285 ...
267 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 286 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
268 287
269=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); [NOT REENTRANT] 288=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg))
270 289
271Set 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
272as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 291as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
273indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 292indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
274callback 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
286 } 305 }
287 306
288 ... 307 ...
289 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error); 308 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error);
290 309
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
291=back 323=back
292 324
293=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 325=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING EVENT LOOPS
294 326
295An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> 327An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> is
296is I<not> optional in this case, as there is also an C<ev_loop> 328I<not> optional in this case unless libev 3 compatibility is disabled, as
297I<function>). 329libev 3 had an C<ev_loop> function colliding with the struct name).
298 330
299The 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
300supports signals and child events, and dynamically created loops which do 332supports child process events, and dynamically created event loops which
301not. 333do not.
302 334
303=over 4 335=over 4
304 336
305=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 337=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
306 338
307This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised 339This returns the "default" event loop object, which is what you should
308yet 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
309false. 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
310flags. 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".
311 349
312If 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
313function. 351function (or via the C<EV_DEFAULT> macro).
314 352
315Note 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
316from 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
317as loops cannot be shared easily between threads anyway). 355that this case is unlikely, as loops cannot be shared easily between
356threads anyway).
318 357
319The 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,
320C<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
321for 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
322create 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
323can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling 362C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling C<ev_default_init>.
324C<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.
325 382
326The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 383The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
327backends 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>).
328 385
329The following flags are supported: 386The following flags are supported:
344useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 401useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
345around bugs. 402around bugs.
346 403
347=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK> 404=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
348 405
349Instead of calling C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork> manually after 406Instead of calling C<ev_loop_fork> manually after a fork, you can also
350a fork, you can also make libev check for a fork in each iteration by 407make libev check for a fork in each iteration by enabling this flag.
351enabling this flag.
352 408
353This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 409This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
354and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop 410and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
355iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 411iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
356GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence 412GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
362flag. 418flag.
363 419
364This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> 420This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
365environment variable. 421environment variable.
366 422
423=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY>
424
425When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the
426I<inotify> API for its C<ev_stat> watchers. Apart from debugging and
427testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as
428otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle.
429
430=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD>
431
432When this flag is specified, then libev will attempt to use the
433I<signalfd> API for its C<ev_signal> (and C<ev_child>) watchers. This API
434delivers signals synchronously, which makes it both faster and might make
435it possible to get the queued signal data. It can also simplify signal
436handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your
437threads that are not interested in handling them.
438
439Signalfd will not be used by default as this changes your signal mask, and
440there are a lot of shoddy libraries and programs (glib's threadpool for
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 have 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.
457
367=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 458=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
368 459
369This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 460This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
370libev 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,
371but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 462but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
395This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and 486This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and
396C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>. 487C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>.
397 488
398=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 489=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
399 490
491Use the linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9
492kernels).
493
400For 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
401but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 495it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like
402like 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
403epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). 497fd), epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
404 498
405The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned 499The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
406of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently 500of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
407dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file 501dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
408descriptor (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
409so 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
410I<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
411take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) and is of course 507set, which can take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor)
412hard to detect. 508and is of course hard to detect.
413 509
414Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but 510Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work,
415of 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
416I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot 512totally I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so
417even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially 513one cannot even remove them from the set) than registered in the set
418on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by 514(especially on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious
419employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the 515notifications by employing an additional generation counter and comparing
420events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. 516that against the events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set
517when required. Epoll also erroneously rounds down timeouts, but gives you
518no way to know when and by how much, so sometimes you have to busy-wait
519because epoll returns immediately despite a nonzero timeout. And last
520not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work
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...
421 526
422While 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
423will 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
424incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different 529incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different
425I<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
491=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 596=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
492 597
493This 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,
494it'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)).
495 600
496Please note that Solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
497notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
498blocking when no data (or space) is available.
499
500While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active 601While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
501file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 602file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
502descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend 603descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
503might perform better. 604might perform better.
504 605
505On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness 606On the positive side, this backend actually performed fully to
506notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification
507in 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
508OS-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 returns 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 you
616absolutely have to know whether an event occurred or not because you have
617to re-arm the watcher.
618
619Fortunately libev seems to be able to work around these idiocies.
509 620
510This 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
511C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 622C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
512 623
513=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 624=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
514 625
515Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 626Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
516with 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
517C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 628C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
518 629
519It 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).
520 639
521=back 640=back
522 641
523If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these 642If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value,
524backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are 643then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed
525specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried. 644here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends
526 645()> will be tried.
527Example: This is the most typical usage.
528
529 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
530 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
531
532Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
533environment settings to be taken into account:
534
535 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
536
537Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
538used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
539private event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of
540fds):
541
542 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
543
544=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
545
546Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
547always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
548handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
549undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
550
551Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and the recommended way to use
552libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
553default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
554 646
555Example: 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.
556 648
557 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 649 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
558 if (!epoller) 650 if (!epoller)
559 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 651 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
560 652
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
561=item ev_default_destroy () 658=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
562 659
563Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 660Destroys an event loop object (frees all memory and kernel state
564etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 661etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
565sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 662sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
566responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before> 663responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
567calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 664calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
568the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 665the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
570 667
571Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal 668Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
572handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such 669handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
573as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually. 670as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
574 671
575In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 672This function is normally used on loop objects allocated by
576rare 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.
577pipe 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>
578C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>). 679and C<ev_loop_destroy>.
579 680
580=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 681=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
581 682
582Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
583earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
584
585=item ev_default_fork ()
586
587This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_loop> iterations 683This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations to
588to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the 684reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
589name, 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
590the 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
591sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev 687child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>.
592functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration. 688
689Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after
690a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is
691because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things
692during fork.
593 693
594On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child 694On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
595process if and only if you want to use the event library in the child. If 695process if and only if you want to use the event loop in the child. If
596you just fork+exec, you don't have to call it at all. 696you just fork+exec or create a new loop in the child, you don't have to
697call it at all (in fact, C<epoll> is so badly broken that it makes a
698difference, but libev will usually detect this case on its own and do a
699costly reset of the backend).
597 700
598The 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
599it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 702it just in case after a fork.
600quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
601 703
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 ...
602 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 714 pthread_atfork (0, 0, post_fork_child);
603
604=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
605
606Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
607C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
608after fork that you want to re-use in the child, and how you do this is
609entirely your own problem.
610 715
611=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop) 716=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
612 717
613Returns 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
614otherwise. 719otherwise.
615 720
616=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop) 721=item unsigned int ev_iteration (loop)
617 722
618Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to 723Returns the current iteration count for the event loop, which is identical
619the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and 724to the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0>
620happily wraps around with enough iterations. 725and happily wraps around with enough iterations.
621 726
622This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it 727This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
623"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with 728"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
624C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls. 729C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls - and is incremented between the
730prepare and check phases.
625 731
626=item unsigned int ev_loop_depth (loop) 732=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop)
627 733
628Returns the number of times C<ev_loop> was entered minus the number of 734Returns the number of times C<ev_run> was entered minus the number of
629times C<ev_loop> was exited, in other words, the recursion depth. 735times C<ev_run> was exited normally, in other words, the recursion depth.
630 736
631Outside C<ev_loop>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is 737Outside C<ev_run>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is
632C<1>, unless C<ev_loop> was invoked recursively (or from another thread), 738C<1>, unless C<ev_run> was invoked recursively (or from another thread),
633in which case it is higher. 739in which case it is higher.
634 740
635Leaving C<ev_loop> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread 741Leaving C<ev_run> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread,
636etc.), doesn't count as exit. 742throwing an exception etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this
743as a hint to avoid such ungentleman-like behaviour unless it's really
744convenient, in which case it is fully supported.
637 745
638=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 746=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
639 747
640Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 748Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
641use. 749use.
650 758
651=item ev_now_update (loop) 759=item ev_now_update (loop)
652 760
653Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time 761Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
654returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and 762returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
655is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>. 763is usually done automatically within C<ev_run ()>.
656 764
657This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a 765This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
658very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of 766very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
659the current time is a good idea. 767the current time is a good idea.
660 768
662 770
663=item ev_suspend (loop) 771=item ev_suspend (loop)
664 772
665=item ev_resume (loop) 773=item ev_resume (loop)
666 774
667These two functions suspend and resume a loop, for use when the loop is 775These two functions suspend and resume an event loop, for use when the
668not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed. 776loop is not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed.
669 777
670A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When 778A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When
671the user presses C<^Z> to suspend the game and resumes it an hour later it 779the user presses C<^Z> to suspend the game and resumes it an hour later it
672would be best to handle timeouts as if no time had actually passed while 780would be best to handle timeouts as if no time had actually passed while
673the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<ev_suspend> 781the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<ev_suspend>
675C<ev_resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing. 783C<ev_resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing.
676 784
677Effectively, all C<ev_timer> watchers will be delayed by the time spend 785Effectively, all C<ev_timer> watchers will be delayed by the time spend
678between C<ev_suspend> and C<ev_resume>, and all C<ev_periodic> watchers 786between C<ev_suspend> and C<ev_resume>, and all C<ev_periodic> watchers
679will be rescheduled (that is, they will lose any events that would have 787will be rescheduled (that is, they will lose any events that would have
680occured while suspended). 788occurred while suspended).
681 789
682After calling C<ev_suspend> you B<must not> call I<any> function on the 790After calling C<ev_suspend> you B<must not> call I<any> function on the
683given loop other than C<ev_resume>, and you B<must not> call C<ev_resume> 791given loop other than C<ev_resume>, and you B<must not> call C<ev_resume>
684without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>. 792without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>.
685 793
686Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the 794Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the
687event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>). 795event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>).
688 796
689=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 797=item ev_run (loop, int flags)
690 798
691Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 799Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
692after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 800after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start
693events. 801handling events. It will ask the operating system for any new events, call
802the watcher callbacks, an then repeat the whole process indefinitely: This
803is why event loops are called I<loops>.
694 804
695If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until 805If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will keep handling events
696either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called. 806until either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_break> was
807called.
697 808
698Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than 809Please note that an explicit C<ev_break> is usually better than
699relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 810relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
700finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program 811finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
701that 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
702of 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
703beauty. 814beauty.
704 815
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
705A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 821A flags value of C<EVRUN_NOWAIT> will look for new events, will handle
706those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not block your 822those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not wait and
707process in case there are no events and will return after one iteration of 823block your process in case there are no events and will return after one
708the loop. 824iteration of the loop. This is sometimes useful to poll and handle new
825events while doing lengthy calculations, to keep the program responsive.
709 826
710A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 827A flags value of C<EVRUN_ONCE> will look for new events (waiting if
711necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It 828necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
712will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could 829will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could
713be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a 830be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a
714user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one 831user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
715iteration of the loop. 832iteration of the loop.
716 833
717This 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
718with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your 835with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
719own C<ev_loop>"). 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
720usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 837usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
721 838
722Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> 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):
723 842
843 - Increment loop depth.
844 - Reset the ev_break status.
724 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 845 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
846 LOOP:
725 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork. 847 - If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
726 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers. 848 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
727 - Queue and call all prepare watchers. 849 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
850 - If ev_break was called, goto FINISH.
728 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state 851 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
729 as to not disturb the other process. 852 as to not disturb the other process.
730 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 853 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
731 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()). 854 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
732 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all 855 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
733 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having 856 (active idle watchers, EVRUN_NOWAIT or not having
734 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 857 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
735 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 858 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
859 - Increment loop iteration counter.
736 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 860 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
737 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 861 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
738 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments. 862 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
739 - Queue all expired timers. 863 - Queue all expired timers.
740 - Queue all expired periodics. 864 - Queue all expired periodics.
741 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 865 - Queue all idle watchers with priority higher than that of pending events.
742 - Queue all check watchers. 866 - Queue all check watchers.
743 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 867 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
744 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 868 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
745 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 869 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
746 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 870 - If ev_break has been called, or EVRUN_ONCE or EVRUN_NOWAIT
747 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise 871 were used, or there are no active watchers, goto FINISH, otherwise
748 continue with step *. 872 continue with step LOOP.
873 FINISH:
874 - Reset the ev_break status iff it was EVBREAK_ONE.
875 - Decrement the loop depth.
876 - Return.
749 877
750Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding 878Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
751anymore. 879anymore.
752 880
753 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 881 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
754 ... 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..)
755 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 883 ev_run (my_loop, 0);
756 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah! 884 ... jobs done or somebody called break. yeah!
757 885
758=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 886=item ev_break (loop, how)
759 887
760Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 888Can be used to make a call to C<ev_run> return early (but only after it
761has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 889has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
762C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 890C<EVBREAK_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_run> call return, or
763C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 891C<EVBREAK_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_run> calls return.
