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4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
8 8
9=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10
11 #include <ev.h>
12
13 ev_io stdin_watcher;
14 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
15
16 /* called when data readable on stdin */
17 static void
18 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents)
19 {
20 /* puts ("stdin ready"); */
21 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); /* just a syntax example */
22 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); /* leave all loop calls */
23 }
24
25 static void
26 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
27 {
28 /* puts ("timeout"); */
29 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); /* leave one loop call */
30 }
31
32 int
33 main (void)
34 {
35 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
36
37 /* initialise an io watcher, then start it */
38 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
39 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
40
41 /* simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout */
42 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
43 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
44
45 /* loop till timeout or data ready */
46 ev_loop (loop, 0);
47
48 return 0;
49 }
50
9=head1 DESCRIPTION 51=head1 DESCRIPTION
52
53The newest version of this document is also available as a html-formatted
54web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
55time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>.
10 56
11Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 57Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
12file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage 58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage
13these event sources and provide your program with events. 59these event sources and provide your program with events.
14 60
21details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the 67details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the
22watcher. 68watcher.
23 69
24=head1 FEATURES 70=head1 FEATURES
25 71
26Libev supports select, poll, the linux-specific epoll and the bsd-specific 72Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
27kqueue mechanisms for file descriptor events, relative timers, absolute 73BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
28timers with customised rescheduling, signal events, process status change 74for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
29events (related to SIGCHLD), and event watchers dealing with the event 75(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers
30loop mechanism itself (idle, prepare and check watchers). It also is quite 76with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals
77(C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and event
78watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>,
79C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as
80file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events
81(C<ev_fork>).
82
83It also is quite fast (see this
31fast (see this L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing 84L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
32it to libevent for example). 85for example).
33 86
34=head1 CONVENTIONS 87=head1 CONVENTIONS
35 88
36Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration 89Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will
37will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info 90be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about
38about various configuration options please have a look at the file 91various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in
39F<README.embed> in the libev distribution. If libev was configured without 92this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event
40support for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial 93loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop>
41argument of name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) 94(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument.
42will not have this argument.
43 95
44=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION 96=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION
45 97
46Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 98Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
47(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 99(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
48the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 100the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
49called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 101called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
50to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 102to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
51it, you should treat it as such. 103it, you should treat it as some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name
52 104component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
105throughout libev.
53 106
54=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 107=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
55 108
56These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 109These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
57library in any way. 110library in any way.
66 119
67=item int ev_version_major () 120=item int ev_version_major ()
68 121
69=item int ev_version_minor () 122=item int ev_version_minor ()
70 123
71You can find out the major and minor version numbers of the library 124You can find out the major and minor ABI version numbers of the library
72you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and 125you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and
73C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global 126C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global
74symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the 127symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the
75version of the library your program was compiled against. 128version of the library your program was compiled against.
76 129
130These version numbers refer to the ABI version of the library, not the
131release version.
132
77Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch, 133Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch,
78as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 134as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
79compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 135compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
80not a problem. 136not a problem.
81 137
82Example: make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 138Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
83version: 139version.
84 140
85 assert (("libev version mismatch", 141 assert (("libev version mismatch",
86 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 142 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
87 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 143 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
88 144
118 174
119See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 175See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
120 176
121=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 177=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
122 178
123Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar to the 179Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
124realloc C function, the semantics are identical). It is used to allocate 180semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to
125and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when memory 181allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when
126needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some potentially 182memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some
127destructive action. The default is your system realloc function. 183potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc
184function.
128 185
129You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 186You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
130free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 187free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
131or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 188or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
132 189
133Example: replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 190Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
134retries: better than mine). 191retries).
135 192
136 static void * 193 static void *
137 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, long size) 194 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
138 { 195 {
139 for (;;) 196 for (;;)
140 { 197 {
141 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size); 198 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size);
142 199
158callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 215callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no
159matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 216matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
160requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 217requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
161(such as abort). 218(such as abort).
162 219
163Example: do the same thing as libev does internally: 220Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
164 221
165 static void 222 static void
166 fatal_error (const char *msg) 223 fatal_error (const char *msg)
167 { 224 {
168 perror (msg); 225 perror (msg);
218C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 275C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
219override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 276override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
220useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 277useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
221around bugs. 278around bugs.
222 279
280=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
281
282Instead of calling C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork> manually after
283a fork, you can also make libev check for a fork in each iteration by
284enabling this flag.
285
286This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
287and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
288iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
289Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
290without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my Linux system also has
291C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
292
293The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
294forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
295flag.
296
297This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
298environment variable.
