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Revision 1.399 by root, Mon Apr 2 23:14:41 2012 UTC

58 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 58 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
59 59
60 // now wait for events to arrive 60 // now wait for events to arrive
61 ev_run (loop, 0); 61 ev_run (loop, 0);
62 62
63 // unloop was called, so exit 63 // break was called, so exit
64 return 0; 64 return 0;
65 } 65 }
66 66
67=head1 ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT 67=head1 ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
68 68
174=item ev_tstamp ev_time () 174=item ev_tstamp ev_time ()
175 175
176Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 176Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
177C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp 177C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
178you actually want to know. Also interesting is the combination of 178you actually want to know. Also interesting is the combination of
179C<ev_update_now> and C<ev_now>. 179C<ev_now_update> and C<ev_now>.
180 180
181=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 181=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
182 182
183Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 183Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked
184either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 184until either it is interrupted or the given time interval has
185passed (approximately - it might return a bit earlier even if not
186interrupted). Returns immediately if C<< interval <= 0 >>.
187
185this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>. 188Basically this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>.
189
190The range of the C<interval> is limited - libev only guarantees to work
191with sleep times of up to one day (C<< interval <= 86400 >>).
186 192
187=item int ev_version_major () 193=item int ev_version_major ()
188 194
189=item int ev_version_minor () 195=item int ev_version_minor ()
190 196
435example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks. 441example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks.
436 442
437=item C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK> 443=item C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK>
438 444
439When this flag is specified, then libev will avoid to modify the signal 445When this flag is specified, then libev will avoid to modify the signal
440mask. Specifically, this means you ahve to make sure signals are unblocked 446mask. Specifically, this means you have to make sure signals are unblocked
441when you want to receive them. 447when you want to receive them.
442 448
443This behaviour is useful when you want to do your own signal handling, or 449This behaviour is useful when you want to do your own signal handling, or
444want to handle signals only in specific threads and want to avoid libev 450want to handle signals only in specific threads and want to avoid libev
445unblocking the signals. 451unblocking the signals.
452
453It's also required by POSIX in a threaded program, as libev calls
454C<sigprocmask>, whose behaviour is officially unspecified.
446 455
447This flag's behaviour will become the default in future versions of libev. 456This flag's behaviour will become the default in future versions of libev.
448 457
449=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 458=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
450 459
480=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 489=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
481 490
482Use the linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9 491Use the linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9
483kernels). 492kernels).
484 493
485For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 494For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, but
486but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 495it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like
487like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), 496O(total_fds) where total_fds is the total number of fds (or the highest
488epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). 497fd), epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
489 498
490The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned 499The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
491of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently 500of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
492dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file 501dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
493descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup, 502descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup,
4960.1ms) and so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program 5050.1ms) and so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program
497forks then I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll 506forks then I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll
498set, which can take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) 507set, which can take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor)
499and is of course hard to detect. 508and is of course hard to detect.
500 509
501Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but 510Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work,
502of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally 511but of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for
503I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot 512totally I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so
504even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially 513one cannot even remove them from the set) than registered in the set
505on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by 514(especially on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious
506employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the 515notifications by employing an additional generation counter and comparing
507events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. Last 516that against the events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set
517when required. Epoll also erroneously rounds down timeouts, but gives you
518no way to know when and by how much, so sometimes you have to busy-wait
519because epoll returns immediately despite a nonzero timeout. And last
508not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work 520not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work
509perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...). 521perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...).
510 522
511Epoll is truly the train wreck analog among event poll mechanisms, 523Epoll is truly the train wreck among event poll mechanisms, a frankenpoll,
512a frankenpoll, cobbled together in a hurry, no thought to design or 524cobbled together in a hurry, no thought to design or interaction with
513interaction with others. 525others. Oh, the pain, will it ever stop...
514 526
515While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 527While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
516will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such 528will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
517incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different 529incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different
518I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed 530I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
555 567
556It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 568It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
557kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 569kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
558course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 570course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
559cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to 571cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
560two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad (but 572two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad (you
561sane, unlike epoll) and it drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect 573might have to leak fd's on fork, but it's more sane than epoll) and it
562cases 574drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases
563 575
564This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 576This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
565 577
566While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work 578While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
567everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken 579everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
596among the OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed 608among the OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed
597hacks). 609hacks).
598 610
599On the negative side, the interface is I<bizarre> - so bizarre that 611On the negative side, the interface is I<bizarre> - so bizarre that
600even sun itself gets it wrong in their code examples: The event polling 612even sun itself gets it wrong in their code examples: The event polling
601function sometimes returning events to the caller even though an error 613function sometimes returns events to the caller even though an error
602occurred, but with no indication whether it has done so or not (yes, it's 614occurred, but with no indication whether it has done so or not (yes, it's
603even documented that way) - deadly for edge-triggered interfaces where 615even documented that way) - deadly for edge-triggered interfaces where you
604you absolutely have to know whether an event occurred or not because you 616absolutely have to know whether an event occurred or not because you have
605have to re-arm the watcher. 617to re-arm the watcher.
606 618
607Fortunately libev seems to be able to work around these idiocies. 619Fortunately libev seems to be able to work around these idiocies.
608 620
609This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as 621This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
610C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 622C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
780without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>. 792without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>.
781 793
782Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the 794Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the
783event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>). 795event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>).
784 796
785=item ev_run (loop, int flags) 797=item bool ev_run (loop, int flags)
786 798
787Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 799Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
788after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start 800after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start
789handling events. It will ask the operating system for any new events, call 801handling events. It will ask the operating system for any new events, call
790the watcher callbacks, an then repeat the whole process indefinitely: This 802the watcher callbacks, and then repeat the whole process indefinitely: This
791is why event loops are called I<loops>. 803is why event loops are called I<loops>.