764 892
765This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again. 893This "break state" will be cleared on the next call to C<ev_run>.
766 894
767It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from otuside any C<ev_loop> calls. 895It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls, too, in
896which case it will have no effect.
768 897
769=item ev_ref (loop) 898=item ev_ref (loop)
770 899
771=item ev_unref (loop) 900=item ev_unref (loop)
772 901
773Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 902Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
774loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference 903loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
775count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. 904count is nonzero, C<ev_run> will not return on its own.
776 905
777If you have a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop> 906This is useful when you have a watcher that you never intend to
778from returning, call ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before 907unregister, but that nevertheless should not keep C<ev_run> from
908returning. In such a case, call C<ev_unref> after starting, and C<ev_ref>
779stopping it. 909before stopping it.
780 910
781As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It 911As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It
782is not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from 912is not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_run> from
783exiting if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an 913exiting if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an
784excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within 914excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within
785third-party libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref 915third-party libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref
786before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active 916before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active
787before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself 917before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself
788(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref> 918(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref>
789in the callback). 919in the callback).
790 920
791Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 921Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_run>
792running when nothing else is active. 922running when nothing else is active.
793 923
794 ev_signal exitsig; 924 ev_signal exitsig;
795 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 925 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
796 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 926 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
797 evf_unref (loop); 927 ev_unref (loop);
798 928
799Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 929Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
800 930
801 ev_ref (loop); 931 ev_ref (loop);
802 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 932 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
822overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once. 952overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
823 953
824By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more 954By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
825time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration, 955time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
826at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and 956at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
827C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will 957C<ev_timer>) will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
828introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. The 958introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. The
829sleep time ensures that libev will not poll for I/O events more often then 959sleep time ensures that libev will not poll for I/O events more often then
830once per this interval, on average. 960once per this interval, on average (as long as the host time resolution is
961good enough).
831 962
832Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev 963Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
833to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 964to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
834latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called 965latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
835later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null 966later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null
841usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>, 972usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
842as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems. Note that if 973as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems. Note that if
843you do transactions with the outside world and you can't increase the 974you do transactions with the outside world and you can't increase the
844parallelity, then this setting will limit your transaction rate (if you 975parallelity, then this setting will limit your transaction rate (if you
845need to poll once per transaction and the I/O collect interval is 0.01, 976need to poll once per transaction and the I/O collect interval is 0.01,
846then you can't do more than 100 transations per second). 977then you can't do more than 100 transactions per second).
847 978
848Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for 979Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
849saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that 980saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
850are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of 981are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
851times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to 982times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
856more often than 100 times per second: 987more often than 100 times per second:
857 988
858 ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.1); 989 ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.1);
859 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01); 990 ev_set_io_collect_interval (EV_DEFAULT_UC_ 0.01);
860 991
992=item ev_invoke_pending (loop)
993
994This call will simply invoke all pending watchers while resetting their
995pending state. Normally, C<ev_run> does this automatically when required,
996but when overriding the invoke callback this call comes handy. This
997function can be invoked from a watcher - this can be useful for example
998when you want to do some lengthy calculation and want to pass further
999event handling to another thread (you still have to make sure only one
1000thread executes within C<ev_invoke_pending> or C<ev_run> of course).
1001
1002=item int ev_pending_count (loop)
1003
1004Returns the number of pending watchers - zero indicates that no watchers
1005are pending.
1006
1007=item ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (loop, void (*invoke_pending_cb)(EV_P))
1008
1009This overrides the invoke pending functionality of the loop: Instead of
1010invoking all pending watchers when there are any, C<ev_run> will call
1011this callback instead. This is useful, for example, when you want to
1012invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.).
1013
1014If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new
1015callback.
1016
1017=item ev_set_loop_release_cb (loop, void (*release)(EV_P), void (*acquire)(EV_P))
1018
1019Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This
1020can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around
1021each call to a libev function.
1022
1023However, C<ev_run> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible
1024to wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the event
1025loop via C<ev_break> and C<ev_async_send>, another way is to set these
1026I<release> and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop.
1027
1028When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is
1029suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just
1030afterwards.
1031
1032Ideally, C<release> will just call your mutex_unlock function, and
1033C<acquire> will just call the mutex_lock function again.
1034
1035While event loop modifications are allowed between invocations of
1036C<release> and C<acquire> (that's their only purpose after all), no
1037modifications done will affect the event loop, i.e. adding watchers will
1038have no effect on the set of file descriptors being watched, or the time
1039waited. Use an C<ev_async> watcher to wake up C<ev_run> when you want it
1040to take note of any changes you made.
1041
1042In theory, threads executing C<ev_run> will be async-cancel safe between
1043invocations of C<release> and C<acquire>.
1044
1045See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this
1046document.
1047
1048=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data)
1049
1050=item void *ev_userdata (loop)
1051
1052Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When
1053C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns
1054C<0>.
1055
1056These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop,
1057and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and
1058C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for
1059any other purpose as well.
1060
861=item ev_loop_verify (loop) 1061=item ev_verify (loop)
862 1062
863This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been 1063This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
864compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go 1064compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
865through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything 1065through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
866is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard 1066is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
877 1077
878In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the 1078In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the
879watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer 1079watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer
880watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers. 1080watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
881 1081
882A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 1082A watcher is an opaque structure that you allocate and register to record
883interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 1083your interest in some event. To make a concrete example, imagine you want
884become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 1084to wait for STDIN to become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher
1085for that:
885 1086
886 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1087 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
887 { 1088 {
888 ev_io_stop (w); 1089 ev_io_stop (w);
889 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1090 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
890 } 1091 }
891 1092
892 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 1093 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
893 1094
894 ev_io stdin_watcher; 1095 ev_io stdin_watcher;
895 1096
896 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 1097 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
897 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1098 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
898 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 1099 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
899 1100
900 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1101 ev_run (loop, 0);
901 1102
902As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 1103As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
903watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the 1104watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
904stack). 1105stack).
905 1106
906Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE> 1107Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
907or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs). 1108or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
908 1109
909Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 1110Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init (watcher
910(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 1111*, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This callback is
911callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O 1112invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O watchers, each
912watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 1113time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given is readable
913is readable and/or writable). 1114and/or writable).
914 1115
915Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >> 1116Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
916macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There 1117macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
917is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< 1118is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
918ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 1119ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
941=item C<EV_WRITE> 1142=item C<EV_WRITE>
942 1143
943The file descriptor in the C<ev_io> watcher has become readable and/or 1144The file descriptor in the C<ev_io> watcher has become readable and/or
944writable. 1145writable.
945 1146
946=item C<EV_TIMEOUT> 1147=item C<EV_TIMER>
947 1148
948The C<ev_timer> watcher has timed out. 1149The C<ev_timer> watcher has timed out.
949 1150
950=item C<EV_PERIODIC> 1151=item C<EV_PERIODIC>
951 1152
969 1170
970=item C<EV_PREPARE> 1171=item C<EV_PREPARE>
971 1172
972=item C<EV_CHECK> 1173=item C<EV_CHECK>
973 1174
974All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_loop> starts 1175All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_run> starts
975to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after 1176to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after
976C<ev_loop> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any 1177C<ev_run> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any
977received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 1178received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as
978many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account 1179many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account
979(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep 1180(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep
980C<ev_loop> from blocking). 1181C<ev_run> from blocking).
981 1182
982=item C<EV_EMBED> 1183=item C<EV_EMBED>
983 1184
984The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention. 1185The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
985 1186
986=item C<EV_FORK> 1187=item C<EV_FORK>
987 1188
988The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see 1189The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
989C<ev_fork>). 1190C<ev_fork>).
1191
1192=item C<EV_CLEANUP>
1193
1194The event loop is about to be destroyed (see C<ev_cleanup>).
990 1195
991=item C<EV_ASYNC> 1196=item C<EV_ASYNC>
992 1197
993The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 1198The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
994 1199
1041 1246
1042 ev_io w; 1247 ev_io w;
1043 ev_init (&w, my_cb); 1248 ev_init (&w, my_cb);
1044 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1249 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1045 1250
1046=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args]) 1251=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *watcher, [args])
1047 1252
1048This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to 1253This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
1049call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can 1254call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
1050call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this 1255call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this
1051macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a 1256macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a
1064 1269
1065Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step. 1270Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
1066 1271
1067 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1272 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1068 1273
1069=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1274=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1070 1275
1071Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 1276Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
1072events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen. 1277events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
1073 1278
1074Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this 1279Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
1075whole section. 1280whole section.
1076 1281
1077 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w); 1282 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
1078 1283
1079=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1284=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1080 1285
1081Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether 1286Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
1082the watcher was active or not). 1287the watcher was active or not).
1083 1288
1084It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example, 1289It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
1109=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 1314=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1110 1315
1111Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 1316Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
1112(modulo threads). 1317(modulo threads).
1113 1318
1114=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority) 1319=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, int priority)
1115 1320
1116=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1321=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1117 1322
1118Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small 1323Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
1119integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI> 1324integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
1151watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>. 1356watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
1152 1357
1153Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its 1358Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
1154callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function. 1359callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
1155 1360
1361=item ev_feed_event (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1362
1363Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
1364had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
1365initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). Obviously you must
1366not free the watcher as long as it has pending events.
1367
1368Stopping the watcher, letting libev invoke it, or calling
1369C<ev_clear_pending> will clear the pending event, even if the watcher was
1370not started in the first place.
1371
1372See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
1373functions that do not need a watcher.
1374
1156=back 1375=back
1157 1376
1377See also the L<ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER> and L<BUILDING YOUR
1378OWN COMPOSITE WATCHERS> idioms.
1158 1379
1159=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1380=head2 WATCHER STATES
1160 1381
1161Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 1382There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual -
1162and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used 1383active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to
1163to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and 1384transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these
1164don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data 1385rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing".
1165member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
1166data:
1167 1386
1168 struct my_io 1387=over 4
1169 {
1170 ev_io io;
1171 int otherfd;
1172 void *somedata;
1173 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
1174 };
1175 1388
1176 ... 1389=item initialiased
1177 struct my_io w;
1178 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
1179 1390
1180And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you 1391Before a watcher can be registered with the event loop it has to be
1181can cast it back to your own type: 1392initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to
1393C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function.
1182 1394
1183 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents) 1395In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for
1184 { 1396use in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at
1185 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 1397will - as long as you either keep the memory contents intact, or call
1186 ... 1398C<ev_TYPE_init> again.
1187 }
1188 1399
1189More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type 1400=item started/running/active
1190instead have been omitted.
1191 1401
1192Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple 1402Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes
1193embedded watchers: 1403property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in
1404this state it cannot be accessed (except in a few documented ways), moved,
1405freed or anything else - the only legal thing is to keep a pointer to it,
1406and call libev functions on it that are documented to work on active watchers.
1194 1407
1195 struct my_biggy 1408=item pending
1196 {
1197 int some_data;
1198 ev_timer t1;
1199 ev_timer t2;
1200 }
1201 1409
1202In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more 1410If a watcher is active and libev determines that an event it is interested
1203complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct 1411in has occurred (such as a timer expiring), it will become pending. It will
1204in the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies), or you need to use 1412stay in this pending state until either it is stopped or its callback is
1205some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for real 1413about to be invoked, so it is not normally pending inside the watcher
1206programmers): 1414callback.
1207 1415
1208 #include <stddef.h> 1416The watcher might or might not be active while it is pending (for example,
1417an expired non-repeating timer can be pending but no longer active). If it
1418is stopped, it can be freely accessed (e.g. by calling C<ev_TYPE_set>),
1419but it is still property of the event loop at this time, so cannot be
1420moved, freed or reused. And if it is active the rules described in the
1421previous item still apply.
1209 1422
1210 static void 1423It is also possible to feed an event on a watcher that is not active (e.g.
1211 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1424via C<ev_feed_event>), in which case it becomes pending without being
1212 { 1425active.
1213 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1214 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
1215 }
1216 1426
1217 static void 1427=item stopped
1218 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1428
1219 { 1429A watcher can be stopped implicitly by libev (in which case it might still
1220 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *) 1430be pending), or explicitly by calling its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. The
1221 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1431latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless
1222 } 1432of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before
1433freeing it is often a good idea.
1434
1435While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the
1436initialised state, that is, it can be reused, moved, modified in any way
1437you wish (but when you trash the memory block, you need to C<ev_TYPE_init>
1438it again).