299
223=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 300=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
224 301
225This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 302This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
226libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 303libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
227but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 304but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
314Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 391Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
315always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 392always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
316handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by 393handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
317undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 394undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
318 395
319Example: try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 396Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
320 397
321 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 398 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
322 if (!epoller) 399 if (!epoller)
323 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 400 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
324 401
362 439
363Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 440Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
364C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 441C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
365after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 442after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
366 443
444=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
445
446Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
447the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
448happily wraps around with enough iterations.
449
450This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
451"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
452C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls.
453
367=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 454=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
368 455
369Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 456Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
370use. 457use.
371 458
404libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 491libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
405usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 492usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
406 493
407Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 494Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
408 495
496 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
409 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 497 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return.
410 - Queue prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 498 - Queue all prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers.
411 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 499 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
412 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 500 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
413 - Update the "event loop time". 501 - Update the "event loop time".
414 - Calculate for how long to block. 502 - Calculate for how long to block.
415 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 503 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
423 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 511 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
424 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 512 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
425 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 513 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
426 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *. 514 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *.
427 515
428Example: queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding 516Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding
429anymore. 517anymore.
430 518
431 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 519 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
432 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 520 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
433 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 521 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
453visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 541visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if
454no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 542no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent
455way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 543way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party
456libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>. 544libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>.
457 545
458Example: create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 546Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
459running when nothing else is active. 547running when nothing else is active.
460 548
461 struct dv_signal exitsig; 549 struct ev_signal exitsig;
462 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 550 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
463 ev_signal_start (myloop, &exitsig); 551 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
464 evf_unref (myloop); 552 evf_unref (loop);
465 553
466Example: for some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 554Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
467 555
468 ev_ref (myloop); 556 ev_ref (loop);
469 ev_signal_stop (myloop, &exitsig); 557 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
470 558
471=back 559=back
560
472 561
473=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 562=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
474 563
475A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 564A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your
476interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 565interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to
543The signal specified in the C<ev_signal> watcher has been received by a thread. 632The signal specified in the C<ev_signal> watcher has been received by a thread.
544 633
545=item C<EV_CHILD> 634=item C<EV_CHILD>
546 635
547The pid specified in the C<ev_child> watcher has received a status change. 636The pid specified in the C<ev_child> watcher has received a status change.
637
638=item C<EV_STAT>
639
640The path specified in the C<ev_stat> watcher changed its attributes somehow.
548 641
549=item C<EV_IDLE> 642=item C<EV_IDLE>
550 643
551The C<ev_idle> watcher has determined that you have nothing better to do. 644The C<ev_idle> watcher has determined that you have nothing better to do.
552 645
560received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 653received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as
561many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account 654many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account
562(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep 655(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep
563C<ev_loop> from blocking). 656C<ev_loop> from blocking).
564 657
658=item C<EV_EMBED>
659
660The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
661
662=item C<EV_FORK>
663
664The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
665C<ev_fork>).
666
565=item C<EV_ERROR> 667=item C<EV_ERROR>
566 668
567An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 669An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might
568happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 670happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
569ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 671ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
576with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multithreaded 678with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multithreaded
577programs, though, so beware. 679programs, though, so beware.
578 680
579=back 681=back
580 682
581=head2 SUMMARY OF GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 683=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
582 684
583In the following description, C<TYPE> stands for the watcher type, 685In the following description, C<TYPE> stands for the watcher type,
584e.g. C<timer> for C<ev_timer> watchers and C<io> for C<ev_io> watchers. 686e.g. C<timer> for C<ev_timer> watchers and C<io> for C<ev_io> watchers.
585 687
586=over 4 688=over 4
595which rolls both calls into one. 697which rolls both calls into one.
596 698
597You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped 699You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped
598(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding. 700(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
599 701
600The callbakc is always of type C<void (*)(ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, 702The callback is always of type C<void (*)(ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,
601int revents)>. 703int revents)>.
602 704
603=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args]) 705=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args])
604 706
605This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to 707This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
640=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher) 742=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
641 743
642Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding 744Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding
643events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher 745events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher
644is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but 746is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but
645C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe) and you must make sure the watcher is available to 747C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
646libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 748make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
749it).
647 750
648=item callback = ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 751=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
649 752
650Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 753Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
651 754
652=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 755=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
653 756
654Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 757Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
655(modulo threads). 758(modulo threads).
759
760=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority)
761
762=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
763
764Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
765integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
766(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
767before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
768from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
769
770This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
771invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
772example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
773watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
774
775If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
776you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
777
778You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
779pending.
780
781The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
782always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
783
784Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
785fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
786or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
787
788=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
789
790Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
791C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
792can deal with that fact.
793
794=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
795
796If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status
797and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
798watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
656 799
657=back 800=back
658 801
659 802
660=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 803=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
681 { 824 {
682 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 825 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
683 ... 826 ...
684 } 827 }
685 828
686More interesting and less C-conformant ways of catsing your callback type 829More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
687have been omitted.... 830instead have been omitted.