792 804
793If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will keep handling events 805If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will keep handling events
794until either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_break> was 806until either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_break> was
795called. 807called.
808
809The return value is false if there are no more active watchers (which
810usually means "all jobs done" or "deadlock"), and true in all other cases
811(which usually means " you should call C<ev_run> again").
796 812
797Please note that an explicit C<ev_break> is usually better than 813Please note that an explicit C<ev_break> is usually better than
798relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 814relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
799finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program 815finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
800that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue 816that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
801of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of 817of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
802beauty. 818beauty.
803 819
804This function is also I<mostly> exception-safe - you can break out of 820This function is I<mostly> exception-safe - you can break out of a
805a C<ev_run> call by calling C<longjmp> in a callback, throwing a C++ 821C<ev_run> call by calling C<longjmp> in a callback, throwing a C++
806exception and so on. This does not decrement the C<ev_depth> value, nor 822exception and so on. This does not decrement the C<ev_depth> value, nor
807will it clear any outstanding C<EVBREAK_ONE> breaks. 823will it clear any outstanding C<EVBREAK_ONE> breaks.
808 824
809A flags value of C<EVRUN_NOWAIT> will look for new events, will handle 825A flags value of C<EVRUN_NOWAIT> will look for new events, will handle
810those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not wait and 826those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not wait and
822This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction 838This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
823with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your 839with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
824own C<ev_run>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 840own C<ev_run>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
825usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 841usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
826 842
827Here are the gory details of what C<ev_run> does: 843Here are the gory details of what C<ev_run> does (this is for your
844understanding, not a guarantee that things will work exactly like this in
845future versions):
828 846
829 - Increment loop depth. 847 - Increment loop depth.
830 - Reset the ev_break status. 848 - Reset the ev_break status.
831 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 849 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
832 LOOP: 850 LOOP:
865anymore. 883anymore.
866 884
867 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 885 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
868 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 886 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
869 ev_run (my_loop, 0); 887 ev_run (my_loop, 0);
870 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah! 888 ... jobs done or somebody called break. yeah!
871 889
872=item ev_break (loop, how) 890=item ev_break (loop, how)
873 891
874Can be used to make a call to C<ev_run> return early (but only after it 892Can be used to make a call to C<ev_run> return early (but only after it
875has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 893has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
938overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once. 956overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
939 957
940By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more 958By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
941time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration, 959time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
942at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and 960at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
943C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will 961C<ev_timer>) will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
944introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. The 962introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. The
945sleep time ensures that libev will not poll for I/O events more often then 963sleep time ensures that libev will not poll for I/O events more often then
946once per this interval, on average. 964once per this interval, on average (as long as the host time resolution is
965good enough).
947 966
948Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev 967Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
949to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 968to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
950latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called 969latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
951later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null 970later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null
1005can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around 1024can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around
1006each call to a libev function. 1025each call to a libev function.
1007 1026
1008However, C<ev_run> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible 1027However, C<ev_run> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible
1009to wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the event 1028to wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the event
1010loop via C<ev_break> and C<av_async_send>, another way is to set these 1029loop via C<ev_break> and C<ev_async_send>, another way is to set these
1011I<release> and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop. 1030I<release> and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop.
1012 1031
1013When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is 1032When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is
1014suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just 1033suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just
1015afterwards. 1034afterwards.
1357See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related 1376See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
1358functions that do not need a watcher. 1377functions that do not need a watcher.
1359 1378
1360=back 1379=back
1361 1380
1362=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1381See also the L<ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER> and L<BUILDING YOUR
1363 1382OWN COMPOSITE WATCHERS> idioms.
1364Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
1365and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
1366to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
1367don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data
1368member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
1369data:
1370
1371 struct my_io
1372 {
1373 ev_io io;
1374 int otherfd;
1375 void *somedata;
1376 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
1377 };
1378
1379 ...
1380 struct my_io w;
1381 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
1382
1383And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
1384can cast it back to your own type:
1385
1386 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
1387 {
1388 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
1389 ...
1390 }
1391
1392More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
1393instead have been omitted.
1394
1395Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
1396embedded watchers:
1397
1398 struct my_biggy
1399 {
1400 int some_data;
1401 ev_timer t1;
1402 ev_timer t2;
1403 }
1404
1405In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
1406complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct
1407in the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies), or you need to use
1408some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for real
1409programmers):
1410
1411 #include <stddef.h>
1412
1413 static void
1414 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1415 {
1416 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1417 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
1418 }
1419
1420 static void
1421 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1422 {
1423 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1424 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1425 }
1426 1383
1427=head2 WATCHER STATES 1384=head2 WATCHER STATES
1428 1385
1429There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual - 1386There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual -
1430active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to 1387active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to
1433 1390
1434=over 4 1391=over 4
1435 1392
1436=item initialiased 1393=item initialiased
1437 1394
1438Before a watcher can be registered with the event looop it has to be 1395Before a watcher can be registered with the event loop it has to be
1439initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to 1396initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to
1440C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function. 1397C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function.
1441 1398
1442In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for use 1399In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for
1443in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at will. 1400use in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at
1401will - as long as you either keep the memory contents intact, or call
1402C<ev_TYPE_init> again.
1444 1403
1445=item started/running/active 1404=item started/running/active
1446 1405
1447Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes 1406Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes
1448property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in 1407property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in
1476latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless 1435latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless
1477of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before 1436of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before
1478freeing it is often a good idea. 1437freeing it is often a good idea.
1479 1438
1480While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the 1439While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the
1481initialised state, that is it can be reused, moved, modified in any way 1440initialised state, that is, it can be reused, moved, modified in any way
1482you wish. 1441you wish (but when you trash the memory block, you need to C<ev_TYPE_init>
1442it again).