1439
1440=back
1223 1441
1224=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS 1442=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS
1225 1443
1226Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small 1444Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small
1227integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation 1445integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation
1270 1488
1271For example, to emulate how many other event libraries handle priorities, 1489For example, to emulate how many other event libraries handle priorities,
1272you can associate an C<ev_idle> watcher to each such watcher, and in 1490you can associate an C<ev_idle> watcher to each such watcher, and in
1273the normal watcher callback, you just start the idle watcher. The real 1491the normal watcher callback, you just start the idle watcher. The real
1274processing is done in the idle watcher callback. This causes libev to 1492processing is done in the idle watcher callback. This causes libev to
1275continously poll and process kernel event data for the watcher, but when 1493continuously poll and process kernel event data for the watcher, but when
1276the lock-out case is known to be rare (which in turn is rare :), this is 1494the lock-out case is known to be rare (which in turn is rare :), this is
1277workable. 1495workable.
1278 1496
1279Usually, however, the lock-out model implemented that way will perform 1497Usually, however, the lock-out model implemented that way will perform
1280miserably under the type of load it was designed to handle. In that case, 1498miserably under the type of load it was designed to handle. In that case,
1294 { 1512 {
1295 // stop the I/O watcher, we received the event, but 1513 // stop the I/O watcher, we received the event, but
1296 // are not yet ready to handle it. 1514 // are not yet ready to handle it.
1297 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 1515 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
1298 1516
1299 // start the idle watcher to ahndle the actual event. 1517 // start the idle watcher to handle the actual event.
1300 // it will not be executed as long as other watchers 1518 // it will not be executed as long as other watchers
1301 // with the default priority are receiving events. 1519 // with the default priority are receiving events.
1302 ev_idle_start (EV_A_ &idle); 1520 ev_idle_start (EV_A_ &idle);
1303 } 1521 }
1304 1522
1354In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 1572In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
1355fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 1573fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
1356descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1574descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
1357required if you know what you are doing). 1575required if you know what you are doing).
1358 1576
1359If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a
1360known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
1361C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). The same applies to file
1362descriptors for which non-blocking operation makes no sense (such as
1363files) - libev doesn't guarentee any specific behaviour in that case.
1364
1365Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1577Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1366receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might 1578receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is, your callback might
1367be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1579be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
1368because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1580because there is no data. It is very easy to get into this situation even
1369lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into 1581with a relatively standard program structure. Thus it is best to always
1370this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1582use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning C<EAGAIN> is far
1371it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
1372C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 1583preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
1373 1584
1374If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should 1585If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should
1375not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately 1586not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately
1376re-test whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good 1587re-test whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good
1377interface such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already 1588interface such as poll (fortunately in the case of Xlib, it already does
1378does this on its own, so its quite safe to use). Some people additionally 1589this on its own, so its quite safe to use). Some people additionally
1379use C<SIGALRM> and an interval timer, just to be sure you won't block 1590use C<SIGALRM> and an interval timer, just to be sure you won't block
1380indefinitely. 1591indefinitely.
1381 1592
1382But really, best use non-blocking mode. 1593But really, best use non-blocking mode.
1383 1594
1411 1622
1412There is no workaround possible except not registering events 1623There is no workaround possible except not registering events
1413for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to 1624for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to
1414C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 1625C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1415 1626
1627=head3 The special problem of files
1628
1629Many people try to use C<select> (or libev) on file descriptors
1630representing files, and expect it to become ready when their program
1631doesn't block on disk accesses (which can take a long time on their own).
1632
1633However, this cannot ever work in the "expected" way - you get a readiness
1634notification as soon as the kernel knows whether and how much data is
1635there, and in the case of open files, that's always the case, so you
1636always get a readiness notification instantly, and your read (or possibly
1637write) will still block on the disk I/O.
1638
1639Another way to view it is that in the case of sockets, pipes, character
1640devices and so on, there is another party (the sender) that delivers data
1641on its own, but in the case of files, there is no such thing: the disk
1642will not send data on its own, simply because it doesn't know what you
1643wish to read - you would first have to request some data.
1644
1645Since files are typically not-so-well supported by advanced notification
1646mechanism, libev tries hard to emulate POSIX behaviour with respect
1647to files, even though you should not use it. The reason for this is
1648convenience: sometimes you want to watch STDIN or STDOUT, which is
1649usually a tty, often a pipe, but also sometimes files or special devices
1650(for example, C<epoll> on Linux works with F</dev/random> but not with
1651F</dev/urandom>), and even though the file might better be served with
1652asynchronous I/O instead of with non-blocking I/O, it is still useful when
1653it "just works" instead of freezing.
1654
1655So avoid file descriptors pointing to files when you know it (e.g. use
1656libeio), but use them when it is convenient, e.g. for STDIN/STDOUT, or
1657when you rarely read from a file instead of from a socket, and want to
1658reuse the same code path.
1659
1416=head3 The special problem of fork 1660=head3 The special problem of fork
1417 1661
1418Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit 1662Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit
1419useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about 1663useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about
1420it in the child. 1664it in the child if you want to continue to use it in the child.
1421 1665
1422To support fork in your programs, you either have to call 1666To support fork in your child processes, you have to call C<ev_loop_fork
1423C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child, 1667()> after a fork in the child, enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to
1424enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or 1668C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1425C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1426 1669
1427=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE 1670=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1428 1671
1429While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about C<SIGPIPE>: 1672While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about C<SIGPIPE>:
1430when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets 1673when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets
1433 1676
1434So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you 1677So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1435ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon 1678ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1436somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue). 1679somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1437 1680
1681=head3 The special problem of accept()ing when you can't
1682
1683Many implementations of the POSIX C<accept> function (for example,
1684found in post-2004 Linux) have the peculiar behaviour of not removing a
1685connection from the pending queue in all error cases.
1686
1687For example, larger servers often run out of file descriptors (because
1688of resource limits), causing C<accept> to fail with C<ENFILE> but not
1689rejecting the connection, leading to libev signalling readiness on
1690the next iteration again (the connection still exists after all), and
1691typically causing the program to loop at 100% CPU usage.
1692
1693Unfortunately, the set of errors that cause this issue differs between
1694operating systems, there is usually little the app can do to remedy the
1695situation, and no known thread-safe method of removing the connection to
1696cope with overload is known (to me).
1697
1698One of the easiest ways to handle this situation is to just ignore it
1699- when the program encounters an overload, it will just loop until the
1700situation is over. While this is a form of busy waiting, no OS offers an
1701event-based way to handle this situation, so it's the best one can do.
1702
1703A better way to handle the situation is to log any errors other than
1704C<EAGAIN> and C<EWOULDBLOCK>, making sure not to flood the log with such
1705messages, and continue as usual, which at least gives the user an idea of
1706what could be wrong ("raise the ulimit!"). For extra points one could stop
1707the C<ev_io> watcher on the listening fd "for a while", which reduces CPU
1708usage.
1709
1710If your program is single-threaded, then you could also keep a dummy file
1711descriptor for overload situations (e.g. by opening F</dev/null>), and
1712when you run into C<ENFILE> or C<EMFILE>, close it, run C<accept>,
1713close that fd, and create a new dummy fd. This will gracefully refuse
1714clients under typical overload conditions.
1715
1716The last way to handle it is to simply log the error and C<exit>, as
1717is often done with C<malloc> failures, but this results in an easy
1718opportunity for a DoS attack.
1438 1719
1439=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions 1720=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1440 1721
1441=over 4 1722=over 4
1442 1723
1474 ... 1755 ...
1475 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1756 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1476 ev_io stdin_readable; 1757 ev_io stdin_readable;
1477 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1758 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1478 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1759 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1479 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1760 ev_run (loop, 0);
1480 1761
1481 1762
1482=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1763=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1483 1764
1484Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1765Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1490detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1771detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1491monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1772monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1492 1773
1493The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has 1774The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1494passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this 1775passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this
1495might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the 1776might introduce a small delay, see "the special problem of being too
1777early", below). If multiple timers become ready during the same loop
1496same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked 1778iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked before
1497before ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is 1779ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is no
1498no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_loop> recursively). 1780longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1499 1781
1500=head3 Be smart about timeouts 1782=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1501 1783
1502Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error 1784Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1503recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs, 1785recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1578 1860
1579In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone, 1861In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone,
1580but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only 1862but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only
1581within the callback: 1863within the callback:
1582 1864
1865 ev_tstamp timeout = 60.;
1583 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity 1866 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity
1867 ev_timer timer;
1584 1868
1585 static void 1869 static void
1586 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1870 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1587 { 1871 {
1588 ev_tstamp now = ev_now (EV_A); 1872 // calculate when the timeout would happen
1589 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.; 1873 ev_tstamp after = last_activity - ev_now (EV_A) + timeout;
1590 1874
1591 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out 1875 // if negative, it means we the timeout already occured
1592 if (timeout < now) 1876 if (after < 0.)
1593 { 1877 {
1594 // timeout occured, take action 1878 // timeout occurred, take action
1595 } 1879 }
1596 else 1880 else
1597 { 1881 {
1598 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm 1882 // callback was invoked, but there was some recent
1599 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is 1883 // activity. simply restart the timer to time out
1600 // guaranteed to be in the future, so "again" is positive: 1884 // after "after" seconds, which is the earliest time
1601 w->repeat = timeout - now; 1885 // the timeout can occur.
1886 ev_timer_set (w, after, 0.);
1602 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ w); 1887 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ w);
1603 } 1888 }
1604 } 1889 }
1605 1890
1606To summarise the callback: first calculate the real timeout (defined 1891To summarise the callback: first calculate in how many seconds the
1607as "60 seconds after the last activity"), then check if that time has 1892timeout will occur (by calculating the absolute time when it would occur,
1608been reached, which means something I<did>, in fact, time out. Otherwise 1893C<last_activity + timeout>, and subtracting the current time, C<ev_now
1609the callback was invoked too early (C<timeout> is in the future), so 1894(EV_A)> from that).
1610re-schedule the timer to fire at that future time, to see if maybe we have
1611a timeout then.
1612 1895
1613Note how C<ev_timer_again> is used, taking advantage of the 1896If this value is negative, then we are already past the timeout, i.e. we
1614C<ev_timer_again> optimisation when the timer is already running. 1897timed out, and need to do whatever is needed in this case.
1898
1899Otherwise, we now the earliest time at which the timeout would trigger,
1900and simply start the timer with this timeout value.
1901
1902In other words, each time the callback is invoked it will check whether
1903the timeout cocured. If not, it will simply reschedule itself to check
1904again at the earliest time it could time out. Rinse. Repeat.
1615 1905
1616This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds 1906This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds
1617minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to 1907minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to
1618libev to change the timeout. 1908libev to change the timeout.
1619 1909
1620To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity> 1910To start the machinery, simply initialise the watcher and set
1621to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the 1911C<last_activity> to the current time (meaning there was some activity just
1622callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer: 1912now), then call the callback, which will "do the right thing" and start
1913the timer:
1623 1914
1915 last_activity = ev_now (EV_A);
1624 ev_init (timer, callback); 1916 ev_init (&timer, callback);
1625 last_activity = ev_now (loop); 1917 callback (EV_A_ &timer, 0);
1626 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMEOUT);
1627 1918
1628And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in 1919When there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1629C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all: 1920C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1630 1921
1922 if (activity detected)
1631 last_actiivty = ev_now (loop); 1923 last_activity = ev_now (EV_A);
1924
1925When your timeout value changes, then the timeout can be changed by simply
1926providing a new value, stopping the timer and calling the callback, which
1927will agaion do the right thing (for example, time out immediately :).
1928
1929 timeout = new_value;
1930 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &timer);
1931 callback (EV_A_ &timer, 0);
1632 1932
1633This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the 1933This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1634time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient. 1934time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1635
1636Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1637callback :) - just change the timeout and invoke the callback, which will
1638fix things for you.
1639 1935
1640=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts. 1936=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts.
1641 1937
1642If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all 1938If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all
1643employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can 1939employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can
1670Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is 1966Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is
1671rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays 1967rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays
1672off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually 1968off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually
1673overkill :) 1969overkill :)
1674 1970
1971=head3 The special problem of being too early
1972
1973If you ask a timer to call your callback after three seconds, then
1974you expect it to be invoked after three seconds - but of course, this
1975cannot be guaranteed to infinite precision. Less obviously, it cannot be
1976guaranteed to any precision by libev - imagine somebody suspending the
1977process with a STOP signal for a few hours for example.
1978
1979So, libev tries to invoke your callback as soon as possible I<after> the
1980delay has occurred, but cannot guarantee this.
1981
1982A less obvious failure mode is calling your callback too early: many event
1983loops compare timestamps with a "elapsed delay >= requested delay", but
1984this can cause your callback to be invoked much earlier than you would
1985expect.