831
832Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple
833watchers:
834
835 struct my_biggy
836 {
837 int some_data;
838 ev_timer t1;
839 ev_timer t2;
840 }
841
842In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated,
843you need to use C<offsetof>:
844
845 #include <stddef.h>
846
847 static void
848 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
849 {
850 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
851 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
852 }
853
854 static void
855 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
856 {
857 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
858 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
859 }
688 860
689 861
690=head1 WATCHER TYPES 862=head1 WATCHER TYPES
691 863
692This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 864This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
693information given in the last section. 865information given in the last section. Any initialisation/set macros,
866functions and members specific to the watcher type are explained.
694 867
868Members are additionally marked with either I<[read-only]>, meaning that,
869while the watcher is active, you can look at the member and expect some
870sensible content, but you must not modify it (you can modify it while the
871watcher is stopped to your hearts content), or I<[read-write]>, which
872means you can expect it to have some sensible content while the watcher
873is active, but you can also modify it. Modifying it may not do something
874sensible or take immediate effect (or do anything at all), but libev will
875not crash or malfunction in any way.
695 876
877
696=head2 C<ev_io> - is this file descriptor readable or writable 878=head2 C<ev_io> - is this file descriptor readable or writable?
697 879
698I/O watchers check whether a file descriptor is readable or writable 880I/O watchers check whether a file descriptor is readable or writable
699in each iteration of the event loop (This behaviour is called 881in each iteration of the event loop, or, more precisely, when reading
700level-triggering because you keep receiving events as long as the 882would not block the process and writing would at least be able to write
701condition persists. Remember you can stop the watcher if you don't want to 883some data. This behaviour is called level-triggering because you keep
702act on the event and neither want to receive future events). 884receiving events as long as the condition persists. Remember you can stop
885the watcher if you don't want to act on the event and neither want to
886receive future events.
703 887
704In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 888In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
705fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 889fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
706descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 890descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
707required if you know what you are doing). 891required if you know what you are doing).
708 892
709You have to be careful with dup'ed file descriptors, though. Some backends 893You have to be careful with dup'ed file descriptors, though. Some backends
710(the linux epoll backend is a notable example) cannot handle dup'ed file 894(the linux epoll backend is a notable example) cannot handle dup'ed file
711descriptors correctly if you register interest in two or more fds pointing 895descriptors correctly if you register interest in two or more fds pointing
712to the same underlying file/socket etc. description (that is, they share 896to the same underlying file/socket/etc. description (that is, they share
713the same underlying "file open"). 897the same underlying "file open").
714 898
715If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 899If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend
716(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and 900(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and
717C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 901C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
718 902
903Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
904receive "spurious" readyness notifications, that is your callback might
905be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
906because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
907lot of those (for example solaris ports), it is very easy to get into
908this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus
909it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
910C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
911
912If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not
913play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test
914whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface
915such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
916its own, so its quite safe to use).
917
918=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
919
920Some backends (e.g kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
921descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means,
922such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
923descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
924this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
925registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
926fact, a different file descriptor.
927
928To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows
929the following policy: Each time C<ev_io_set> is being called, libev
930will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise
931it is assumed that the file descriptor stays the same. That means that
932you I<have> to call C<ev_io_set> (or C<ev_io_init>) when you change the
933descriptor even if the file descriptor number itself did not change.
934
935This is how one would do it normally anyway, the important point is that
936the libev application should not optimise around libev but should leave
937optimisations to libev.
938
939
940=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
941
719=over 4 942=over 4
720 943
721=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 944=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
722 945
723=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 946=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
724 947
725Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The fd is the file descriptor to rceeive 948Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to
726events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_READ | 949rceeive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
727EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 950C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events.
728 951
729Please note that most of the more scalable backend mechanisms (for example 952=item int fd [read-only]
730epoll and solaris ports) can result in spurious readyness notifications 953
731for file descriptors, so you practically need to use non-blocking I/O (and 954The file descriptor being watched.
732treat callback invocation as hint only), or retest separately with a safe 955
733interface before doing I/O (XLib can do this), or force the use of either 956=item int events [read-only]
734C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>, which don't suffer from this 957
735problem. Also note that it is quite easy to have your callback invoked 958The events being watched.
736when the readyness condition is no longer valid even when employing
737typical ways of handling events, so its a good idea to use non-blocking
738I/O unconditionally.
739 959
740=back 960=back
741 961
742Example: call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 962Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
743readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 963readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
744attempt to read a whole line in the callback: 964attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
745 965
746 static void 966 static void
747 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 967 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
748 { 968 {
749 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 969 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
756 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 976 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
757 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 977 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
758 ev_loop (loop, 0); 978 ev_loop (loop, 0);
759 979
760 980
761=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally recurring timeouts 981=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
762 982
763Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 983Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
764given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 984given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
765 985
766The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that 986The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that
779 999
780The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1000The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed,
781but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1001but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
782order of execution is undefined. 1002order of execution is undefined.