1483 1443
1484=back 1444=back
1485 1445
1486=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS 1446=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS
1487 1447
1680always get a readiness notification instantly, and your read (or possibly 1640always get a readiness notification instantly, and your read (or possibly
1681write) will still block on the disk I/O. 1641write) will still block on the disk I/O.
1682 1642
1683Another way to view it is that in the case of sockets, pipes, character 1643Another way to view it is that in the case of sockets, pipes, character
1684devices and so on, there is another party (the sender) that delivers data 1644devices and so on, there is another party (the sender) that delivers data
1685on it's own, but in the case of files, there is no such thing: the disk 1645on its own, but in the case of files, there is no such thing: the disk
1686will not send data on it's own, simply because it doesn't know what you 1646will not send data on its own, simply because it doesn't know what you
1687wish to read - you would first have to request some data. 1647wish to read - you would first have to request some data.
1688 1648
1689Since files are typically not-so-well supported by advanced notification 1649Since files are typically not-so-well supported by advanced notification
1690mechanism, libev tries hard to emulate POSIX behaviour with respect 1650mechanism, libev tries hard to emulate POSIX behaviour with respect
1691to files, even though you should not use it. The reason for this is 1651to files, even though you should not use it. The reason for this is
1815detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1775detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1816monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1776monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1817 1777
1818The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has 1778The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1819passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this 1779passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this
1820might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the 1780might introduce a small delay, see "the special problem of being too
1781early", below). If multiple timers become ready during the same loop
1821same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked 1782iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked before
1822before ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is 1783ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is no
1823no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively). 1784longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1824 1785
1825=head3 Be smart about timeouts 1786=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1826 1787
1827Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error 1788Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1828recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs, 1789recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1903 1864
1904In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone, 1865In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone,
1905but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only 1866but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only
1906within the callback: 1867within the callback:
1907 1868
1869 ev_tstamp timeout = 60.;
1908 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity 1870 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity
1871 ev_timer timer;
1909 1872
1910 static void 1873 static void
1911 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1874 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1912 { 1875 {
1913 ev_tstamp now = ev_now (EV_A); 1876 // calculate when the timeout would happen
1914 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.; 1877 ev_tstamp after = last_activity - ev_now (EV_A) + timeout;
1915 1878
1916 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out 1879 // if negative, it means we the timeout already occured
1917 if (timeout < now) 1880 if (after < 0.)
1918 { 1881 {
1919 // timeout occurred, take action 1882 // timeout occurred, take action
1920 } 1883 }
1921 else 1884 else
1922 { 1885 {
1923 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm 1886 // callback was invoked, but there was some recent
1924 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is 1887 // activity. simply restart the timer to time out
1925 // guaranteed to be in the future, so "again" is positive: 1888 // after "after" seconds, which is the earliest time
1926 w->repeat = timeout - now; 1889 // the timeout can occur.
1890 ev_timer_set (w, after, 0.);
1927 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ w); 1891 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ w);
1928 } 1892 }
1929 } 1893 }
1930 1894
1931To summarise the callback: first calculate the real timeout (defined 1895To summarise the callback: first calculate in how many seconds the
1932as "60 seconds after the last activity"), then check if that time has 1896timeout will occur (by calculating the absolute time when it would occur,
1933been reached, which means something I<did>, in fact, time out. Otherwise 1897C<last_activity + timeout>, and subtracting the current time, C<ev_now
1934the callback was invoked too early (C<timeout> is in the future), so 1898(EV_A)> from that).
1935re-schedule the timer to fire at that future time, to see if maybe we have
1936a timeout then.
1937 1899
1938Note how C<ev_timer_again> is used, taking advantage of the 1900If this value is negative, then we are already past the timeout, i.e. we
1939C<ev_timer_again> optimisation when the timer is already running. 1901timed out, and need to do whatever is needed in this case.
1902
1903Otherwise, we now the earliest time at which the timeout would trigger,
1904and simply start the timer with this timeout value.
1905
1906In other words, each time the callback is invoked it will check whether
1907the timeout cocured. If not, it will simply reschedule itself to check
1908again at the earliest time it could time out. Rinse. Repeat.
1940 1909
1941This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds 1910This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds
1942minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to 1911minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to
1943libev to change the timeout. 1912libev to change the timeout.
1944 1913
1945To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity> 1914To start the machinery, simply initialise the watcher and set
1946to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the 1915C<last_activity> to the current time (meaning there was some activity just
1947callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer: 1916now), then call the callback, which will "do the right thing" and start
1917the timer:
1948 1918
1919 last_activity = ev_now (EV_A);
1949 ev_init (timer, callback); 1920 ev_init (&timer, callback);
1950 last_activity = ev_now (loop); 1921 callback (EV_A_ &timer, 0);
1951 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMER);
1952 1922
1953And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in 1923When there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1954C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all: 1924C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1955 1925
1926 if (activity detected)
1956 last_activity = ev_now (loop); 1927 last_activity = ev_now (EV_A);
1928
1929When your timeout value changes, then the timeout can be changed by simply
1930providing a new value, stopping the timer and calling the callback, which
1931will agaion do the right thing (for example, time out immediately :).
1932
1933 timeout = new_value;
1934 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &timer);
1935 callback (EV_A_ &timer, 0);
1957 1936
1958This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the 1937This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1959time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient. 1938time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1960
1961Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1962callback :) - just change the timeout and invoke the callback, which will
1963fix things for you.
1964 1939
1965=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts. 1940=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts.
1966 1941
1967If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all 1942If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all
1968employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can 1943employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can
1995Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is 1970Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is
1996rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays 1971rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays
1997off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually 1972off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually
1998overkill :) 1973overkill :)
1999 1974
1975=head3 The special problem of being too early
1976
1977If you ask a timer to call your callback after three seconds, then
1978you expect it to be invoked after three seconds - but of course, this
1979cannot be guaranteed to infinite precision. Less obviously, it cannot be
1980guaranteed to any precision by libev - imagine somebody suspending the
1981process with a STOP signal for a few hours for example.
