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Revision 1.381 by root, Sat Aug 13 17:41:14 2011 UTC vs.
Revision 1.406 by root, Thu May 3 16:00:47 2012 UTC

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 183Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked
184until either it is interrupted or the given time interval has 184until either it is interrupted or the given time interval has
247the current system, you would need to look at C<ev_embeddable_backends () 247the current system, you would need to look at C<ev_embeddable_backends ()
248& ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for recommended ones. 248& ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for recommended ones.
249 249
250See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 250See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
251 251
252=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 252=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size) throw ())
253 253
254Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 254Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
255semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is 255semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
256used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero 256used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
257when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort 257when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
283 } 283 }
284 284
285 ... 285 ...
286 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 286 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
287 287
288=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)) 288=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg) throw ())
289 289
290Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such 290Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
291as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 291as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
292indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 292indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
293callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no 293callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
567 567
568It 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
569kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 569kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
570course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 570course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
571cause 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
572two 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
573sane, 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
574cases 574drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases
575 575
576This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 576This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
577 577
578While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work 578While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
579everywhere, 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
792without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>. 792without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>.
793 793
794Calling 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
795event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>). 795event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>).
796 796
797=item ev_run (loop, int flags) 797=item bool ev_run (loop, int flags)
798 798
799Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 799Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
800after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start 800after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start
801handling 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
802the watcher callbacks, an then repeat the whole process indefinitely: This 802the watcher callbacks, and then repeat the whole process indefinitely: This
803is why event loops are called I<loops>. 803is why event loops are called I<loops>.
804 804
805If 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
806until 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
807called. 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").
808 812
809Please note that an explicit C<ev_break> is usually better than 813Please note that an explicit C<ev_break> is usually better than
810relying 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
811finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program 815finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
812that 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
813of 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
814beauty. 818beauty.
815 819
816This 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
817a 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++
818exception 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
819will it clear any outstanding C<EVBREAK_ONE> breaks. 823will it clear any outstanding C<EVBREAK_ONE> breaks.
820 824
821A 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
822those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not wait and 826those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not wait and
1012invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.). 1016invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.).
1013 1017
1014If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new 1018If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new
1015callback. 1019callback.
1016 1020
1017=item ev_set_loop_release_cb (loop, void (*release)(EV_P), void (*acquire)(EV_P)) 1021=item ev_set_loop_release_cb (loop, void (*release)(EV_P) throw (), void (*acquire)(EV_P) throw ())
1018 1022
1019Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This 1023Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This
1020can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around 1024can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around
1021each call to a libev function. 1025each call to a libev function.
1022 1026
1023However, 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
1024to 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
1025loop 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
1026I<release> and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop. 1030I<release> and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop.
1027 1031
1028When 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
1029suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just 1033suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just
1030afterwards. 1034afterwards.
1170 1174
1171=item C<EV_PREPARE> 1175=item C<EV_PREPARE>
1172 1176
1173=item C<EV_CHECK> 1177=item C<EV_CHECK>
1174 1178
1175All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_run> starts 1179All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_run> starts to
1176to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after 1180gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are queued (not invoked)
1177C<ev_run> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any 1181just after C<ev_run> has gathered them, but before it queues any callbacks
1182for any received events. That means C<ev_prepare> watchers are the last
1183watchers invoked before the event loop sleeps or polls for new events, and
1184C<ev_check> watchers will be invoked before any other watchers of the same
1185or lower priority within an event loop iteration.
1186
1178received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 1187Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as many watchers as
1179many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account 1188they want, and all of them will be taken into account (for example, a
1180(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep 1189C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep C<ev_run> from
1181C<ev_run> from blocking). 1190blocking).
1182 1191
1183=item C<EV_EMBED> 1192=item C<EV_EMBED>
1184 1193
1185The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention. 1194The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
1186 1195
1860 1869
1861In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone, 1870In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone,
1862but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only 1871but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only
1863within the callback: 1872within the callback:
1864 1873
1874 ev_tstamp timeout = 60.;
1865 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity 1875 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity
1876 ev_timer timer;
1866 1877
1867 static void 1878 static void
1868 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1879 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1869 { 1880 {
1870 ev_tstamp now = ev_now (EV_A); 1881 // calculate when the timeout would happen
1871 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.; 1882 ev_tstamp after = last_activity - ev_now (EV_A) + timeout;
1872 1883
1873 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out 1884 // if negative, it means we the timeout already occurred
1874 if (timeout < now) 1885 if (after < 0.)
1875 { 1886 {
1876 // timeout occurred, take action 1887 // timeout occurred, take action
1877 } 1888 }
1878 else 1889 else
1879 { 1890 {
1880 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm 1891 // callback was invoked, but there was some recent
1881 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is 1892 // activity. simply restart the timer to time out
1882 // guaranteed to be in the future, so "again" is positive: 1893 // after "after" seconds, which is the earliest time
1883 w->repeat = timeout - now; 1894 // the timeout can occur.