783 1003
1004=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1005
784=over 4 1006=over 4
785 1007
786=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1008=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
787 1009
788=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1010=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
801=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1023=item ev_timer_again (loop)
802 1024
803This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1025This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
804repeating. The exact semantics are: 1026repeating. The exact semantics are:
805 1027
1028If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1029
806If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it. 1030If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
807 1031
808If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat 1032If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
809value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value. 1033C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
810 1034
811This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1035This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
812example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle 1036example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle
813timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60 1037timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
814seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to 1038seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
815configure an C<ev_timer> with after=repeat=60 and calling ev_timer_again each 1039configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
816time you successfully read or write some data. If you go into an idle 1040C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
817state where you do not expect data to travel on the socket, you can stop 1041you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
818the timer, and again will automatically restart it if need be. 1042socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
1043automatically restart it if need be.
1044
1045That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
1046altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
1047
1048 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
1049 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1050 ...
1051 timer->again = 17.;
1052 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1053 ...
1054 timer->again = 10.;
1055 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1056
1057This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1058you want to modify its timeout value.
1059
1060=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1061
1062The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1063or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
1064which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
819 1065
820=back 1066=back
821 1067
822Example: create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1068Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
823 1069
824 static void 1070 static void
825 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1071 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
826 { 1072 {
827 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1073 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
829 1075
830 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1076 struct ev_timer mytimer;
831 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1077 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
832 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1078 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
833 1079
834Example: create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1080Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
835inactivity. 1081inactivity.
836 1082
837 static void 1083 static void
838 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1084 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
839 { 1085 {
848 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 1094 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
849 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 1095 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
850 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 1096 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
851 1097
852 1098
853=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron 1099=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
854 1100
855Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 1101Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
856(and unfortunately a bit complex). 1102(and unfortunately a bit complex).
857 1103
858Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 1104Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time)
859but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1105but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
860to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1106to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
861periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now () 1107periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now ()
862+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 1108+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will
863take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger 1109take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger
864roughly 10 seconds later and of course not if you reset your system time 1110roughly 10 seconds later).
865again).
866 1111
867They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1112They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as
868triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 1113triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated,
1114rules.
869 1115
870As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1116As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the
871time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1117time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
872during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1118during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
873 1119
1120=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1121
874=over 4 1122=over 4
875 1123
876=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1124=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
877 1125
878=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1126=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb)
880Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1128Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
881operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1129operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
882 1130
883=over 4 1131=over 4
884 1132
885=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1133=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
886 1134
887In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1135In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time
888C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1136C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs,
889that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1137that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the
890system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1138system time reaches or surpasses this time.
891 1139
892=item * non-repeating interval timer (interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1140=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
893 1141
894In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1142In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
895C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N) and then repeat, regardless 1143C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
896of any time jumps. 1144and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
897 1145
898This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1146This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system
899time: 1147time:
900 1148
901 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1149 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
907 1155
908Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1156Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
909C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1157C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
910time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1158time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
911 1159
1160For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1161C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1162this value.
1163
912=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 1164=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
913 1165
914In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1166In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
915ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1167ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
916reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1168reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
917current time as second argument. 1169current time as second argument.
918 1170
919NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1171NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
920ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1172ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it,
921return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by 1173return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
922starting a prepare watcher). 1174starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
923 1175
924Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1176Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,
925ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1177ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
926 1178
927 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1179 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
950Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1202Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
951when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1203when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
952a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1204a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
953program when the crontabs have changed). 1205program when the crontabs have changed).
954 1206
1207=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1208
1209When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1210absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1211
1212Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1213timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1214
1215=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1216
1217The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1218take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1219called.
1220
1221=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1222
1223The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1224switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1225the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1226
1227=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1228
1229When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1230trigger next.
1231
955=back 1232=back
956 1233
957Example: call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1234Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
958system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1235system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
959potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1236potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability.
960 1237
961 static void 1238 static void
962 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1239 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
966 1243
967 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1244 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
968 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1245 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
969 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1246 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
970 1247
971Example: the same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1248Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
972 1249
973 #include <math.h> 1250 #include <math.h>
974 1251
975 static ev_tstamp 1252 static ev_tstamp
976 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1253 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
978 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1255 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;
979 } 1256 }
980 1257
981 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1258 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
982 1259
983Example: call a callback every hour, starting now: 1260Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
984 1261
985 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1262 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
986 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1263 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
987 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1264 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
988 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1265 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
989 1266
990 1267
991=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled 1268=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
992 1269
993Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 1270Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
994signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 1271signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
995will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 1272will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
996normal event processing, like any other event. 1273normal event processing, like any other event.