1982
1983So, libev tries to invoke your callback as soon as possible I<after> the
1984delay has occurred, but cannot guarantee this.
1985
1986A less obvious failure mode is calling your callback too early: many event
1987loops compare timestamps with a "elapsed delay >= requested delay", but
1988this can cause your callback to be invoked much earlier than you would
1989expect.
1990
1991To see why, imagine a system with a clock that only offers full second
1992resolution (think windows if you can't come up with a broken enough OS
1993yourself). If you schedule a one-second timer at the time 500.9, then the
1994event loop will schedule your timeout to elapse at a system time of 500
1995(500.9 truncated to the resolution) + 1, or 501.
1996
1997If an event library looks at the timeout 0.1s later, it will see "501 >=
1998501" and invoke the callback 0.1s after it was started, even though a
1999one-second delay was requested - this is being "too early", despite best
2000intentions.
2001
2002This is the reason why libev will never invoke the callback if the elapsed
2003delay equals the requested delay, but only when the elapsed delay is
2004larger than the requested delay. In the example above, libev would only invoke
2005the callback at system time 502, or 1.1s after the timer was started.
2006
2007So, while libev cannot guarantee that your callback will be invoked
2008exactly when requested, it I<can> and I<does> guarantee that the requested
2009delay has actually elapsed, or in other words, it always errs on the "too
2010late" side of things.
2011
2000=head3 The special problem of time updates 2012=head3 The special problem of time updates
2001 2013
2002Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at 2014Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes
2003least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current 2015at least one system call): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
2004time only before and after C<ev_run> collects new events, which causes a 2016time only before and after C<ev_run> collects new events, which causes a
2005growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling 2017growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
2006lots of events in one iteration. 2018lots of events in one iteration.
2007 2019
2008The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 2020The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
2014 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 2026 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
2015 2027
2016If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an 2028If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
2017update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update 2029update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
2018()>. 2030()>.
2031
2032=head3 The special problem of unsynchronised clocks
2033
2034Modern systems have a variety of clocks - libev itself uses the normal
2035"wall clock" clock and, if available, the monotonic clock (to avoid time
2036jumps).
2037
2038Neither of these clocks is synchronised with each other or any other clock
2039on the system, so C<ev_time ()> might return a considerably different time
2040than C<gettimeofday ()> or C<time ()>. On a GNU/Linux system, for example,
2041a call to C<gettimeofday> might return a second count that is one higher
2042than a directly following call to C<time>.
2043
2044The moral of this is to only compare libev-related timestamps with
2045C<ev_time ()> and C<ev_now ()>, at least if you want better precision than
2046a second or so.
2047
2048One more problem arises due to this lack of synchronisation: if libev uses
2049the system monotonic clock and you compare timestamps from C<ev_time>
2050or C<ev_now> from when you started your timer and when your callback is
2051invoked, you will find that sometimes the callback is a bit "early".
2052
2053This is because C<ev_timer>s work in real time, not wall clock time, so
2054libev makes sure your callback is not invoked before the delay happened,
2055I<measured according to the real time>, not the system clock.
2056
2057If your timeouts are based on a physical timescale (e.g. "time out this
2058connection after 100 seconds") then this shouldn't bother you as it is
2059exactly the right behaviour.
2060
2061If you want to compare wall clock/system timestamps to your timers, then
2062you need to use C<ev_periodic>s, as these are based on the wall clock
2063time, where your comparisons will always generate correct results.
2019 2064
2020=head3 The special problems of suspended animation 2065=head3 The special problems of suspended animation
2021 2066
2022When you leave the server world it is quite customary to hit machines that 2067When you leave the server world it is quite customary to hit machines that
2023can suspend/hibernate - what happens to the clocks during such a suspend? 2068can suspend/hibernate - what happens to the clocks during such a suspend?
2067keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to 2112keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to
2068do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 2113do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
2069 2114
2070=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *) 2115=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
2071 2116
2072This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 2117This will act as if the timer timed out, and restarts it again if it is
2073repeating. The exact semantics are: 2118repeating. It basically works like calling C<ev_timer_stop>, updating the
2119timeout to the C<repeat> value and calling C<ev_timer_start>.
2074 2120
2121The exact semantics are as in the following rules, all of which will be
2122applied to the watcher:
2123
2124=over 4
2125
2075If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 2126=item If the timer is pending, the pending status is always cleared.
2076 2127
2077If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 2128=item If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed
2129out, without invoking it).
2078 2130
2079If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 2131=item If the timer is repeating, make the C<repeat> value the new timeout
2080C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 2132and start the timer, if necessary.
2133
2134=back
2081 2135
2082This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a 2136This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a
2083usage example. 2137usage example.
2084 2138
2085=item ev_tstamp ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *) 2139=item ev_tstamp ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *)
2207 2261
2208Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 2262Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
2209C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 2263C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
2210time where C<time = offset (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 2264time where C<time = offset (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
2211 2265
2212For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<offset> value is near 2266The C<interval> I<MUST> be positive, and for numerical stability, the
2213C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for 2267interval value should be higher than C<1/8192> (which is around 100
2214this value, and in fact is often specified as zero. 2268microseconds) and C<offset> should be higher than C<0> and should have
2269at most a similar magnitude as the current time (say, within a factor of
2270ten). Typical values for offset are, in fact, C<0> or something between
2271C<0> and C<interval>, which is also the recommended range.