1986
1987To see why, imagine a system with a clock that only offers full second
1988resolution (think windows if you can't come up with a broken enough OS
1989yourself). If you schedule a one-second timer at the time 500.9, then the
1990event loop will schedule your timeout to elapse at a system time of 500
1991(500.9 truncated to the resolution) + 1, or 501.
1992
1993If an event library looks at the timeout 0.1s later, it will see "501 >=
1994501" and invoke the callback 0.1s after it was started, even though a
1995one-second delay was requested - this is being "too early", despite best
1996intentions.
1997
1998This is the reason why libev will never invoke the callback if the elapsed
1999delay equals the requested delay, but only when the elapsed delay is
2000larger than the requested delay. In the example above, libev would only invoke
2001the callback at system time 502, or 1.1s after the timer was started.
2002
2003So, while libev cannot guarantee that your callback will be invoked
2004exactly when requested, it I<can> and I<does> guarantee that the requested
2005delay has actually elapsed, or in other words, it always errs on the "too
2006late" side of things.
2007
1675=head3 The special problem of time updates 2008=head3 The special problem of time updates
1676 2009
1677Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at 2010Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes
1678least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current 2011at least one system call): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1679time only before and after C<ev_loop> collects new events, which causes a 2012time only before and after C<ev_run> collects new events, which causes a
1680growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling 2013growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1681lots of events in one iteration. 2014lots of events in one iteration.
1682 2015
1683The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 2016The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1684time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 2017time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1690 2023
1691If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an 2024If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
1692update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update 2025update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
1693()>. 2026()>.
1694 2027
2028=head3 The special problem of unsynchronised clocks
2029
2030Modern systems have a variety of clocks - libev itself uses the normal
2031"wall clock" clock and, if available, the monotonic clock (to avoid time
2032jumps).
2033
2034Neither of these clocks is synchronised with each other or any other clock
2035on the system, so C<ev_time ()> might return a considerably different time
2036than C<gettimeofday ()> or C<time ()>. On a GNU/Linux system, for example,
2037a call to C<gettimeofday> might return a second count that is one higher
2038than a directly following call to C<time>.
2039
2040The moral of this is to only compare libev-related timestamps with
2041C<ev_time ()> and C<ev_now ()>, at least if you want better precision than
2042a second or so.
2043
2044One more problem arises due to this lack of synchronisation: if libev uses
2045the system monotonic clock and you compare timestamps from C<ev_time>
2046or C<ev_now> from when you started your timer and when your callback is
2047invoked, you will find that sometimes the callback is a bit "early".
2048
2049This is because C<ev_timer>s work in real time, not wall clock time, so
2050libev makes sure your callback is not invoked before the delay happened,
2051I<measured according to the real time>, not the system clock.
2052
2053If your timeouts are based on a physical timescale (e.g. "time out this
2054connection after 100 seconds") then this shouldn't bother you as it is
2055exactly the right behaviour.
2056
2057If you want to compare wall clock/system timestamps to your timers, then
2058you need to use C<ev_periodic>s, as these are based on the wall clock
2059time, where your comparisons will always generate correct results.
2060
2061=head3 The special problems of suspended animation
2062
2063When you leave the server world it is quite customary to hit machines that
2064can suspend/hibernate - what happens to the clocks during such a suspend?
2065
2066Some quick tests made with a Linux 2.6.28 indicate that a suspend freezes
2067all processes, while the clocks (C<times>, C<CLOCK_MONOTONIC>) continue
2068to run until the system is suspended, but they will not advance while the
2069system is suspended. That means, on resume, it will be as if the program
2070was frozen for a few seconds, but the suspend time will not be counted
2071towards C<ev_timer> when a monotonic clock source is used. The real time
2072clock advanced as expected, but if it is used as sole clocksource, then a
2073long suspend would be detected as a time jump by libev, and timers would
2074be adjusted accordingly.
2075
2076I would not be surprised to see different behaviour in different between
2077operating systems, OS versions or even different hardware.
2078
2079The other form of suspend (job control, or sending a SIGSTOP) will see a
2080time jump in the monotonic clocks and the realtime clock. If the program
2081is suspended for a very long time, and monotonic clock sources are in use,
2082then you can expect C<ev_timer>s to expire as the full suspension time
2083will be counted towards the timers. When no monotonic clock source is in
2084use, then libev will again assume a timejump and adjust accordingly.
2085
2086It might be beneficial for this latter case to call C<ev_suspend>
2087and C<ev_resume> in code that handles C<SIGTSTP>, to at least get
2088deterministic behaviour in this case (you can do nothing against
2089C<SIGSTOP>).
2090
1695=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2091=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1696 2092
1697=over 4 2093=over 4
1698 2094
1699=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 2095=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1712keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to 2108keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to
1713do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 2109do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
1714 2110
1715=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *) 2111=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
1716 2112
1717This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 2113This will act as if the timer timed out and restarts it again if it is
1718repeating. The exact semantics are: 2114repeating. The exact semantics are:
1719 2115
1720If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 2116If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1721 2117
1722If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 2118If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1724If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 2120If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1725C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 2121C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1726 2122
1727This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a 2123This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a
1728usage example. 2124usage example.
2125
2126=item ev_tstamp ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *)
2127
2128Returns the remaining time until a timer fires. If the timer is active,
2129then this time is relative to the current event loop time, otherwise it's
2130the timeout value currently configured.
2131
2132That is, after an C<ev_timer_set (w, 5, 7)>, C<ev_timer_remaining> returns
2133C<5>. When the timer is started and one second passes, C<ev_timer_remaining>
2134will return C<4>. When the timer expires and is restarted, it will return
2135roughly C<7> (likely slightly less as callback invocation takes some time,
2136too), and so on.
1729 2137
1730=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 2138=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1731 2139
1732The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 2140The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1733or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any), 2141or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any),
1759 } 2167 }
1760 2168
1761 ev_timer mytimer; 2169 ev_timer mytimer;
1762 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 2170 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1763 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 2171 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1764 ev_loop (loop, 0); 2172 ev_run (loop, 0);
1765 2173
1766 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 2174 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1767 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 2175 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1768 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 2176 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1769 2177
1795 2203
1796As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the 2204As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1797point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple 2205point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple
1798timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with 2206timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with
1799earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values 2207earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values
1800(but this is no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_loop> recursively). 2208(but this is no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1801 2209
1802=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2210=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1803 2211
1804=over 4 2212=over 4
1805 2213
1840 2248
1841Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 2249Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1842C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 2250C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1843time where C<time = offset (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 2251time where C<time = offset (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1844 2252
1845For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<offset> value is near 2253The C<interval> I<MUST> be positive, and for numerical stability, the
1846C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for 2254interval value should be higher than C<1/8192> (which is around 100
1847this value, and in fact is often specified as zero. 2255microseconds) and C<offset> should be higher than C<0> and should have
2256at most a similar magnitude as the current time (say, within a factor of
2257ten). Typical values for offset are, in fact, C<0> or something between
2258C<0> and C<interval>, which is also the recommended range.
1848 2259
1849Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU 2260Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
1850speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability 2261speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
1851will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one 2262will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
1852millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough). 2263millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
1933Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 2344Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1934system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 2345system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1935potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability. 2346potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1936 2347
1937 static void 2348 static void
1938 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2349 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_periodic *w, int revents)
1939 { 2350 {
1940 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 2351 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1941 } 2352 }
1942 2353
1943 ev_periodic hourly_tick; 2354 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1966 2377
1967=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 2378=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
1968 2379
1969Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 2380Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1970signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 2381signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
1971will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 2382will try its best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
1972normal event processing, like any other event. 2383normal event processing, like any other event.
1973 2384
1974If you want signals asynchronously, just use C<sigaction> as you would 2385If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use
1975do without libev and forget about sharing the signal. You can even use 2386C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing
1976C<ev_async> from a signal handler to synchronously wake up an event loop. 2387the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to
2388synchronously wake up an event loop.
1977 2389
1978You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the 2390You can configure as many watchers as you like for the same signal, but
2391only within the same loop, i.e. you can watch for C<SIGINT> in your
2392default loop and for C<SIGIO> in another loop, but you cannot watch for
2393C<SIGINT> in both the default loop and another loop at the same time. At
2394the moment, C<SIGCHLD> is permanently tied to the default loop.
2395
1979first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal handler 2396When the first watcher gets started will libev actually register something
1980with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as 2397with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as
1981you don't register any with libev for the same signal). Similarly, when 2398you don't register any with libev for the same signal).
1982the last signal watcher for a signal is stopped, libev will reset the
1983signal handler to SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1984 2399
1985If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with 2400If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1986C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly 2401C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should
1987interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by 2402not be unduly interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting
1988signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock 2403interrupted by signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher
1989them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher. 2404and unblock them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
2405
2406=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create
2407
2408Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition
2409(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after
2410stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal,
2411and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler (but
2412see C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK>).
2413
2414While this does not matter for the signal disposition (libev never
2415sets signals to C<SIG_IGN>, so handlers will be reset to C<SIG_DFL> on
2416C<execve>), this matters for the signal mask: many programs do not expect
2417certain signals to be blocked.
2418
2419This means that before calling C<exec> (from the child) you should reset
2420the signal mask to whatever "default" you expect (all clear is a good
2421choice usually).
2422
2423The simplest way to ensure that the signal mask is reset in the child is
2424to install a fork handler with C<pthread_atfork> that resets it. That will
2425catch fork calls done by libraries (such as the libc) as well.
2426
2427In current versions of libev, the signal will not be blocked indefinitely
2428unless you use the C<signalfd> API (C<EV_SIGNALFD>). While this reduces
2429the window of opportunity for problems, it will not go away, as libev
2430I<has> to modify the signal mask, at least temporarily.
2431
2432So I can't stress this enough: I<If you do not reset your signal mask when
2433you expect it to be empty, you have a race condition in your code>. This
2434is not a libev-specific thing, this is true for most event libraries.
2435
2436=head3 The special problem of threads signal handling
2437
2438POSIX threads has problematic signal handling semantics, specifically,
2439a lot of functionality (sigfd, sigwait etc.) only really works if all
2440threads in a process block signals, which is hard to achieve.
2441
2442When you want to use sigwait (or mix libev signal handling with your own
2443for the same signals), you can tackle this problem by globally blocking
2444all signals before creating any threads (or creating them with a fully set
2445sigprocmask) and also specifying the C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK> when creating
2446loops. Then designate one thread as "signal receiver thread" which handles
2447these signals. You can pass on any signals that libev might be interested
2448in by calling C<ev_feed_signal>.
1990 2449
1991=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2450=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1992 2451
1993=over 4 2452=over 4
1994 2453
2010Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT. 2469Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
2011 2470
2012 static void 2471 static void
2013 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents) 2472 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
2014 { 2473 {
2015 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 2474 ev_break (loop, EVBREAK_ALL);
2016 } 2475 }
2017 2476
2018 ev_signal signal_watcher; 2477 ev_signal signal_watcher;
2019 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 2478 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
2020 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher); 2479 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
2039libev) 2498libev)
2040 2499
2041=head3 Process Interaction 2500=head3 Process Interaction
2042 2501
2043Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is 2502Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
2044initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if 2503initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if the
2045the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence 2504first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
2046of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done 2505of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
2047synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all 2506synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
2048children, even ones not watched. 2507children, even ones not watched.
2049 2508
2050=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing 2509=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
2060=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher 2519=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
2061 2520
2062Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the 2521Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
2063child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the 2522child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
2064callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically 2523callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
2065when a child exit is detected. 2524when a child exit is detected (calling C<ev_child_stop> twice is not a
2525problem).
2066 2526
2067=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2527=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2068 2528
2069=over 4 2529=over 4
2070 2530
2405 2865
2406Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs: 2866Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
2407prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2867prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
2408afterwards. 2868afterwards.
2409 2869
2410You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter 2870You I<must not> call C<ev_run> or similar functions that enter
2411the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 2871the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
2412watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The 2872watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The
2413rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in 2873rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in
2414those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking, 2874those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,
2415C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be 2875C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
2583 3043
2584 if (timeout >= 0) 3044 if (timeout >= 0)
2585 // create/start timer 3045 // create/start timer
2586 3046
2587 // poll 3047 // poll
2588 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 3048 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
2589 3049
2590 // stop timer again 3050 // stop timer again
2591 if (timeout >= 0) 3051 if (timeout >= 0)
2592 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 3052 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
2593 3053
2671if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 3131if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
2672 3132
2673=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 3133=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2674 3134
2675Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 3135Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2676similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 3136similarly to C<ev_run (embedded_loop, EVRUN_NOWAIT)>, but in the most
2677appropriate way for embedded loops. 3137appropriate way for embedded loops.