1000with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1277with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long
1001as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1278as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal
1002watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1279watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
1003SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1280SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1004 1281
1282=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1283
1005=over 4 1284=over 4
1006 1285
1007=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 1286=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
1008 1287
1009=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum) 1288=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)
1010 1289
1011Configures the watcher to trigger on the given signal number (usually one 1290Configures the watcher to trigger on the given signal number (usually one
1012of the C<SIGxxx> constants). 1291of the C<SIGxxx> constants).
1013 1292
1293=item int signum [read-only]
1294
1295The signal the watcher watches out for.
1296
1014=back 1297=back
1015 1298
1016 1299
1017=head2 C<ev_child> - wait for pid status changes 1300=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1018 1301
1019Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1302Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1020some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1303some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies).
1304
1305=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1021 1306
1022=over 4 1307=over 4
1023 1308
1024=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 1309=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid)
1025 1310
1030at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see 1315at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see
1031the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems 1316the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems
1032C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the 1317C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the
1033process causing the status change. 1318process causing the status change.
1034 1319
1320=item int pid [read-only]
1321
1322The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id.
1323
1324=item int rpid [read-write]
1325
1326The process id that detected a status change.
1327
1328=item int rstatus [read-write]
1329
1330The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1331C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1332
1035=back 1333=back
1036 1334
1037Example: try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1335Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1038 1336
1039 static void 1337 static void
1040 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1338 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1041 { 1339 {
1042 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1340 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1045 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1343 struct ev_signal signal_watcher;
1046 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1344 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1047 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1345 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb);
1048 1346
1049 1347
1348=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1349
1350This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1351C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed
1352compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did.
1353
1354The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1355not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1356not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is
1357otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of
1358the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1359
1360The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1361relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1362
1363Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply
1364calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You
1365can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify
1366a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,
1367unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around
1368five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also
1369impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats
1370usually overkill.
1371
1372This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1373as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1374resource-intensive.
1375
1376At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1377implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the
1378reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the
1379semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
1380to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1381usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1382polling.
1383
1384=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1385
1386=over 4
1387
1388=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1389
1390=item ev_stat_set (ev_stat *, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1391
1392Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of the given
1393C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to
1394be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose
1395a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1396path for as long as the watcher is active.
1397
1398The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected,
1399relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the
1400last change was detected).
1401
1402=item ev_stat_stat (ev_stat *)
1403
1404Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1405watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid
1406detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be
1407useful simply to find out the new values.
1408
1409=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1410
1411The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of
1412C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types
1413suitable for your system. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there
1414was some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1415
1416=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1417
1418The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1419C<prev> != C<attr>.
1420
1421=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1422
1423The specified interval.
1424
1425=item const char *path [read-only]
1426
1427The filesystem path that is being watched.
1428
1429=back
1430
1431Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1432
1433 static void
1434 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1435 {
1436 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1437 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1438 {
1439 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1440 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1441 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1442 }
1443 else
1444 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1445 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1446 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1447 }
1448
1449 ...
1450 ev_stat passwd;
1451
1452 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd");
1453 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1454
1455
1050=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do 1456=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1051 1457
1052Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1458Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1053(prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count). That is, as long 1459priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
1054as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1460count).
1055imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1461
1056watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration - 1462That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1463(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1464triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1465are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1057until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1466iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1058busy. 1467and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
1059 1468
1060The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 1469The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
1061active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1470active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
1062 1471
1063Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1472Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1064effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do 1473effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do
1065"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 1474"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
1066event loop has handled all outstanding events. 1475event loop has handled all outstanding events.
1067 1476
1477=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1478
1068=over 4 1479=over 4
1069 1480
1070=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1481=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1071 1482
1072Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any 1483Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any
1073kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 1484kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1074believe me. 1485believe me.
1075 1486
1076=back 1487=back
1077 1488
1078Example: dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle>, start it, and in the 1489Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1079callback, free it. Alos, use no error checking, as usual. 1490callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1080 1491
1081 static void 1492 static void
1082 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1493 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1083 { 1494 {
1084 free (w); 1495 free (w);
1089 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 1500 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle));
1090 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 1501 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1091 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 1502 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1092 1503
1093 1504
1094=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop 1505=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
1095 1506
1096Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem: 1507Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem:
1097prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 1508prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
1098afterwards. 1509afterwards.
1099 1510
1511You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter
1512the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
1513watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The
1514rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in
1515those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,
1516C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
1517called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.
1518
1100Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and 1519Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and
1101their use is somewhat advanced. This could be used, for example, to track 1520their use is somewhat advanced. This could be used, for example, to track
1102variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a 1521variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a
1103coroutine library and lots more. 1522coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if
1523you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example,
1524in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare>
1525watcher).