1895 ev_timer_set (w, after, 0.);
1884 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ w); 1896 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ w);
1885 } 1897 }
1886 } 1898 }
1887 1899
1888To summarise the callback: first calculate the real timeout (defined 1900To summarise the callback: first calculate in how many seconds the
1889as "60 seconds after the last activity"), then check if that time has 1901timeout will occur (by calculating the absolute time when it would occur,
1890been reached, which means something I<did>, in fact, time out. Otherwise 1902C<last_activity + timeout>, and subtracting the current time, C<ev_now
1891the callback was invoked too early (C<timeout> is in the future), so 1903(EV_A)> from that).
1892re-schedule the timer to fire at that future time, to see if maybe we have
1893a timeout then.
1894 1904
1895Note how C<ev_timer_again> is used, taking advantage of the 1905If this value is negative, then we are already past the timeout, i.e. we
1896C<ev_timer_again> optimisation when the timer is already running. 1906timed out, and need to do whatever is needed in this case.
1907
1908Otherwise, we now the earliest time at which the timeout would trigger,
1909and simply start the timer with this timeout value.
1910
1911In other words, each time the callback is invoked it will check whether
1912the timeout occurred. If not, it will simply reschedule itself to check
1913again at the earliest time it could time out. Rinse. Repeat.
1897 1914
1898This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds 1915This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds
1899minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to 1916minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to
1900libev to change the timeout. 1917libev to change the timeout.
1901 1918
1902To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity> 1919To start the machinery, simply initialise the watcher and set
1903to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the 1920C<last_activity> to the current time (meaning there was some activity just
1904callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer: 1921now), then call the callback, which will "do the right thing" and start
1922the timer:
1905 1923
1924 last_activity = ev_now (EV_A);
1906 ev_init (timer, callback); 1925 ev_init (&timer, callback);
1907 last_activity = ev_now (loop); 1926 callback (EV_A_ &timer, 0);
1908 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMER);
1909 1927
1910And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in 1928When there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1911C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all: 1929C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1912 1930
1931 if (activity detected)
1913 last_activity = ev_now (loop); 1932 last_activity = ev_now (EV_A);
1933
1934When your timeout value changes, then the timeout can be changed by simply
1935providing a new value, stopping the timer and calling the callback, which
1936will again do the right thing (for example, time out immediately :).
1937
1938 timeout = new_value;
1939 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &timer);
1940 callback (EV_A_ &timer, 0);
1914 1941
1915This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the 1942This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1916time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient. 1943time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1917
1918Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1919callback :) - just change the timeout and invoke the callback, which will
1920fix things for you.
1921 1944
1922=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts. 1945=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts.
1923 1946
1924If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all 1947If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all
1925employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can 1948employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can
1958 1981
1959If you ask a timer to call your callback after three seconds, then 1982If you ask a timer to call your callback after three seconds, then
1960you expect it to be invoked after three seconds - but of course, this 1983you expect it to be invoked after three seconds - but of course, this
1961cannot be guaranteed to infinite precision. Less obviously, it cannot be 1984cannot be guaranteed to infinite precision. Less obviously, it cannot be
1962guaranteed to any precision by libev - imagine somebody suspending the 1985guaranteed to any precision by libev - imagine somebody suspending the
1963process a STOP signal for a few hours for example. 1986process with a STOP signal for a few hours for example.
1964 1987
1965So, libev tries to invoke your callback as soon as possible I<after> the 1988So, libev tries to invoke your callback as soon as possible I<after> the
1966delay has occured, but cannot guarantee this. 1989delay has occurred, but cannot guarantee this.
1967 1990
1968A less obvious failure mode is calling your callback too early: many event 1991A less obvious failure mode is calling your callback too early: many event
1969loops compare timestamps with a "elapsed delay >= requested delay", but 1992loops compare timestamps with a "elapsed delay >= requested delay", but
1970this can cause your callback to be invoked much earlier than you would 1993this can cause your callback to be invoked much earlier than you would
1971expect. 1994expect.
1991delay has actually elapsed, or in other words, it always errs on the "too 2014delay has actually elapsed, or in other words, it always errs on the "too
1992late" side of things. 2015late" side of things.
1993 2016
1994=head3 The special problem of time updates 2017=head3 The special problem of time updates
1995 2018
1996Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at 2019Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes
1997least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current 2020at least one system call): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1998time only before and after C<ev_run> collects new events, which causes a 2021time only before and after C<ev_run> collects new events, which causes a
1999growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling 2022growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
2000lots of events in one iteration. 2023lots of events in one iteration.