2215 2272
2216Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU 2273Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
2217speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability 2274speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
2218will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one 2275will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
2219millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough). 2276millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
2362=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create 2419=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create
2363 2420
2364Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition 2421Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition
2365(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after 2422(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after
2366stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal, 2423stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal,
2367and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler. 2424and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler (but
2425see C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK>).
2368 2426
2369While this does not matter for the signal disposition (libev never 2427While this does not matter for the signal disposition (libev never
2370sets signals to C<SIG_IGN>, so handlers will be reset to C<SIG_DFL> on 2428sets signals to C<SIG_IGN>, so handlers will be reset to C<SIG_DFL> on
2371C<execve>), this matters for the signal mask: many programs do not expect 2429C<execve>), this matters for the signal mask: many programs do not expect
2372certain signals to be blocked. 2430certain signals to be blocked.
3243 atexit (program_exits); 3301 atexit (program_exits);
3244 3302
3245 3303
3246=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop 3304=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop
3247 3305
3248In general, you cannot use an C<ev_run> from multiple threads or other 3306In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other
3249asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event 3307asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
3250loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads). 3308loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
3251 3309
3252Sometimes, however, you need to wake up an event loop you do not control, 3310Sometimes, however, you need to wake up an event loop you do not control,
3253for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what C<ev_async> 3311for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what C<ev_async>
3260C<ev_async_sent> calls). In fact, you could use signal watchers as a kind 3318C<ev_async_sent> calls). In fact, you could use signal watchers as a kind
3261of "global async watchers" by using a watcher on an otherwise unused 3319of "global async watchers" by using a watcher on an otherwise unused
3262signal, and C<ev_feed_signal> to signal this watcher from another thread, 3320signal, and C<ev_feed_signal> to signal this watcher from another thread,
3263even without knowing which loop owns the signal. 3321even without knowing which loop owns the signal.
3264 3322
3265Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not
3266just the default loop.
3267
3268=head3 Queueing 3323=head3 Queueing
3269 3324
3270C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason 3325C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
3271is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a 3326is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
3272multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't 3327multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
3363trust me. 3418trust me.
3364 3419
3365=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *) 3420=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
3366 3421
3367Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds 3422Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
3368an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike 3423an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop, and instantly
3424returns.
3425
3369C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or 3426Unlike C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads,
3370similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding 3427signal or similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the
3371section below on what exactly this means). 3428embedding section below on what exactly this means).
3372 3429
3373Note that, as with other watchers in libev, multiple events might get 3430Note that, as with other watchers in libev, multiple events might get
3374compressed into a single callback invocation (another way to look at this 3431compressed into a single callback invocation (another way to look at
3375is that C<ev_async> watchers are level-triggered, set on C<ev_async_send>, 3432this is that C<ev_async> watchers are level-triggered: they are set on
3376reset when the event loop detects that). 3433C<ev_async_send>, reset when the event loop detects that).
3377 3434
3378This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per event loop 3435This call incurs the overhead of at most one extra system call per event
3379iteration, so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to 3436loop iteration, if the event loop is blocked, and no syscall at all if
3380repeated calls to C<ev_async_send> for the same event loop. 3437the event loop (or your program) is processing events. That means that
3438repeated calls are basically free (there is no need to avoid calls for
3439performance reasons) and that the overhead becomes smaller (typically
3440zero) under load.
3381 3441
3382=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *) 3442=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
3383 3443
3384Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the 3444Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
3385watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the 3445watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
3440 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 3500 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
3441 3501
3442=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents) 3502=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents)
3443 3503
3444Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 3504Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
3445the given events it. 3505the given events.
3446 3506
3447=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum) 3507=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum)
3448 3508
3449Feed an event as if the given signal occurred. See also C<ev_feed_signal>, 3509Feed an event as if the given signal occurred. See also C<ev_feed_signal>,
3450which is async-safe. 3510which is async-safe.
3456 3516
3457This section explains some common idioms that are not immediately 3517This section explains some common idioms that are not immediately
3458obvious. Note that examples are sprinkled over the whole manual, and this 3518obvious. Note that examples are sprinkled over the whole manual, and this
3459section only contains stuff that wouldn't fit anywhere else. 3519section only contains stuff that wouldn't fit anywhere else.
3460 3520
3461=over 4 3521=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
3462 3522
3463=item Model/nested event loop invocations and exit conditions. 3523Each watcher has, by default, a C<void *data> member that you can read
3524or modify at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
3525to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
3526don't want to allocate memory separately and store a pointer to it in that
3527data member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
3528data:
3529
3530 struct my_io
3531 {
3532 ev_io io;
3533 int otherfd;
3534 void *somedata;
3535 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
3536 };
3537
3538 ...
3539 struct my_io w;
3540 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
3541
3542And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
3543can cast it back to your own type:
3544
3545 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
3546 {
3547 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
3548 ...
3549 }
3550
3551More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback
3552function type instead have been omitted.
3553
3554=head2 BUILDING YOUR OWN COMPOSITE WATCHERS
3555
3556Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
3557embedded watchers, in effect creating your own watcher that combines
3558multiple libev event sources into one "super-watcher":
3559
3560 struct my_biggy
3561 {
3562 int some_data;
3563 ev_timer t1;
3564 ev_timer t2;
3565 }
3566
3567In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
3568complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct in
3569the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies or C++ coders), or you need
3570to use some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for
3571real programmers):
3572
3573 #include <stddef.h>
3574
3575 static void
3576 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
3577 {
3578 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
3579 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
3580 }
3581
3582 static void
3583 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
3584 {
3585 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
3586 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
3587 }
3588
3589=head2 AVOIDING FINISHING BEFORE RETURNING
3590
3591Often you have structures like this in event-based programs:
3592
3593 callback ()
3594 {
3595 free (request);
3596 }
3597
3598 request = start_new_request (..., callback);
3599
3600The intent is to start some "lengthy" operation. The C<request> could be
3601used to cancel the operation, or do other things with it.