1104 1526
1105This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 1527This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need
1106to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for 1528to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for
1107them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries 1529them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries
1108provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for 1530provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for
1118with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 1540with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine
1119of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event 1541of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
1120loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 1542loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1121low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 1543low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1122 1544
1545It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1546priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1547after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1548too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1549supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers did
1550their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other event
1551loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
1552C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
1553others).
1554
1555=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1556
1123=over 4 1557=over 4
1124 1558
1125=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1559=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
1126 1560
1127=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1561=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1130parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 1564parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1131macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1565macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1132 1566
1133=back 1567=back
1134 1568
1135Example: *TODO*. 1569There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1570into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1571(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1572use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib>
1573embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV
1574into the Glib event loop).
1136 1575
1576Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1577and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1578is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1579priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1580the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1137 1581
1582 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1583 static ev_timer tw;
1584
1585 static void
1586 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1587 {
1588 }
1589
1590 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1591 static void
1592 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1593 {
1594 int timeout = 3600000;
1595 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1596 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1597 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1598
1599 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1600 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1601 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1602
1603 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1604 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1605 {
1606 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1607 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1608 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1609
1610 fds [i].revents = 0;
1611 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1612 }
1613 }
1614
1615 // stop all watchers after blocking
1616 static void
1617 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1618 {
1619 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1620
1621 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1622 {
1623 // set the relevant poll flags
1624 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1625 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1626 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1627 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1628 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1629
1630 // now stop the watcher
1631 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1632 }
1633
1634 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1635 }
1636
1637Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1638in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1639
1640Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1641notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1642callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1643
1644 static void
1645 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1646 {
1647 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1648 update_now (EV_A);
1649
1650 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1651 }
1652
1653 static void
1654 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1655 {
1656 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1657 update_now (EV_A);
1658
1659 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1660 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1661 }
1662
1663 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1664
1665Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1666want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override
1667their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
1668loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
1669this.
1670
1671 static gint
1672 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1673 {
1674 int got_events = 0;
1675
1676 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1677 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1678
1679 if (timeout >= 0)
1680 // create/start timer
1681
1682 // poll
1683 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1684
1685 // stop timer again
1686 if (timeout >= 0)
1687 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1688
1689 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1690 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1691 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1692
1693 return got_events;
1694 }
1695
1696
1138=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough 1697=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1139 1698
1140This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 1699This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
1141into another (currently only C<ev_io> events are supported in the embedded 1700into another (currently only C<ev_io> events are supported in the embedded
1142loop, other types of watchers might be handled in a delayed or incorrect 1701loop, other types of watchers might be handled in a delayed or incorrect
1143fashion and must not be used). 1702fashion and must not be used).
1203 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 1762 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1204 } 1763 }
1205 else 1764 else
1206 loop_lo = loop_hi; 1765 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1207 1766
1767=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1768
1208=over 4 1769=over 4
1209 1770
1210=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 1771=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1211 1772
1212=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 1773=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1221 1782
1222Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 1783Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1223similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 1784similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1224apropriate way for embedded loops. 1785apropriate way for embedded loops.
1225 1786
1787=item struct ev_loop *loop [read-only]
1788
1789The embedded event loop.
1790
1791=back
1792
1793
1794=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
1795
1796Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
1797whoever is a good citizen cared to tell libev about it by calling
1798C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork>). The invocation is done before the
1799event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
1800and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
1801C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
1802handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
1803
1804=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1805
1806=over 4
1807
1808=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1809
1810Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
1811kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1812believe me.
1813
1226=back 1814=back
1227 1815
1228 1816
1229=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 1817=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
1230 1818
1318 1906
1319To use it, 1907To use it,
1320 1908
1321 #include <ev++.h> 1909 #include <ev++.h>
1322 1910
1323(it is not installed by default). This automatically includes F<ev.h> 1911This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
1324and puts all of its definitions (many of them macros) into the global 1912of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1325namespace. All C++ specific things are put into the C<ev> namespace. 1913put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
1914options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
1326 1915
1327It should support all the same embedding options as F<ev.h>, most notably 1916Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
1328C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 1917classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
1918that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
1919you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
1920
1921Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be
1922used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only
1923need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other
1924types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing
1925it).
1329 1926
1330Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 1927Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1331 1928
1332=over 4 1929=over 4
1333 1930
1349 1946
1350All of those classes have these methods: 1947All of those classes have these methods:
1351 1948
1352=over 4 1949=over 4
1353 1950
1354=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *) 1951=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1355 1952
1356=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *, struct ev_loop *) 1953=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1357 1954
1358=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 1955=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1359 1956
1360The constructor takes a pointer to an object and a method pointer to 1957The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1361the event handler callback to call in this class. The constructor calls 1958with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
1362C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the C<set> method 1959
1363before starting it. If you do not specify a loop then the constructor 1960The constructor calls C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the
1364automatically associates the default loop with this watcher. 1961C<set> method before starting it.