2001 2024
2002The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 2025The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
2009 2032
2010If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an 2033If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
2011update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update 2034update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
2012()>. 2035()>.
2013 2036
2014=head3 The special problem of unsychronised clocks 2037=head3 The special problem of unsynchronised clocks
2015 2038
2016Modern systems have a variety of clocks - libev itself uses the normal 2039Modern systems have a variety of clocks - libev itself uses the normal
2017"wall clock" clock and, if available, the monotonic clock (to avoid time 2040"wall clock" clock and, if available, the monotonic clock (to avoid time
2018jumps). 2041jumps).
2019 2042
2023a call to C<gettimeofday> might return a second count that is one higher 2046a call to C<gettimeofday> might return a second count that is one higher
2024than a directly following call to C<time>. 2047than a directly following call to C<time>.
2025 2048
2026The moral of this is to only compare libev-related timestamps with 2049The moral of this is to only compare libev-related timestamps with
2027C<ev_time ()> and C<ev_now ()>, at least if you want better precision than 2050C<ev_time ()> and C<ev_now ()>, at least if you want better precision than
2028a seocnd or so. 2051a second or so.
2029 2052
2030One more problem arises due to this lack of synchronisation: if libev uses 2053One more problem arises due to this lack of synchronisation: if libev uses
2031the system monotonic clock and you compare timestamps from C<ev_time> 2054the system monotonic clock and you compare timestamps from C<ev_time>
2032or C<ev_now> from when you started your timer and when your callback is 2055or C<ev_now> from when you started your timer and when your callback is
2033invoked, you will find that sometimes the callback is a bit "early". 2056invoked, you will find that sometimes the callback is a bit "early".
2094keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to 2117keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to
2095do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 2118do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
2096 2119
2097=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *) 2120=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
2098 2121
2099This will act as if the timer timed out and restarts it again if it is 2122This will act as if the timer timed out, and restarts it again if it is
2100repeating. The exact semantics are: 2123repeating. It basically works like calling C<ev_timer_stop>, updating the
2124timeout to the C<repeat> value and calling C<ev_timer_start>.
2101 2125
2126The exact semantics are as in the following rules, all of which will be
2127applied to the watcher:
2128
2129=over 4
2130
2102If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 2131=item If the timer is pending, the pending status is always cleared.
2103 2132
2104If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 2133=item If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed
2134out, without invoking it).
2105 2135
2106If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 2136=item If the timer is repeating, make the C<repeat> value the new timeout
2107C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 2137and start the timer, if necessary.
2138
2139=back
2108 2140
2109This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a 2141This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a
2110usage example. 2142usage example.
2111 2143
2112=item ev_tstamp ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *) 2144=item ev_tstamp ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *)
2815Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 2847Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
2816effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do 2848effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do
2817"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 2849"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
2818event loop has handled all outstanding events. 2850event loop has handled all outstanding events.
2819 2851
2852=head3 Abusing an C<ev_idle> watcher for its side-effect
2853
2854As long as there is at least one active idle watcher, libev will never
2855sleep unnecessarily. Or in other words, it will loop as fast as possible.
2856For this to work, the idle watcher doesn't need to be invoked at all - the
2857lowest priority will do.
2858
2859This mode of operation can be useful together with an C<ev_check> watcher,
2860to do something on each event loop iteration - for example to balance load
2861between different connections.
2862
2863See L<Abusing an C<ev_check> watcher for its side-effect> for a longer
2864example.
2865
2820=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2866=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2821 2867
2822=over 4 2868=over 4
2823 2869
2824=item ev_idle_init (ev_idle *, callback) 2870=item ev_idle_init (ev_idle *, callback)
2847 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_watcher); 2893 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_watcher);
2848 2894
2849 2895
2850=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 2896=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
2851 2897
2852Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs: 2898Prepare and check watchers are often (but not always) used in pairs:
2853prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2899prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
2854afterwards. 2900afterwards.
2855 2901
2856You I<must not> call C<ev_run> or similar functions that enter 2902You I<must not> call C<ev_run> or similar functions that enter
2857the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 2903the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
2885with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 2931with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine
2886of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event 2932of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
2887loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 2933loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
2888low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 2934low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
2889 2935
2890It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) 2936When used for this purpose, it is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers
2891priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers 2937highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) priority, to ensure that they are being run before
2892after the poll (this doesn't matter for C<ev_prepare> watchers). 2938any other watchers after the poll (this doesn't matter for C<ev_prepare>
2939watchers).
2893 2940
2894Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, too) should not 2941Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, too) should not
2895activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully supports this, they 2942activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully supports this, they
2896might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers did their job. As 2943might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers did their job. As
2897C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other (non-libev) event 2944C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other (non-libev) event
2898loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their 2945loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
2899C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with 2946C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
2900others). 2947others).