3602
3603It's not uncommon to have code paths in C<start_new_request> that
3604immediately invoke the callback, for example, to report errors. Or you add
3605some caching layer that finds that it can skip the lengthy aspects of the
3606operation and simply invoke the callback with the result.
3607
3608The problem here is that this will happen I<before> C<start_new_request>
3609has returned, so C<request> is not set.
3610
3611Even if you pass the request by some safer means to the callback, you
3612might want to do something to the request after starting it, such as
3613canceling it, which probably isn't working so well when the callback has
3614already been invoked.
3615
3616A common way around all these issues is to make sure that
3617C<start_new_request> I<always> returns before the callback is invoked. If
3618C<start_new_request> immediately knows the result, it can artificially
3619delay invoking the callback by e.g. using a C<prepare> or C<idle> watcher
3620for example, or more sneakily, by reusing an existing (stopped) watcher
3621and pushing it into the pending queue:
3622
3623 ev_set_cb (watcher, callback);
3624 ev_feed_event (EV_A_ watcher, 0);
3625
3626This way, C<start_new_request> can safely return before the callback is
3627invoked, while not delaying callback invocation too much.
3628
3629=head2 MODEL/NESTED EVENT LOOP INVOCATIONS AND EXIT CONDITIONS
3464 3630
3465Often (especially in GUI toolkits) there are places where you have 3631Often (especially in GUI toolkits) there are places where you have
3466I<modal> interaction, which is most easily implemented by recursively 3632I<modal> interaction, which is most easily implemented by recursively
3467invoking C<ev_run>. 3633invoking C<ev_run>.
3468 3634
3480 int exit_main_loop = 0; 3646 int exit_main_loop = 0;
3481 3647
3482 while (!exit_main_loop) 3648 while (!exit_main_loop)
3483 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ EVRUN_ONCE); 3649 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3484 3650
3485 // in a model watcher 3651 // in a modal watcher
3486 int exit_nested_loop = 0; 3652 int exit_nested_loop = 0;
3487 3653
3488 while (!exit_nested_loop) 3654 while (!exit_nested_loop)
3489 ev_run (EV_A_ EVRUN_ONCE); 3655 ev_run (EV_A_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3490 3656
3497 exit_main_loop = 1; 3663 exit_main_loop = 1;
3498 3664
3499 // exit both 3665 // exit both
3500 exit_main_loop = exit_nested_loop = 1; 3666 exit_main_loop = exit_nested_loop = 1;
3501 3667
3502=item Thread locking example 3668=head2 THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE
3503 3669
3504Here is a fictitious example of how to run an event loop in a different 3670Here is a fictitious example of how to run an event loop in a different
3505thread than where callbacks are being invoked and watchers are 3671thread from where callbacks are being invoked and watchers are
3506created/added/removed. 3672created/added/removed.
3507 3673
3508For a real-world example, see the C<EV::Loop::Async> perl module, 3674For a real-world example, see the C<EV::Loop::Async> perl module,
3509which uses exactly this technique (which is suited for many high-level 3675which uses exactly this technique (which is suited for many high-level
3510languages). 3676languages).
3536 // now associate this with the loop 3702 // now associate this with the loop
3537 ev_set_userdata (EV_A_ u); 3703 ev_set_userdata (EV_A_ u);
3538 ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (EV_A_ l_invoke); 3704 ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (EV_A_ l_invoke);
3539 ev_set_loop_release_cb (EV_A_ l_release, l_acquire); 3705 ev_set_loop_release_cb (EV_A_ l_release, l_acquire);
3540 3706
3541 // then create the thread running ev_loop 3707 // then create the thread running ev_run
3542 pthread_create (&u->tid, 0, l_run, EV_A); 3708 pthread_create (&u->tid, 0, l_run, EV_A);
3543 } 3709 }
3544 3710
3545The callback for the C<ev_async> watcher does nothing: the watcher is used 3711The callback for the C<ev_async> watcher does nothing: the watcher is used
3546solely to wake up the event loop so it takes notice of any new watchers 3712solely to wake up the event loop so it takes notice of any new watchers
3635Note that sending the C<ev_async> watcher is required because otherwise 3801Note that sending the C<ev_async> watcher is required because otherwise
3636an event loop currently blocking in the kernel will have no knowledge 3802an event loop currently blocking in the kernel will have no knowledge
3637about the newly added timer. By waking up the loop it will pick up any new 3803about the newly added timer. By waking up the loop it will pick up any new
3638watchers in the next event loop iteration. 3804watchers in the next event loop iteration.
3639 3805
3640=back 3806=head2 THREADS, COROUTINES, CONTINUATIONS, QUEUES... INSTEAD OF CALLBACKS
3807
3808While the overhead of a callback that e.g. schedules a thread is small, it
3809is still an overhead. If you embed libev, and your main usage is with some
3810kind of threads or coroutines, you might want to customise libev so that
3811doesn't need callbacks anymore.
3812
3813Imagine you have coroutines that you can switch to using a function
3814C<switch_to (coro)>, that libev runs in a coroutine called C<libev_coro>
3815and that due to some magic, the currently active coroutine is stored in a
3816global called C<current_coro>. Then you can build your own "wait for libev
3817event" primitive by changing C<EV_CB_DECLARE> and C<EV_CB_INVOKE> (note
3818the differing C<;> conventions):
3819
3820 #define EV_CB_DECLARE(type) struct my_coro *cb;
3821 #define EV_CB_INVOKE(watcher) switch_to ((watcher)->cb)
3822
3823That means instead of having a C callback function, you store the
3824coroutine to switch to in each watcher, and instead of having libev call
3825your callback, you instead have it switch to that coroutine.