1962
1963It will not set a callback, however: You have to call the templated C<set>
1964method to set a callback before you can start the watcher.
1965
1966(The reason why you have to use a method is a limitation in C++ which does
1967not allow explicit template arguments for constructors).
1365 1968
1366The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active. 1969The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active.
1970
1971=item w->set<class, &class::method> (object *)
1972
1973This method sets the callback method to call. The method has to have a
1974signature of C<void (*)(ev_TYPE &, int)>, it receives the watcher as
1975first argument and the C<revents> as second. The object must be given as
1976parameter and is stored in the C<data> member of the watcher.
1977
1978This method synthesizes efficient thunking code to call your method from
1979the C callback that libev requires. If your compiler can inline your
1980callback (i.e. it is visible to it at the place of the C<set> call and
1981your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
1982thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
1983
1984Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
1985
1986 struct myclass
1987 {
1988 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
1989 }
1990
1991 myclass obj;
1992 ev::io iow;
1993 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
1994
1995=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
1996
1997Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
1998callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
1999C<data> member and is free for you to use.
2000
2001The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2002
2003See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2004
2005Example:
2006
2007 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2008 iow.set <io_cb> ();
1367 2009
1368=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2010=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1369 2011
1370Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2012Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
1371do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2013do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1372 2014
1373=item w->set ([args]) 2015=item w->set ([args])
1374 2016
1375Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2017Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be
1376called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 2018called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1377automatically stopped and restarted. 2019automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2020method.
1378 2021
1379=item w->start () 2022=item w->start ()
1380 2023
1381Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument as the 2024Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
1382constructor already takes the loop. 2025constructor already stores the event loop.
1383 2026
1384=item w->stop () 2027=item w->stop ()
1385 2028
1386Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 2029Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1387 2030
1388=item w->again () C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only 2031=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
1389 2032
1390For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding 2033For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding
1391C<ev_TYPE_again> function. 2034C<ev_TYPE_again> function.
1392 2035
1393=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only 2036=item w->sweep () (C<ev::embed> only)
1394 2037
1395Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>. 2038Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
2039
2040=item w->update () (C<ev::stat> only)
2041
2042Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
1396 2043
1397=back 2044=back
1398 2045
1399=back 2046=back
1400 2047
1408 2055
1409 myclass (); 2056 myclass ();
1410 } 2057 }
1411 2058
1412 myclass::myclass (int fd) 2059 myclass::myclass (int fd)
1413 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb),
1414 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb)
1415 { 2060 {
2061 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2062 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2063
1416 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2064 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
1417 } 2065 }
2066
2067
2068=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2069
2070Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal
2071of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
2072functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2073
2074To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2075following macros are defined:
2076
2077=over 4
2078
2079=item C<EV_A>, C<EV_A_>
2080
2081This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2082loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
2083C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2084
2085 ev_unref (EV_A);
2086 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2087 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2088
2089It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2090which is often provided by the following macro.
2091
2092=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2093
2094This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2095loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
2096C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2097
2098 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
2099 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2100
2101 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
2102 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2103
2104It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
2105suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2106
2107=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2108
2109Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
2110loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
2111
2112=back
2113
2114Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2115macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2116or not.
2117
2118 static void
2119 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2120 {
2121 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
2122 }
2123
2124 ev_check check;
2125 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
2126 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
2127 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1418 2128
1419=head1 EMBEDDING 2129=head1 EMBEDDING
1420 2130
1421Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2131Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1422applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2132applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1462 ev_vars.h 2172 ev_vars.h
1463 ev_wrap.h 2173 ev_wrap.h
1464 2174
1465 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2175 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1466 2176
1467 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is is by default) 2177 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
1468 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2178 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1469 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2179 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1470 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2180 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1471 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2181 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1472 2182
1473F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need 2183F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
1474to compile a single file. 2184to compile this single file.
1475 2185
1476=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 2186=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
1477 2187
1478To include the libevent compatibility API, also include: 2188To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:
1479 2189
1492 2202
1493=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT 2203=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT
1494 2204
1495Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in 2205Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in
1496whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your 2206whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your
1497F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> off. F<ev.c> will then include 2207F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then
1498F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly. 2208include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.
1499 2209
1500For this of course you need the m4 file: 2210For this of course you need the m4 file:
1501 2211
1502 libev.m4 2212 libev.m4
1503 2213
1583otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred 2293otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
1584backend for BSD and BSD-like systems, although on most BSDs kqueue only 2294backend for BSD and BSD-like systems, although on most BSDs kqueue only
1585supports some types of fds correctly (the only platform we found that 2295supports some types of fds correctly (the only platform we found that
1586supports ptys for example was NetBSD), so kqueue might be compiled in, but 2296supports ptys for example was NetBSD), so kqueue might be compiled in, but
1587not be used unless explicitly requested. The best way to use it is to find 2297not be used unless explicitly requested. The best way to use it is to find
1588out wether kqueue supports your type of fd properly and use an embedded 2298out whether kqueue supports your type of fd properly and use an embedded
1589kqueue loop. 2299kqueue loop.