2678 3138
2679=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 3139=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2680 3140
2681The embedded event loop. 3141The embedded event loop.
2741C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 3201C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
2742handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 3202handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
2743 3203
2744=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible? 3204=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible?
2745 3205
2746Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to ste 3206Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to set
2747up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This 3207up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This
2748sequence should be handled by libev without any problems. 3208sequence should be handled by libev without any problems.
2749 3209
2750This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling 3210This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling
2751in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the 3211in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the
2767disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support 3227disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support
2768signal watchers). 3228signal watchers).
2769 3229
2770When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for 3230When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for
2771other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call 3231other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call
2772C<ev_default_destroy ()> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>. Destroying 3232C<ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT)> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>.
2773the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered watchers, so you 3233Destroying the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered
2774have to be careful not to execute code that modifies those watchers. Note 3234watchers, so you have to be careful not to execute code that modifies
2775also that in that case, you have to re-register any signal watchers. 3235those watchers. Note also that in that case, you have to re-register any
3236signal watchers.
2776 3237
2777=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 3238=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2778 3239
2779=over 4 3240=over 4
2780 3241
2781=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 3242=item ev_fork_init (ev_fork *, callback)
2782 3243
2783Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 3244Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
2784kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 3245kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2785believe me. 3246really.
2786 3247
2787=back 3248=back
2788 3249
2789 3250
3251=head2 C<ev_cleanup> - even the best things end
3252
3253Cleanup watchers are called just before the event loop is being destroyed
3254by a call to C<ev_loop_destroy>.
3255
3256While there is no guarantee that the event loop gets destroyed, cleanup
3257watchers provide a convenient method to install cleanup hooks for your
3258program, worker threads and so on - you just to make sure to destroy the
3259loop when you want them to be invoked.
3260
3261Cleanup watchers are invoked in the same way as any other watcher. Unlike
3262all other watchers, they do not keep a reference to the event loop (which
3263makes a lot of sense if you think about it). Like all other watchers, you
3264can call libev functions in the callback, except C<ev_cleanup_start>.
3265
3266=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
3267
3268=over 4
3269
3270=item ev_cleanup_init (ev_cleanup *, callback)
3271
3272Initialises and configures the cleanup watcher - it has no parameters of
3273any kind. There is a C<ev_cleanup_set> macro, but using it is utterly
3274pointless, I assure you.
3275
3276=back
3277
3278Example: Register an atexit handler to destroy the default loop, so any
3279cleanup functions are called.
3280
3281 static void
3282 program_exits (void)
3283 {
3284 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
3285 }
3286
3287 ...
3288 atexit (program_exits);
3289
3290
2790=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up another event loop 3291=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop
2791 3292
2792In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other 3293In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other
2793asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event 3294asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
2794loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads). 3295loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
2795 3296
2796Sometimes, however, you need to wake up another event loop you do not 3297Sometimes, however, you need to wake up an event loop you do not control,
2797control, for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what 3298for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what C<ev_async>
2798C<ev_async> watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you 3299watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you can signal
2799can signal it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal 3300it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe.
2800safe.
2801 3301
2802This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals, 3302This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
2803too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed 3303too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
2804(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of 3304(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
2805C<ev_async_sent> calls). 3305C<ev_async_sent> calls). In fact, you could use signal watchers as a kind
2806 3306of "global async watchers" by using a watcher on an otherwise unused
2807Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not 3307signal, and C<ev_feed_signal> to signal this watcher from another thread,
2808just the default loop. 3308even without knowing which loop owns the signal.
2809 3309
2810=head3 Queueing 3310=head3 Queueing
2811 3311
2812C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason 3312C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
2813is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a 3313is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
2814multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't 3314multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2815need elaborate support such as pthreads. 3315need elaborate support such as pthreads or unportable memory access
3316semantics.
2816 3317
2817That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own 3318That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own
2818queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your 3319queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your
2819queue: 3320queue:
2820 3321
2904trust me. 3405trust me.
2905 3406
2906=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *) 3407=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2907 3408
2908Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds 3409Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2909an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike 3410an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop, and instantly
3411returns.
3412
2910C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or 3413Unlike C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads,
2911similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding 3414signal or similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the
2912section below on what exactly this means). 3415embedding section below on what exactly this means).
2913 3416
2914Note that, as with other watchers in libev, multiple events might get 3417Note that, as with other watchers in libev, multiple events might get
2915compressed into a single callback invocation (another way to look at this 3418compressed into a single callback invocation (another way to look at
2916is that C<ev_async> watchers are level-triggered, set on C<ev_async_send>, 3419this is that C<ev_async> watchers are level-triggered: they are set on
2917reset when the event loop detects that). 3420C<ev_async_send>, reset when the event loop detects that).
2918 3421
2919This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per event loop 3422This call incurs the overhead of at most one extra system call per event
2920iteration, so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to 3423loop iteration, if the event loop is blocked, and no syscall at all if
2921repeated calls to C<ev_async_send> for the same event loop. 3424the event loop (or your program) is processing events. That means that
3425repeated calls are basically free (there is no need to avoid calls for
3426performance reasons) and that the overhead becomes smaller (typically
3427zero) under load.
2922 3428
2923=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *) 3429=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
2924 3430
2925Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the 3431Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
2926watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the 3432watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
2959 3465
2960If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 3466If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
2961started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 3467started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
2962repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout. 3468repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout.
2963 3469
2964The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 3470The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and is
2965passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 3471passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
2966C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg> 3472C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMER>) and the C<arg>
2967value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both> 3473value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both>
2968a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io 3474a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io
2969events precedence. 3475events precedence.
2970 3476
2971Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO. 3477Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO.
2972 3478
2973 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 3479 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2974 { 3480 {
2975 if (revents & EV_READ) 3481 if (revents & EV_READ)
2976 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 3482 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2977 else if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 3483 else if (revents & EV_TIMER)
2978 /* doh, nothing entered */; 3484 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2979 } 3485 }
2980 3486
2981 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 3487 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2982 3488
2983=item ev_feed_event (struct ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2984
2985Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
2986had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
2987initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).
2988
2989=item ev_feed_fd_event (struct ev_loop *, int fd, int revents) 3489=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents)
2990 3490
2991Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 3491Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2992the given events it. 3492the given events.
2993 3493
2994=item ev_feed_signal_event (struct ev_loop *loop, int signum) 3494=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum)
2995 3495
2996Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default 3496Feed an event as if the given signal occurred. See also C<ev_feed_signal>,
2997loop!). 3497which is async-safe.
2998 3498
2999=back 3499=back
3500
3501
3502=head1 COMMON OR USEFUL IDIOMS (OR BOTH)
3503
3504This section explains some common idioms that are not immediately
3505obvious. Note that examples are sprinkled over the whole manual, and this
3506section only contains stuff that wouldn't fit anywhere else.
3507
3508=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
3509
3510Each watcher has, by default, a C<void *data> member that you can read
3511or modify at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
3512to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
3513don't want to allocate memory separately and store a pointer to it in that
3514data member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
3515data:
3516
3517 struct my_io
3518 {
3519 ev_io io;
3520 int otherfd;
3521 void *somedata;
3522 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
3523 };
3524
3525 ...
3526 struct my_io w;
3527 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
3528
3529And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
3530can cast it back to your own type:
3531
3532 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
3533 {
3534 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
3535 ...
3536 }
3537
3538More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback
3539function type instead have been omitted.
3540
3541=head2 BUILDING YOUR OWN COMPOSITE WATCHERS
3542
3543Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
3544embedded watchers, in effect creating your own watcher that combines
3545multiple libev event sources into one "super-watcher":
3546
3547 struct my_biggy
3548 {
3549 int some_data;
3550 ev_timer t1;
3551 ev_timer t2;
3552 }
3553
3554In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
3555complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct in
3556the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies or C++ coders), or you need
3557to use some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for
3558real programmers):
3559
3560 #include <stddef.h>
3561
3562 static void
3563 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
3564 {
3565 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
3566 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
3567 }
3568
3569 static void
3570 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
3571 {
3572 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
3573 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
3574 }
3575
3576=head2 AVOIDING FINISHING BEFORE RETURNING
3577
3578Often you have structures like this in event-based programs:
3579
3580 callback ()
3581 {
3582 free (request);
3583 }
3584
3585 request = start_new_request (..., callback);
3586
3587The intent is to start some "lengthy" operation. The C<request> could be
3588used to cancel the operation, or do other things with it.
3589
3590It's not uncommon to have code paths in C<start_new_request> that
3591immediately invoke the callback, for example, to report errors. Or you add
3592some caching layer that finds that it can skip the lengthy aspects of the
3593operation and simply invoke the callback with the result.
3594
3595The problem here is that this will happen I<before> C<start_new_request>
3596has returned, so C<request> is not set.
3597
3598Even if you pass the request by some safer means to the callback, you
3599might want to do something to the request after starting it, such as
3600canceling it, which probably isn't working so well when the callback has
3601already been invoked.
3602
3603A common way around all these issues is to make sure that
3604C<start_new_request> I<always> returns before the callback is invoked. If
3605C<start_new_request> immediately knows the result, it can artificially
3606delay invoking the callback by e.g. using a C<prepare> or C<idle> watcher
3607for example, or more sneakily, by reusing an existing (stopped) watcher
3608and pushing it into the pending queue:
3609
3610 ev_set_cb (watcher, callback);
3611 ev_feed_event (EV_A_ watcher, 0);
3612
3613This way, C<start_new_request> can safely return before the callback is
3614invoked, while not delaying callback invocation too much.
3615
3616=head2 MODEL/NESTED EVENT LOOP INVOCATIONS AND EXIT CONDITIONS
3617
3618Often (especially in GUI toolkits) there are places where you have
3619I<modal> interaction, which is most easily implemented by recursively
3620invoking C<ev_run>.
3621
3622This brings the problem of exiting - a callback might want to finish the
3623main C<ev_run> call, but not the nested one (e.g. user clicked "Quit", but
3624a modal "Are you sure?" dialog is still waiting), or just the nested one
3625and not the main one (e.g. user clocked "Ok" in a modal dialog), or some
3626other combination: In these cases, C<ev_break> will not work alone.
3627
3628The solution is to maintain "break this loop" variable for each C<ev_run>
3629invocation, and use a loop around C<ev_run> until the condition is
3630triggered, using C<EVRUN_ONCE>:
3631
3632 // main loop
3633 int exit_main_loop = 0;
3634
3635 while (!exit_main_loop)
3636 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3637
3638 // in a model watcher
3639 int exit_nested_loop = 0;
3640
3641 while (!exit_nested_loop)
3642 ev_run (EV_A_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3643
3644To exit from any of these loops, just set the corresponding exit variable:
3645
3646 // exit modal loop
3647 exit_nested_loop = 1;
3648
3649 // exit main program, after modal loop is finished
3650 exit_main_loop = 1;
3651
3652 // exit both
3653 exit_main_loop = exit_nested_loop = 1;
3654
3655=head2 THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE
3656
3657Here is a fictitious example of how to run an event loop in a different
3658thread from where callbacks are being invoked and watchers are
3659created/added/removed.
3660
3661For a real-world example, see the C<EV::Loop::Async> perl module,
3662which uses exactly this technique (which is suited for many high-level
3663languages).
3664
3665The example uses a pthread mutex to protect the loop data, a condition
3666variable to wait for callback invocations, an async watcher to notify the
3667event loop thread and an unspecified mechanism to wake up the main thread.
3668
3669First, you need to associate some data with the event loop:
3670
3671 typedef struct {
3672 mutex_t lock; /* global loop lock */
3673 ev_async async_w;
3674 thread_t tid;
3675 cond_t invoke_cv;
3676 } userdata;
3677
3678 void prepare_loop (EV_P)
3679 {
3680 // for simplicity, we use a static userdata struct.
3681 static userdata u;
3682
3683 ev_async_init (&u->async_w, async_cb);
3684 ev_async_start (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
3685
3686 pthread_mutex_init (&u->lock, 0);
3687 pthread_cond_init (&u->invoke_cv, 0);
3688
3689 // now associate this with the loop
3690 ev_set_userdata (EV_A_ u);
3691 ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (EV_A_ l_invoke);
3692 ev_set_loop_release_cb (EV_A_ l_release, l_acquire);
3693
3694 // then create the thread running ev_run
3695 pthread_create (&u->tid, 0, l_run, EV_A);
3696 }
3697
3698The callback for the C<ev_async> watcher does nothing: the watcher is used
3699solely to wake up the event loop so it takes notice of any new watchers
3700that might have been added:
3701
3702 static void
3703 async_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
3704 {
3705 // just used for the side effects
3706 }
3707
3708The C<l_release> and C<l_acquire> callbacks simply unlock/lock the mutex
3709protecting the loop data, respectively.