3826
3827A coroutine might now wait for an event with a function called
3828C<wait_for_event>. (the watcher needs to be started, as always, but it doesn't
3829matter when, or whether the watcher is active or not when this function is
3830called):
3831
3832 void
3833 wait_for_event (ev_watcher *w)
3834 {
3835 ev_cb_set (w) = current_coro;
3836 switch_to (libev_coro);
3837 }
3838
3839That basically suspends the coroutine inside C<wait_for_event> and
3840continues the libev coroutine, which, when appropriate, switches back to
3841this or any other coroutine.
3842
3843You can do similar tricks if you have, say, threads with an event queue -
3844instead of storing a coroutine, you store the queue object and instead of
3845switching to a coroutine, you push the watcher onto the queue and notify
3846any waiters.
3847
3848To embed libev, see L<EMBEDDING>, but in short, it's easiest to create two
3849files, F<my_ev.h> and F<my_ev.c> that include the respective libev files:
3850
3851 // my_ev.h
3852 #define EV_CB_DECLARE(type) struct my_coro *cb;
3853 #define EV_CB_INVOKE(watcher) switch_to ((watcher)->cb);
3854 #include "../libev/ev.h"
3855
3856 // my_ev.c
3857 #define EV_H "my_ev.h"
3858 #include "../libev/ev.c"
3859
3860And then use F<my_ev.h> when you would normally use F<ev.h>, and compile
3861F<my_ev.c> into your project. When properly specifying include paths, you
3862can even use F<ev.h> as header file name directly.
3641 3863
3642 3864
3643=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION 3865=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION
3644 3866
3645Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot 3867Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot
3699with C<operator ()> can be used as callbacks. Other types should be easy 3921with C<operator ()> can be used as callbacks. Other types should be easy
3700to add as long as they only need one additional pointer for context. If 3922to add as long as they only need one additional pointer for context. If
3701you need support for other types of functors please contact the author 3923you need support for other types of functors please contact the author
3702(preferably after implementing it). 3924(preferably after implementing it).
3703 3925
3926For all this to work, your C++ compiler either has to use the same calling
3927conventions as your C compiler (for static member functions), or you have
3928to embed libev and compile libev itself as C++.
3929
3704Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 3930Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
3705 3931
3706=over 4 3932=over 4
3707 3933
3708=item C<ev::READ>, C<ev::WRITE> etc. 3934=item C<ev::READ>, C<ev::WRITE> etc.
3717=item C<ev::io>, C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic>, C<ev::idle>, C<ev::sig> etc. 3943=item C<ev::io>, C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic>, C<ev::idle>, C<ev::sig> etc.
3718 3944
3719For each C<ev_TYPE> watcher in F<ev.h> there is a corresponding class of 3945For each C<ev_TYPE> watcher in F<ev.h> there is a corresponding class of
3720the same name in the C<ev> namespace, with the exception of C<ev_signal> 3946the same name in the C<ev> namespace, with the exception of C<ev_signal>
3721which is called C<ev::sig> to avoid clashes with the C<signal> macro 3947which is called C<ev::sig> to avoid clashes with the C<signal> macro
3722defines by many implementations. 3948defined by many implementations.
3723 3949
3724All of those classes have these methods: 3950All of those classes have these methods:
3725 3951
3726=over 4 3952=over 4
3727 3953
3860watchers in the constructor. 4086watchers in the constructor.
3861 4087
3862 class myclass 4088 class myclass
3863 { 4089 {
3864 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 4090 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3865 ev::io2 io2 ; void io2_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 4091 ev::io io2 ; void io2_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3866 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 4092 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
3867 4093
3868 myclass (int fd) 4094 myclass (int fd)
3869 { 4095 {
3870 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 4096 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
3921L<http://hackage.haskell.org/cgi-bin/hackage-scripts/package/hlibev>. 4147L<http://hackage.haskell.org/cgi-bin/hackage-scripts/package/hlibev>.
3922 4148
3923=item D 4149=item D
3924 4150
3925Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to 4151Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
3926be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>. 4152be found at L<http://www.llucax.com.ar/proj/ev.d/index.html>.
3927 4153
3928=item Ocaml 4154=item Ocaml
3929 4155
3930Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at 4156Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
3931L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>. 4157L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
3979suitable for use with C<EV_A>. 4205suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
3980 4206
3981=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 4207=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
3982 4208
3983Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 4209Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
3984loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 4210loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). The default loop
4211will be initialised if it isn't already initialised.
4212
4213For non-multiplicity builds, these macros do nothing, so you always have
4214to initialise the loop somewhere.
3985 4215
3986=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_> 4216=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_>
3987 4217
3988Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the 4218Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the
3989default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour 4219default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour
4134supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in 4364supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in
4135F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 4365F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
4136 4366
4137In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the 4367In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the
4138configuration, but has to be more conservative. 4368configuration, but has to be more conservative.
4369
4370=item EV_USE_FLOOR
4371
4372If defined to be C<1>, libev will use the C<floor ()> function for its
4373periodic reschedule calculations, otherwise libev will fall back on a
4374portable (slower) implementation. If you enable this, you usually have to
4375link against libm or something equivalent. Enabling this when the C<floor>
4376function is not available will fail, so the safe default is to not enable
4377this.
4139 4378
4140=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 4379=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
4141 4380
4142If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 4381If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
4143monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no 4382monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no
4273If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 4512If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
4274interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will 4513interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
4275be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers 4514be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers
4276indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled. 4515indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
4277 4516
4517=item EV_NO_SMP
4518
4519If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that memory is always coherent
4520between threads, that is, threads can be used, but threads never run on
4521different cpus (or different cpu cores). This reduces dependencies
4522and makes libev faster.
4523
4524=item EV_NO_THREADS
4525
4526If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that it will never be called
4527from different threads, which is a stronger assumption than C<EV_NO_SMP>,
4528above. This reduces dependencies and makes libev faster.