1590 2300
1591=item EV_USE_PORT 2301=item EV_USE_PORT
1592 2302
1593If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Solaris 2303If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Solaris
1596backend for Solaris 10 systems. 2306backend for Solaris 10 systems.
1597 2307
1598=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 2308=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
1599 2309
1600reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 2310reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
2311
2312=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2313
2314If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2315interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2316be detected at runtime.
1601 2317
1602=item EV_H 2318=item EV_H
1603 2319
1604The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 2320The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
1605undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This 2321undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This
1629will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 2345will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
1630additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 2346additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
1631for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 2347for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
1632argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 2348argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
1633 2349
2350=item EV_MINPRI
2351
2352=item EV_MAXPRI
2353
2354The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
2355C<EV_MAXPRI>, but otherwise there are no non-obvious limitations. You can
2356provide for more priorities by overriding those symbols (usually defined
2357to be C<-2> and C<2>, respectively).
2358
2359When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2360all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2361and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2362fine.
2363
2364If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2365C<0> will save some memory and cpu.
2366
1634=item EV_PERIODICS 2367=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
1635 2368
1636If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported, 2369If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
1637otherwise not. This saves a few kb of code. 2370defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2371code.
2372
2373=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE
2374
2375If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
2376defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2377code.
2378
2379=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2380
2381If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
2382defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2383
2384=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
2385
2386If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
2387defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2388
2389=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
2390
2391If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
2392defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2393
2394=item EV_MINIMAL
2395
2396If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2397speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override
2398some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64.
2399
2400=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2401
2402C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2403pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2404than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to
2405increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
2406
2407=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
2408
2409C<ev_staz> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2410inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2411usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2412watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2413two).
1638 2414
1639=item EV_COMMON 2415=item EV_COMMON
1640 2416
1641By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 2417By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
1642this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 2418this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
1647 2423
1648 #define EV_COMMON \ 2424 #define EV_COMMON \
1649 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \ 2425 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \
1650 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */ 2426 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */
1651 2427
1652=item EV_CB_DECLARE(type) 2428=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)
1653 2429
1654=item EV_CB_INVOKE(watcher,revents) 2430=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)
1655 2431
1656=item ev_set_cb(ev,cb) 2432=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb)
1657 2433
1658Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher, 2434Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher,
1659and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member 2435and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member
1660definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.v> header file for 2436definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.v> header file for
1661their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 2437their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
1662avoid the ev_loop pointer as first argument in all cases, or to use method 2438avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
1663calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 2439method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
1664 2440
1665=head2 EXAMPLES 2441=head2 EXAMPLES
1666 2442
1667For a real-world example of a program the includes libev 2443For a real-world example of a program the includes libev
1668verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module 2444verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module
1671interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file 2447interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file
1672will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header 2448will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header
1673file. 2449file.
1674 2450
1675The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 2451The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
1676that everybody includes and which overrides some autoconf choices: 2452that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
1677 2453
2454 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
1678 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 2455 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
1679 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 2456 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
1680 #define EV_PERIODICS 0 2457 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2458 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2459 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
1681 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 2460 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2461 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2462 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
1682 2463
1683 #include "ev++.h" 2464 #include "ev++.h"
1684 2465
1685And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 2466And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
1686 2467
1687 #include "rxvttoolkit.h" 2468 #include "ev_cpp.h"
1688
1689 /* darwin has problems with its header files in C++, requiring this namespace juggling */
1690 using namespace ev;
1691
1692 #include "ev.c" 2469 #include "ev.c"
2470
2471
2472=head1 COMPLEXITIES
2473
2474In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2475libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2476documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2477
2478All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
2479extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
2480happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
2481mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
2482it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
2483
2484=over 4
2485
2486=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
2487
2488This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
2489there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
2490have to skip those 100 watchers.
2491
2492=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
2493
2494That means that for changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
2495as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
2496
2497=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)
2498
2499These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
2500=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)
2501
2502=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2503
2504These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
2505correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2506have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
2507
2508=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1)
2509
2510=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2511
2512A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2513libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel).
2514
2515=item Activating one watcher: O(1)
2516
2517=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2518
2519Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2520priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2521linearly search all the priorities.
2522
2523=back
1693 2524
1694 2525
1695=head1 AUTHOR 2526=head1 AUTHOR
1696 2527
1697Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 2528Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.

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