3710
3711 static void
3712 l_release (EV_P)
3713 {
3714 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3715 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
3716 }
3717
3718 static void
3719 l_acquire (EV_P)
3720 {
3721 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3722 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
3723 }
3724
3725The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
3726into C<ev_run>:
3727
3728 void *
3729 l_run (void *thr_arg)
3730 {
3731 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg;
3732
3733 l_acquire (EV_A);
3734 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0);
3735 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
3736 l_release (EV_A);
3737
3738 return 0;
3739 }
3740
3741Instead of invoking all pending watchers, the C<l_invoke> callback will
3742signal the main thread via some unspecified mechanism (signals? pipe
3743writes? C<Async::Interrupt>?) and then waits until all pending watchers
3744have been called (in a while loop because a) spurious wakeups are possible
3745and b) skipping inter-thread-communication when there are no pending
3746watchers is very beneficial):
3747
3748 static void
3749 l_invoke (EV_P)
3750 {
3751 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3752
3753 while (ev_pending_count (EV_A))
3754 {
3755 wake_up_other_thread_in_some_magic_or_not_so_magic_way ();
3756 pthread_cond_wait (&u->invoke_cv, &u->lock);
3757 }
3758 }
3759
3760Now, whenever the main thread gets told to invoke pending watchers, it
3761will grab the lock, call C<ev_invoke_pending> and then signal the loop
3762thread to continue:
3763
3764 static void
3765 real_invoke_pending (EV_P)
3766 {
3767 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3768
3769 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
3770 ev_invoke_pending (EV_A);
3771 pthread_cond_signal (&u->invoke_cv);
3772 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
3773 }
3774
3775Whenever you want to start/stop a watcher or do other modifications to an
3776event loop, you will now have to lock:
3777
3778 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
3779 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3780
3781 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
3782
3783 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
3784 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ &timeout_watcher);
3785 ev_async_send (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
3786 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
3787
3788Note that sending the C<ev_async> watcher is required because otherwise
3789an event loop currently blocking in the kernel will have no knowledge
3790about the newly added timer. By waking up the loop it will pick up any new
3791watchers in the next event loop iteration.
3792
3793=head2 THREADS, COROUTINES, CONTINUATIONS, QUEUES... INSTEAD OF CALLBACKS
3794
3795While the overhead of a callback that e.g. schedules a thread is small, it
3796is still an overhead. If you embed libev, and your main usage is with some
3797kind of threads or coroutines, you might want to customise libev so that
3798doesn't need callbacks anymore.
3799
3800Imagine you have coroutines that you can switch to using a function
3801C<switch_to (coro)>, that libev runs in a coroutine called C<libev_coro>
3802and that due to some magic, the currently active coroutine is stored in a
3803global called C<current_coro>. Then you can build your own "wait for libev
3804event" primitive by changing C<EV_CB_DECLARE> and C<EV_CB_INVOKE> (note
3805the differing C<;> conventions):
3806
3807 #define EV_CB_DECLARE(type) struct my_coro *cb;
3808 #define EV_CB_INVOKE(watcher) switch_to ((watcher)->cb)
3809
3810That means instead of having a C callback function, you store the
3811coroutine to switch to in each watcher, and instead of having libev call
3812your callback, you instead have it switch to that coroutine.
3813
3814A coroutine might now wait for an event with a function called
3815C<wait_for_event>. (the watcher needs to be started, as always, but it doesn't
3816matter when, or whether the watcher is active or not when this function is
3817called):
3818
3819 void
3820 wait_for_event (ev_watcher *w)
3821 {
3822 ev_cb_set (w) = current_coro;
3823 switch_to (libev_coro);
3824 }
3825
3826That basically suspends the coroutine inside C<wait_for_event> and
3827continues the libev coroutine, which, when appropriate, switches back to
3828this or any other coroutine. I am sure if you sue this your own :)
3829
3830You can do similar tricks if you have, say, threads with an event queue -
3831instead of storing a coroutine, you store the queue object and instead of
3832switching to a coroutine, you push the watcher onto the queue and notify
3833any waiters.
3834
3835To embed libev, see L<EMBEDDING>, but in short, it's easiest to create two
3836files, F<my_ev.h> and F<my_ev.c> that include the respective libev files:
3837
3838 // my_ev.h
3839 #define EV_CB_DECLARE(type) struct my_coro *cb;
3840 #define EV_CB_INVOKE(watcher) switch_to ((watcher)->cb);
3841 #include "../libev/ev.h"
3842
3843 // my_ev.c
3844 #define EV_H "my_ev.h"
3845 #include "../libev/ev.c"
3846
3847And then use F<my_ev.h> when you would normally use F<ev.h>, and compile
3848F<my_ev.c> into your project. When properly specifying include paths, you
3849can even use F<ev.h> as header file name directly.
3000 3850
3001 3851
3002=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION 3852=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION
3003 3853
3004Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot 3854Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot
3005emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints: 3855emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints:
3006 3856
3007=over 4 3857=over 4
3858
3859=item * Only the libevent-1.4.1-beta API is being emulated.
3860
3861This was the newest libevent version available when libev was implemented,
3862and is still mostly unchanged in 2010.
3008 3863
3009=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual. 3864=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual.
3010 3865
3011=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback, 3866=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback,
3012ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events. 3867ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events.
3018=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 3873=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
3019will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 3874will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
3020is an ev_pri field. 3875is an ev_pri field.
3021 3876
3022=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the 3877=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
3023first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals. 3878base that registered the signal gets the signals.
3024 3879
3025=item * Other members are not supported. 3880=item * Other members are not supported.
3026 3881
3027=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 3882=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
3028to use the libev header file and library. 3883to use the libev header file and library.
3047Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++ 3902Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
3048classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer 3903classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
3049that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if 3904that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
3050you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev). 3905you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
3051 3906
3052Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be 3907Currently, functions, static and non-static member functions and classes
3053used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only 3908with C<operator ()> can be used as callbacks. Other types should be easy
3054need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other 3909to add as long as they only need one additional pointer for context. If
3055types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing 3910you need support for other types of functors please contact the author
3056it). 3911(preferably after implementing it).
3057 3912
3058Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 3913Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
3059 3914
3060=over 4 3915=over 4
3061 3916
3079 3934
3080=over 4 3935=over 4
3081 3936
3082=item ev::TYPE::TYPE () 3937=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
3083 3938
3084=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *) 3939=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (loop)
3085 3940
3086=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 3941=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
3087 3942
3088The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher 3943The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
3089with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>. 3944with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
3122 myclass obj; 3977 myclass obj;
3123 ev::io iow; 3978 ev::io iow;
3124 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 3979 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
3125 3980
3126=item w->set (object *) 3981=item w->set (object *)
3127
3128This is an B<experimental> feature that might go away in a future version.
3129 3982
3130This is a variation of a method callback - leaving out the method to call 3983This is a variation of a method callback - leaving out the method to call
3131will default the method to C<operator ()>, which makes it possible to use 3984will default the method to C<operator ()>, which makes it possible to use
3132functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all 3985functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all
3133the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument 3986the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument
3166Example: Use a plain function as callback. 4019Example: Use a plain function as callback.
3167 4020
3168 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 4021 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
3169 iow.set <io_cb> (); 4022 iow.set <io_cb> ();
3170 4023
3171=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 4024=item w->set (loop)
3172 4025
3173Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 4026Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
3174do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 4027do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
3175 4028
3176=item w->set ([arguments]) 4029=item w->set ([arguments])
3177 4030
3178Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be 4031Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Either this
3179called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 4032method or a suitable start method must be called at least once. Unlike the
3180automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 4033C counterpart, an active watcher gets automatically stopped and restarted
3181method. 4034when reconfiguring it with this method.
3182 4035
3183=item w->start () 4036=item w->start ()
3184 4037
3185Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the 4038Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
3186constructor already stores the event loop. 4039constructor already stores the event loop.
3187 4040
4041=item w->start ([arguments])
4042
4043Instead of calling C<set> and C<start> methods separately, it is often
4044convenient to wrap them in one call. Uses the same type of arguments as
4045the configure C<set> method of the watcher.
4046
3188=item w->stop () 4047=item w->stop ()
3189 4048
3190Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 4049Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
3191 4050
3192=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only) 4051=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
3204 4063
3205=back 4064=back
3206 4065
3207=back 4066=back
3208 4067
3209Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 4068Example: Define a class with two I/O and idle watchers, start the I/O
3210the constructor. 4069watchers in the constructor.
3211 4070
3212 class myclass 4071 class myclass
3213 { 4072 {
3214 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 4073 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
4074 ev::io io2 ; void io2_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3215 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 4075 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
3216 4076
3217 myclass (int fd) 4077 myclass (int fd)
3218 { 4078 {
3219 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 4079 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
4080 io2 .set <myclass, &myclass::io2_cb > (this);
3220 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 4081 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
3221 4082
3222 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 4083 io.set (fd, ev::WRITE); // configure the watcher
4084 io.start (); // start it whenever convenient
4085
4086 io2.start (fd, ev::READ); // set + start in one call
3223 } 4087 }
3224 }; 4088 };
3225 4089
3226 4090
3227=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS 4091=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
3266L<http://hackage.haskell.org/cgi-bin/hackage-scripts/package/hlibev>. 4130L<http://hackage.haskell.org/cgi-bin/hackage-scripts/package/hlibev>.
3267 4131
3268=item D 4132=item D
3269 4133
3270Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to 4134Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
3271be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>. 4135be found at L<http://www.llucax.com.ar/proj/ev.d/index.html>.
3272 4136
3273=item Ocaml 4137=item Ocaml
3274 4138
3275Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at 4139Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
3276L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>. 4140L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
4141
4142=item Lua
4143
4144Brian Maher has written a partial interface to libev for lua (at the
4145time of this writing, only C<ev_io> and C<ev_timer>), to be found at
4146L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>.
3277 4147
3278=back 4148=back
3279 4149
3280 4150
3281=head1 MACRO MAGIC 4151=head1 MACRO MAGIC
3295loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 4165loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
3296C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 4166C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
3297 4167
3298 ev_unref (EV_A); 4168 ev_unref (EV_A);
3299 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 4169 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
3300 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 4170 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
3301 4171
3302It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 4172It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
3303which is often provided by the following macro. 4173which is often provided by the following macro.
3304 4174
3305=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 4175=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
3318suitable for use with C<EV_A>. 4188suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
3319 4189
3320=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 4190=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
3321 4191
3322Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 4192Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
3323loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 4193loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). The default loop
4194will be initialised if it isn't already initialised.
4195
4196For non-multiplicity builds, these macros do nothing, so you always have
4197to initialise the loop somewhere.
3324 4198
3325=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_> 4199=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_>
3326 4200
3327Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the 4201Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the
3328default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour 4202default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour
3345 } 4219 }
3346 4220
3347 ev_check check; 4221 ev_check check;
3348 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 4222 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
3349 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 4223 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
3350 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 4224 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
3351 4225
3352=head1 EMBEDDING 4226=head1 EMBEDDING
3353 4227
3354Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 4228Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
3355applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 4229applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
3435 libev.m4 4309 libev.m4
3436 4310
3437=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 4311=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
3438 4312
3439Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to 4313Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
3440define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of 4314define before including (or compiling) any of its files. The default in
3441autoconf is documented for every option. 4315the absence of autoconf is documented for every option.
4316
4317Symbols marked with "(h)" do not change the ABI, and can have different
4318values when compiling libev vs. including F<ev.h>, so it is permissible
4319to redefine them before including F<ev.h> without breaking compatibility
4320to a compiled library. All other symbols change the ABI, which means all
4321users of libev and the libev code itself must be compiled with compatible
4322settings.
3442 4323
3443=over 4 4324=over 4
3444 4325
4326=item EV_COMPAT3 (h)
4327
4328Backwards compatibility is a major concern for libev. This is why this
4329release of libev comes with wrappers for the functions and symbols that
4330have been renamed between libev version 3 and 4.
4331
4332You can disable these wrappers (to test compatibility with future
4333versions) by defining C<EV_COMPAT3> to C<0> when compiling your
4334sources. This has the additional advantage that you can drop the C<struct>
4335from C<struct ev_loop> declarations, as libev will provide an C<ev_loop>
4336typedef in that case.
4337
4338In some future version, the default for C<EV_COMPAT3> will become C<0>,
4339and in some even more future version the compatibility code will be
4340removed completely.