4529
4278=item EV_ATOMIC_T 4530=item EV_ATOMIC_T
4279 4531
4280Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose 4532Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
4281access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such 4533access is atomic and serialised with respect to other threads or signal
4282type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type 4534contexts. No such type is easily found in the C language, so you can
4283that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking" 4535provide your own type that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used
4284as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers. 4536both for signal handler "locking" as well as for signal and thread safety
4537in C<ev_async> watchers.
4285 4538
4286In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 4539In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
4287(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms. 4540(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms,
4541although strictly speaking using a type that also implies a memory fence
4542is required.
4288 4543
4289=item EV_H (h) 4544=item EV_H (h)
4290 4545
4291The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 4546The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
4292undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be 4547undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be
4316will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 4571will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
4317additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 4572additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
4318for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 4573for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
4319argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 4574argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
4320 4575
4576Note that C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_> will no longer provide a
4577default loop when multiplicity is switched off - you always have to
4578initialise the loop manually in this case.
4579
4321=item EV_MINPRI 4580=item EV_MINPRI
4322 4581
4323=item EV_MAXPRI 4582=item EV_MAXPRI
4324 4583
4325The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to 4584The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
4422 4681
4423With an intelligent-enough linker (gcc+binutils are intelligent enough 4682With an intelligent-enough linker (gcc+binutils are intelligent enough
4424when you use C<-Wl,--gc-sections -ffunction-sections>) functions unused by 4683when you use C<-Wl,--gc-sections -ffunction-sections>) functions unused by
4425your program might be left out as well - a binary starting a timer and an 4684your program might be left out as well - a binary starting a timer and an
4426I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb. 4685I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb.
4686
4687=item EV_API_STATIC
4688
4689If this symbol is defined (by default it is not), then all identifiers
4690will have static linkage. This means that libev will not export any
4691identifiers, and you cannot link against libev anymore. This can be useful
4692when you embed libev, only want to use libev functions in a single file,
4693and do not want its identifiers to be visible.
4694
4695To use this, define C<EV_API_STATIC> and include F<ev.c> in the file that
4696wants to use libev.
4697
4698This option only works when libev is compiled with a C compiler, as C++
4699doesn't support the required declaration syntax.
4427 4700
4428=item EV_AVOID_STDIO 4701=item EV_AVOID_STDIO
4429 4702
4430If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio 4703If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio
4431functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the code size 4704functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the code size
4575And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 4848And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
4576 4849
4577 #include "ev_cpp.h" 4850 #include "ev_cpp.h"
4578 #include "ev.c" 4851 #include "ev.c"
4579 4852
4580=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS OR LIBRARIES 4853=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS, LIBRARIES OR THE ENVIRONMENT
4581 4854
4582=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES 4855=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES
4583 4856
4584=head3 THREADS 4857=head3 THREADS
4585 4858
4636default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop 4909default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
4637watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal. 4910watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
4638 4911
4639=back 4912=back
4640 4913
4641See also L<Thread locking example>. 4914See also L<THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE>.
4642 4915
4643=head3 COROUTINES 4916=head3 COROUTINES
4644 4917
4645Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 4918Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
4646libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different 4919libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
4811requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 5084requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
4812model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 5085model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
4813the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 5086the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
4814descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 5087descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
4815e.g. cygwin. Actually, it only applies to the microsofts own compilers, 5088e.g. cygwin. Actually, it only applies to the microsofts own compilers,
4816as every compielr comes with a slightly differently broken/incompatible 5089as every compiler comes with a slightly differently broken/incompatible
4817environment. 5090environment.
4818 5091
4819Lifting these limitations would basically require the full 5092Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
4820re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into this kind of thing, 5093re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into this kind of thing,
4821then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable way (note 5094then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable way (note
4954 5227
4955The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to 5228The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
4956have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is 5229have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is
4957good enough for at least into the year 4000 with millisecond accuracy 5230good enough for at least into the year 4000 with millisecond accuracy
4958(the design goal for libev). This requirement is overfulfilled by 5231(the design goal for libev). This requirement is overfulfilled by
4959implementations using IEEE 754, which is basically all existing ones. With 5232implementations using IEEE 754, which is basically all existing ones.
5233
4960IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least 2200. 5234With IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least the
5235year 2255 (and millisecond accuracy till the year 287396 - by then, libev
5236is either obsolete or somebody patched it to use C<long double> or
5237something like that, just kidding).
4961 5238
4962=back 5239=back
4963 5240
4964If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 5241If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
4965 5242
5027=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers) 5304=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
5028 5305
5029=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number) 5306=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
5030 5307
5031Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send> 5308Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
5032calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events 5309calls in the current loop iteration and the loop is currently
5310blocked. Checking for async and signal events involves iterating over all
5033involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers. 5311running async watchers or all signal numbers.
5034 5312
5035=back 5313=back
5036 5314
5037 5315
5038=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X 5316=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X
5155The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :) 5433The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
5156 5434
5157=item wall-clock time 5435=item wall-clock time
5158 5436
5159The time and date as shown on clocks. Unlike real time, it can actually 5437The time and date as shown on clocks. Unlike real time, it can actually
5160be wrong and jump forwards and backwards, e.g. when the you adjust your 5438be wrong and jump forwards and backwards, e.g. when you adjust your
5161clock. 5439clock.
5162 5440
5163=item watcher 5441=item watcher
5164 5442
5165A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need 5443A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need
5168=back 5446=back
5169 5447
5170=head1 AUTHOR 5448=head1 AUTHOR
5171 5449
5172Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael 5450Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael
5173Magnusson and Emanuele Giaquinta. 5451Magnusson and Emanuele Giaquinta, and minor corrections by many others.
5174 5452

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