4341
3445=item EV_STANDALONE 4342=item EV_STANDALONE (h)
3446 4343
3447Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which 4344Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which
3448keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy 4345keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy
3449implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not 4346implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not
3450supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in 4347supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in
3451F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 4348F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
3452 4349
3453In stanbdalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the 4350In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the
3454configuration, but has to be more conservative. 4351configuration, but has to be more conservative.
4352
4353=item EV_USE_FLOOR
4354
4355If defined to be C<1>, libev will use the C<floor ()> function for its
4356periodic reschedule calculations, otherwise libev will fall back on a
4357portable (slower) implementation. If you enable this, you usually have to
4358link against libm or something equivalent. Enabling this when the C<floor>
4359function is not available will fail, so the safe default is to not enable
4360this.
3455 4361
3456=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 4362=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
3457 4363
3458If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 4364If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
3459monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no 4365monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no
3523be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call 4429be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call
3524C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise, 4430C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise,
3525it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even 4431it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
3526on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms. 4432on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.
3527 4433
3528=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE 4434=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE(fd)
3529 4435
3530If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map 4436If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map
3531file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the 4437file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the
3532default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually 4438default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually
3533correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management, 4439correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management,
3534in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles. 4440in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles.
4441
4442=item EV_WIN32_HANDLE_TO_FD(handle)
4443
4444If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> then libev maps handles to file descriptors
4445using the standard C<_open_osfhandle> function. For programs implementing
4446their own fd to handle mapping, overwriting this function makes it easier
4447to do so. This can be done by defining this macro to an appropriate value.
4448
4449=item EV_WIN32_CLOSE_FD(fd)
4450
4451If programs implement their own fd to handle mapping on win32, then this
4452macro can be used to override the C<close> function, useful to unregister
4453file descriptors again. Note that the replacement function has to close
4454the underlying OS handle.
3535 4455
3536=item EV_USE_POLL 4456=item EV_USE_POLL
3537 4457
3538If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2) 4458If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
3539backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 4459backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
3578indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled. 4498indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
3579 4499
3580=item EV_ATOMIC_T 4500=item EV_ATOMIC_T
3581 4501
3582Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose 4502Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
3583access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such 4503access is atomic and serialised with respect to other threads or signal
3584type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type 4504contexts. No such type is easily found in the C language, so you can
3585that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking" 4505provide your own type that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used
3586as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers. 4506both for signal handler "locking" as well as for signal and thread safety
4507in C<ev_async> watchers.
3587 4508
3588In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 4509In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
3589(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms. 4510(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms,
4511although strictly speaking using a type that also implies a memory fence
4512is required.
3590 4513
3591=item EV_H 4514=item EV_H (h)
3592 4515
3593The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 4516The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
3594undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be 4517undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be
3595used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 4518used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
3596 4519
3597=item EV_CONFIG_H 4520=item EV_CONFIG_H (h)
3598 4521
3599If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override 4522If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
3600F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to 4523F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
3601C<EV_H>, above. 4524C<EV_H>, above.
3602 4525
3603=item EV_EVENT_H 4526=item EV_EVENT_H (h)
3604 4527
3605Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea 4528Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
3606of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">. 4529of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">.
3607 4530
3608=item EV_PROTOTYPES 4531=item EV_PROTOTYPES (h)
3609 4532
3610If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function 4533If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
3611prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is 4534prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
3612occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions 4535occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions
3613around libev functions. 4536around libev functions.
3618will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 4541will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
3619additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 4542additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
3620for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 4543for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
3621argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 4544argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
3622 4545
4546Note that C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_> will no longer provide a
4547default loop when multiplicity is switched off - you always have to
4548initialise the loop manually in this case.
4549
3623=item EV_MINPRI 4550=item EV_MINPRI
3624 4551
3625=item EV_MAXPRI 4552=item EV_MAXPRI
3626 4553
3627The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to 4554The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
3635fine. 4562fine.
3636 4563
3637If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these 4564If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these
3638both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU. 4565both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
3639 4566
3640=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 4567=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE, EV_IDLE_ENABLE, EV_EMBED_ENABLE, EV_STAT_ENABLE,
4568EV_PREPARE_ENABLE, EV_CHECK_ENABLE, EV_FORK_ENABLE, EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE,
4569EV_ASYNC_ENABLE, EV_CHILD_ENABLE.
3641 4570
3642If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 4571If undefined or defined to be C<1> (and the platform supports it), then
3643defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 4572the respective watcher type is supported. If defined to be C<0>, then it
3644code. 4573is not. Disabling watcher types mainly saves code size.
3645 4574
3646=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE 4575=item EV_FEATURES
3647
3648If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
3649defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
3650code.
3651
3652=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
3653
3654If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
3655defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Embed watchers rely on most other
3656watcher types, which therefore must not be disabled.
3657
3658=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
3659
3660If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
3661defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3662
3663=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
3664
3665If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
3666defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3667
3668=item EV_ASYNC_ENABLE
3669
3670If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then async watchers are supported. If
3671defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3672
3673=item EV_MINIMAL
3674 4576
3675If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 4577If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
3676speed (but with the full API), define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this 4578speed (but with the full API), you can define this symbol to request
3677is used to override some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size 4579certain subsets of functionality. The default is to enable all features
3678on amd64. It also selects a much smaller 2-heap for timer management over 4580that can be enabled on the platform.
3679the default 4-heap.
3680 4581
3681You can save even more by disabling watcher types you do not need and 4582A typical way to use this symbol is to define it to C<0> (or to a bitset
3682setting C<EV_MAXPRI> == C<EV_MINPRI>. 4583with some broad features you want) and then selectively re-enable
4584additional parts you want, for example if you want everything minimal,
4585but multiple event loop support, async and child watchers and the poll
4586backend, use this:
3683 4587
3684Defining C<EV_MINIMAL> to C<2> will additionally reduce the core API to 4588 #define EV_FEATURES 0
3685provide a bare-bones event library. See C<ev.h> for details on what parts 4589 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 1
3686of the API are still available, and do not complain if this subset changes 4590 #define EV_USE_POLL 1
3687over time. 4591 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
4592 #define EV_ASYNC_ENABLE 1
4593
4594The actual value is a bitset, it can be a combination of the following
4595values:
4596
4597=over 4
4598
4599=item C<1> - faster/larger code
4600
4601Use larger code to speed up some operations.
4602
4603Currently this is used to override some inlining decisions (enlarging the
4604code size by roughly 30% on amd64).
4605
4606When optimising for size, use of compiler flags such as C<-Os> with
4607gcc is recommended, as well as C<-DNDEBUG>, as libev contains a number of
4608assertions.
4609
4610=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures
4611
4612Replaces the small 2-heap for timer management by a faster 4-heap, larger
4613hash table sizes and so on. This will usually further increase code size
4614and can additionally have an effect on the size of data structures at
4615runtime.
4616
4617=item C<4> - full API configuration
4618
4619This enables priorities (sets C<EV_MAXPRI>=2 and C<EV_MINPRI>=-2), and
4620enables multiplicity (C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>=1).
4621
4622=item C<8> - full API
4623
4624This enables a lot of the "lesser used" API functions. See C<ev.h> for
4625details on which parts of the API are still available without this
4626feature, and do not complain if this subset changes over time.
4627
4628=item C<16> - enable all optional watcher types
4629
4630Enables all optional watcher types. If you want to selectively enable
4631only some watcher types other than I/O and timers (e.g. prepare,
4632embed, async, child...) you can enable them manually by defining
4633C<EV_watchertype_ENABLE> to C<1> instead.
4634
4635=item C<32> - enable all backends
4636
4637This enables all backends - without this feature, you need to enable at
4638least one backend manually (C<EV_USE_SELECT> is a good choice).
4639
4640=item C<64> - enable OS-specific "helper" APIs
4641
4642Enable inotify, eventfd, signalfd and similar OS-specific helper APIs by
4643default.
4644
4645=back
4646
4647Compiling with C<gcc -Os -DEV_STANDALONE -DEV_USE_EPOLL=1 -DEV_FEATURES=0>
4648reduces the compiled size of libev from 24.7Kb code/2.8Kb data to 6.5Kb
4649code/0.3Kb data on my GNU/Linux amd64 system, while still giving you I/O
4650watchers, timers and monotonic clock support.
4651
4652With an intelligent-enough linker (gcc+binutils are intelligent enough
4653when you use C<-Wl,--gc-sections -ffunction-sections>) functions unused by
4654your program might be left out as well - a binary starting a timer and an
4655I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb.
4656
4657=item EV_API_STATIC
4658
4659If this symbol is defined (by default it is not), then all identifiers
4660will have static linkage. This means that libev will not export any
4661identifiers, and you cannot link against libev anymore. This can be useful
4662when you embed libev, only want to use libev functions in a single file,
4663and do not want its identifiers to be visible.
4664
4665To use this, define C<EV_API_STATIC> and include F<ev.c> in the file that
4666wants to use libev.
4667
4668=item EV_AVOID_STDIO
4669
4670If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio
4671functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the code size
4672somewhat, but if your program doesn't otherwise depend on stdio and your
4673libc allows it, this avoids linking in the stdio library which is quite
4674big.
4675
4676Note that error messages might become less precise when this option is
4677enabled.
4678
4679=item EV_NSIG
4680
4681The highest supported signal number, +1 (or, the number of
4682signals): Normally, libev tries to deduce the maximum number of signals
4683automatically, but sometimes this fails, in which case it can be
4684specified. Also, using a lower number than detected (C<32> should be
4685good for about any system in existence) can save some memory, as libev
4686statically allocates some 12-24 bytes per signal number.
3688 4687
3689=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 4688=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
3690 4689
3691C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 4690C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
3692pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 4691pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_FEATURES> disabled),
3693than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to 4692usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you
3694increase this value (I<must> be a power of two). 4693might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
3695 4694
3696=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE 4695=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
3697 4696
3698C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 4697C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
3699inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), 4698inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_FEATURES>
3700usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat> 4699disabled), usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of
3701watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of 4700C<ev_stat> watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a
3702two). 4701power of two).
3703 4702
3704=item EV_USE_4HEAP 4703=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3705 4704
3706Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 4705Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3707timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined 4706timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3708to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably 4707to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably
3709faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers. 4708faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3710 4709
3711The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 4710The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3712(disabled). 4711will be C<0>.
3713 4712
3714=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT 4713=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3715 4714
3716Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the 4715Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3717timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within 4716timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3718the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>), 4717the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
3719which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code, 4718which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
3720but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance 4719but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3721noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers. 4720noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3722 4721
3723The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0> 4722The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3724(disabled). 4723will be C<0>.
3725 4724
3726=item EV_VERIFY 4725=item EV_VERIFY
3727 4726
3728Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will 4727Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_verify ()>) will
3729be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled 4728be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
3730in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not 4729in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
3731called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be 4730called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
3732called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the 4731called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
3733verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down 4732verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3734libev considerably. 4733libev considerably.
3735 4734
3736The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be 4735The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
3737C<0>. 4736will be C<0>.
3738 4737
3739=item EV_COMMON 4738=item EV_COMMON
3740 4739
3741By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 4740By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
3742this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 4741this macro to something else you can include more and other types of
3743members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files, 4742members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
3744though, and it must be identical each time. 4743though, and it must be identical each time.
3745 4744
3746For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 4745For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
3747 4746
3800file. 4799file.
3801 4800
3802The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 4801The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
3803that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 4802that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
3804 4803
3805 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 4804 #define EV_FEATURES 8
3806 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 4805 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
3807 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
3808 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 4806 #define EV_PREPARE_ENABLE 1
4807 #define EV_IDLE_ENABLE 1
3809 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 4808 #define EV_SIGNAL_ENABLE 1
3810 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 4809 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
4810 #define EV_USE_STDEXCEPT 0
3811 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 4811 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
3812 #define EV_MINPRI 0
3813 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
3814 4812
3815 #include "ev++.h" 4813 #include "ev++.h"
3816 4814
3817And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 4815And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
3818 4816
3819 #include "ev_cpp.h" 4817 #include "ev_cpp.h"
3820 #include "ev.c" 4818 #include "ev.c"
3821 4819
3822=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS OR LIBRARIES 4820=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS, LIBRARIES OR THE ENVIRONMENT
3823 4821
3824=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES 4822=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES
3825 4823
3826=head3 THREADS 4824=head3 THREADS
3827 4825
3878default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop 4876default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
3879watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal. 4877watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
3880 4878
3881=back 4879=back
3882 4880
4881See also L<THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE>.
4882
3883=head3 COROUTINES 4883=head3 COROUTINES
3884 4884
3885Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 4885Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3886libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different 4886libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
3887coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two 4887coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_run> on the same loop from two
3888different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running the 4888different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running
3889loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that 4889the loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is
3890you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks. 4890that you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3891 4891
3892Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside 4892Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside
3893C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as 4893C<ev_run>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
3894they do not call any callbacks. 4894they do not call any callbacks.
3895 4895
3896=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS 4896=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
3897 4897
3898Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a 4898Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3909maintainable. 4909maintainable.
3910 4910
3911And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply 4911And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3912wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message 4912wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3913seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some 4913seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some
3914warnings that resulted an extreme number of false positives. These have 4914warnings that resulted in an extreme number of false positives. These have
3915been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with 4915been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with
3916such buggy versions. 4916such buggy versions.
3917 4917
3918While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible, 4918While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
3919"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev 4919"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
3955I suggest using suppression lists. 4955I suggest using suppression lists.
3956 4956
3957 4957
3958=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES 4958=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES
3959 4959
4960=head2 GNU/LINUX 32 BIT LIMITATIONS
4961
4962GNU/Linux is the only common platform that supports 64 bit file/large file
4963interfaces but I<disables> them by default.
4964
4965That means that libev compiled in the default environment doesn't support
4966files larger than 2GiB or so, which mainly affects C<ev_stat> watchers.
4967
4968Unfortunately, many programs try to work around this GNU/Linux issue
4969by enabling the large file API, which makes them incompatible with the
4970standard libev compiled for their system.
4971
4972Likewise, libev cannot enable the large file API itself as this would
4973suddenly make it incompatible to the default compile time environment,
4974i.e. all programs not using special compile switches.
4975
4976=head2 OS/X AND DARWIN BUGS
4977
4978The whole thing is a bug if you ask me - basically any system interface
4979you touch is broken, whether it is locales, poll, kqueue or even the
4980OpenGL drivers.
4981
4982=head3 C<kqueue> is buggy
4983
4984The kqueue syscall is broken in all known versions - most versions support
4985only sockets, many support pipes.
4986
4987Libev tries to work around this by not using C<kqueue> by default on this
4988rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating a
4989loop - embedding a socket-only kqueue loop into a select-based one is
4990probably going to work well.
4991
4992=head3 C<poll> is buggy
4993
4994Instead of fixing C<kqueue>, Apple replaced their (working) C<poll>
4995implementation by something calling C<kqueue> internally around the 10.5.6
4996release, so now C<kqueue> I<and> C<poll> are broken.
4997
4998Libev tries to work around this by not using C<poll> by default on
4999this rotten platform, but of course you can still ask for it when creating
5000a loop.
5001
5002=head3 C<select> is buggy
5003
5004All that's left is C<select>, and of course Apple found a way to fuck this
5005one up as well: On OS/X, C<select> actively limits the number of file
5006descriptors you can pass in to 1024 - your program suddenly crashes when
5007you use more.
5008
5009There is an undocumented "workaround" for this - defining
5010C<_DARWIN_UNLIMITED_SELECT>, which libev tries to use, so select I<should>
5011work on OS/X.
5012
5013=head2 SOLARIS PROBLEMS AND WORKAROUNDS
5014
5015=head3 C<errno> reentrancy
5016
5017The default compile environment on Solaris is unfortunately so
5018thread-unsafe that you can't even use components/libraries compiled
5019without C<-D_REENTRANT> in a threaded program, which, of course, isn't
5020defined by default. A valid, if stupid, implementation choice.
5021
5022If you want to use libev in threaded environments you have to make sure
5023it's compiled with C<_REENTRANT> defined.
5024
5025=head3 Event port backend
5026
5027The scalable event interface for Solaris is called "event
5028ports". Unfortunately, this mechanism is very buggy in all major
5029releases. If you run into high CPU usage, your program freezes or you get
5030a large number of spurious wakeups, make sure you have all the relevant
5031and latest kernel patches applied. No, I don't know which ones, but there
5032are multiple ones to apply, and afterwards, event ports actually work
5033great.
5034
5035If you can't get it to work, you can try running the program by setting
5036the environment variable C<LIBEV_FLAGS=3> to only allow C<poll> and
5037C<select> backends.
5038
5039=head2 AIX POLL BUG
5040
5041AIX unfortunately has a broken C<poll.h> header. Libev works around
5042this by trying to avoid the poll backend altogether (i.e. it's not even
5043compiled in), which normally isn't a big problem as C<select> works fine
5044with large bitsets on AIX, and AIX is dead anyway.
5045
3960=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS 5046=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
5047
5048=head3 General issues
3961 5049
3962Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 5050Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
3963requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 5051requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
3964model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 5052model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
3965the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 5053the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
3966descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 5054descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
3967e.g. cygwin. 5055e.g. cygwin. Actually, it only applies to the microsofts own compilers,
5056as every compiler comes with a slightly differently broken/incompatible
5057environment.
3968 5058
3969Lifting these limitations would basically require the full 5059Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
3970re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of 5060re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into this kind of thing,
3971things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable 5061then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable way (note
3972way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man). 5062also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
3973 5063
3974There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 5064There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
3975embedding it into other applications. 5065embedding it into other applications.
3976 5066
3977Sensible signal handling is officially unsupported by Microsoft - libev 5067Sensible signal handling is officially unsupported by Microsoft - libev
4005you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!): 5095you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!):
4006 5096
4007 #include "evwrap.h" 5097 #include "evwrap.h"
4008 #include "ev.c" 5098 #include "ev.c"
4009 5099
4010=over 4
4011
4012=item The winsocket select function 5100=head3 The winsocket C<select> function
4013 5101
4014The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it 5102The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
4015requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is 5103requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
4016also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also 5104also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
4017requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft 5105requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
4026 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */ 5114 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
4027 5115
4028Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a 5116Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
4029complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 5117complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
4030 5118
4031=item Limited number of file descriptors 5119=head3 Limited number of file descriptors
4032 5120
4033Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. 5121Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
4034 5122
4035Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum 5123Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
4036of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels 5124of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
4051runtime libraries. This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets 5139runtime libraries. This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets
4052(depending on windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, 5140(depending on windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more,
4053you need to wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but 5141you need to wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but
4054the cost of calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 5142the cost of calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
4055 5143
4056=back
4057
4058=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS 5144=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
4059 5145
4060In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the 5146In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the
4061backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions: 5147backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions:
4062 5148
4068Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal 5154Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
4069structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also 5155structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
4070assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher 5156assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
4071callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev 5157callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
4072calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally. 5158calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
5159
5160=item pointer accesses must be thread-atomic
5161
5162Accessing a pointer value must be atomic, it must both be readable and
5163writable in one piece - this is the case on all current architectures.
4073 5164
4074=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well 5165=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
4075 5166
4076The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as 5167The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
4077C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different 5168C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
4100watchers. 5191watchers.
4101 5192
4102=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy 5193=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
4103 5194
4104The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to 5195The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
4105have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good 5196have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is
4106enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by 5197good enough for at least into the year 4000 with millisecond accuracy
5198(the design goal for libev). This requirement is overfulfilled by
4107implementations implementing IEEE 754, which is basically all existing 5199implementations using IEEE 754, which is basically all existing ones.
5200
4108ones. With IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least 5201With IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least the
41092200. 5202year 2255 (and millisecond accuracy till the year 287396 - by then, libev
5203is either obsolete or somebody patched it to use C<long double> or
5204something like that, just kidding).
4110 5205
4111=back 5206=back
4112 5207
4113If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 5208If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
4114 5209
4176=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers) 5271=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
4177 5272
4178=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number) 5273=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
4179 5274
4180Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send> 5275Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
4181calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events 5276calls in the current loop iteration and the loop is currently
5277blocked. Checking for async and signal events involves iterating over all
4182involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers. 5278running async watchers or all signal numbers.
4183 5279
4184=back 5280=back
4185 5281
4186 5282
5283=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X
5284
5285The major version 4 introduced some incompatible changes to the API.
5286
5287At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file provides compatibility definitions
5288for all changes, so most programs should still compile. The compatibility
5289layer might be removed in later versions of libev, so better update to the
5290new API early than late.
5291
5292=over 4
5293
5294=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
5295
5296The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
5297C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L<PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L<EMBEDDING>
5298section.
5299
5300=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed
5301
5302These calls can be replaced easily by their C<ev_loop_xxx> counterparts:
5303
5304 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
5305 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
5306
5307=item function/symbol renames
5308
5309A number of functions and symbols have been renamed:
5310
5311 ev_loop => ev_run
5312 EVLOOP_NONBLOCK => EVRUN_NOWAIT
5313 EVLOOP_ONESHOT => EVRUN_ONCE
5314
5315 ev_unloop => ev_break
5316 EVUNLOOP_CANCEL => EVBREAK_CANCEL
5317 EVUNLOOP_ONE => EVBREAK_ONE
5318 EVUNLOOP_ALL => EVBREAK_ALL
5319
5320 EV_TIMEOUT => EV_TIMER
5321
5322 ev_loop_count => ev_iteration
5323 ev_loop_depth => ev_depth
5324 ev_loop_verify => ev_verify
5325
5326Most functions working on C<struct ev_loop> objects don't have an
5327C<ev_loop_> prefix, so it was removed; C<ev_loop>, C<ev_unloop> and
5328associated constants have been renamed to not collide with the C<struct
5329ev_loop> anymore and C<EV_TIMER> now follows the same naming scheme
5330as all other watcher types. Note that C<ev_loop_fork> is still called
5331C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the C<ev_fork>
5332typedef.
5333
5334=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES>
5335
5336The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different
5337mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile
5338and work, but the library code will of course be larger.
5339
5340=back
5341
5342
4187=head1 GLOSSARY 5343=head1 GLOSSARY
4188 5344
4189=over 4 5345=over 4
4190 5346
4191=item active 5347=item active
4192 5348
4193A watcher is active as long as it has been started (has been attached to 5349A watcher is active as long as it has been started and not yet stopped.
4194an event loop) but not yet stopped (disassociated from the event loop). 5350See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
4195 5351
4196=item application 5352=item application
4197 5353
4198In this document, an application is whatever is using libev. 5354In this document, an application is whatever is using libev.
5355
5356=item backend
5357
5358The part of the code dealing with the operating system interfaces.
4199 5359
4200=item callback 5360=item callback
4201 5361
4202The address of a function that is called when some event has been 5362The address of a function that is called when some event has been
4203detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that 5363detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that
4204received the event, and the actual event bitset. 5364received the event, and the actual event bitset.
4205 5365
4206=item callback invocation 5366=item callback/watcher invocation
4207 5367
4208The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher. 5368The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4209 5369
4210=item event 5370=item event
4211 5371
4212A change of state of some external event, such as data now being available 5372A change of state of some external event, such as data now being available
4213for reading on a file descriptor, time having passed or simply not having 5373for reading on a file descriptor, time having passed or simply not having
4214any other events happening anymore. 5374any other events happening anymore.
4215 5375
4216In libev, events are represented as single bits (such as C<EV_READ> or 5376In libev, events are represented as single bits (such as C<EV_READ> or
4217C<EV_TIMEOUT>). 5377C<EV_TIMER>).
4218 5378
4219=item event library 5379=item event library
4220 5380
4221A software package implementing an event model and loop. 5381A software package implementing an event model and loop.
4222 5382
4230The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes 5390The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes
4231watchers and events. 5391watchers and events.
4232 5392
4233=item pending 5393=item pending
4234 5394
4235A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been detected, 5395A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been
4236and stops being pending as soon as the watcher will be invoked or its 5396detected. See L<WATCHER STATES> for details.
4237pending status is explicitly cleared by the application.
4238
4239A watcher can be pending, but not active. Stopping a watcher also clears
4240its pending status.
4241 5397
4242=item real time 5398=item real time
4243 5399
4244The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :) 5400The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
4245 5401
4246=item wall-clock time 5402=item wall-clock time
4247 5403
4248The time and date as shown on clocks. Unlike real time, it can actually 5404The time and date as shown on clocks. Unlike real time, it can actually
4249be wrong and jump forwards and backwards, e.g. when the you adjust your 5405be wrong and jump forwards and backwards, e.g. when you adjust your
4250clock. 5406clock.
4251 5407
4252=item watcher 5408=item watcher
4253 5409
4254A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need 5410A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need
4255to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events. 5411to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events.
4256 5412
4257=item watcher invocation
4258
4259The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4260
4261=back 5413=back
4262 5414
4263=head1 AUTHOR 5415=head1 AUTHOR
4264 5416
4265Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson. 5417Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael
5418Magnusson and Emanuele Giaquinta, and minor corrections by many others.
4266 5419

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