2948
2949=head3 Abusing an C<ev_check> watcher for its side-effect
2950
2951C<ev_check> (and less often also C<ev_prepare>) watchers can also be
2952useful because they are called once per event loop iteration. For
2953example, if you want to handle a large number of connections fairly, you
2954normally only do a bit of work for each active connection, and if there
2955is more work to do, you wait for the next event loop iteration, so other
2956connections have a chance of making progress.
2957
2958Using an C<ev_check> watcher is almost enough: it will be called on the
2959next event loop iteration. However, that isn't as soon as possible -
2960without external events, your C<ev_check> watcher will not be invoked.
2961
2962
2963This is where C<ev_idle> watchers come in handy - all you need is a
2964single global idle watcher that is active as long as you have one active
2965C<ev_check> watcher. The C<ev_idle> watcher makes sure the event loop
2966will not sleep, and the C<ev_check> watcher makes sure a callback gets
2967invoked. Neither watcher alone can do that.
2901 2968
2902=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2969=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2903 2970
2904=over 4 2971=over 4
2905 2972
3286it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe. 3353it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe.
3287 3354
3288This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals, 3355This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
3289too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed 3356too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
3290(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of 3357(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
3291C<ev_async_sent> calls). In fact, you could use signal watchers as a kind 3358C<ev_async_send> calls). In fact, you could use signal watchers as a kind
3292of "global async watchers" by using a watcher on an otherwise unused 3359of "global async watchers" by using a watcher on an otherwise unused
3293signal, and C<ev_feed_signal> to signal this watcher from another thread, 3360signal, and C<ev_feed_signal> to signal this watcher from another thread,
3294even without knowing which loop owns the signal. 3361even without knowing which loop owns the signal.
3295 3362
3296=head3 Queueing 3363=head3 Queueing
3473 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 3540 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
3474 3541
3475=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents) 3542=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents)
3476 3543
3477Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 3544Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
3478the given events it. 3545the given events.
3479 3546
3480=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum) 3547=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum)
3481 3548
3482Feed an event as if the given signal occurred. See also C<ev_feed_signal>, 3549Feed an event as if the given signal occurred. See also C<ev_feed_signal>,
3483which is async-safe. 3550which is async-safe.
3557 { 3624 {
3558 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *) 3625 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
3559 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 3626 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
3560 } 3627 }
3561 3628
3629=head2 AVOIDING FINISHING BEFORE RETURNING
3630
3631Often you have structures like this in event-based programs:
3632
3633 callback ()
3634 {
3635 free (request);
3636 }
3637
3638 request = start_new_request (..., callback);
3639
3640The intent is to start some "lengthy" operation. The C<request> could be
3641used to cancel the operation, or do other things with it.
3642
3643It's not uncommon to have code paths in C<start_new_request> that
3644immediately invoke the callback, for example, to report errors. Or you add
3645some caching layer that finds that it can skip the lengthy aspects of the
3646operation and simply invoke the callback with the result.
3647
3648The problem here is that this will happen I<before> C<start_new_request>
3649has returned, so C<request> is not set.
3650
3651Even if you pass the request by some safer means to the callback, you
3652might want to do something to the request after starting it, such as
3653canceling it, which probably isn't working so well when the callback has
3654already been invoked.
3655
3656A common way around all these issues is to make sure that
3657C<start_new_request> I<always> returns before the callback is invoked. If
3658C<start_new_request> immediately knows the result, it can artificially
3659delay invoking the callback by e.g. using a C<prepare> or C<idle> watcher
3660for example, or more sneakily, by reusing an existing (stopped) watcher
3661and pushing it into the pending queue:
3662
3663 ev_set_cb (watcher, callback);
3664 ev_feed_event (EV_A_ watcher, 0);
3665
3666This way, C<start_new_request> can safely return before the callback is
3667invoked, while not delaying callback invocation too much.
3668
3562=head2 MODEL/NESTED EVENT LOOP INVOCATIONS AND EXIT CONDITIONS 3669=head2 MODEL/NESTED EVENT LOOP INVOCATIONS AND EXIT CONDITIONS
3563 3670
3564Often (especially in GUI toolkits) there are places where you have 3671Often (especially in GUI toolkits) there are places where you have
3565I<modal> interaction, which is most easily implemented by recursively 3672I<modal> interaction, which is most easily implemented by recursively
3566invoking C<ev_run>. 3673invoking C<ev_run>.
3579 int exit_main_loop = 0; 3686 int exit_main_loop = 0;
3580 3687
3581 while (!exit_main_loop) 3688 while (!exit_main_loop)
3582 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ EVRUN_ONCE); 3689 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3583 3690
3584 // in a model watcher 3691 // in a modal watcher
3585 int exit_nested_loop = 0; 3692 int exit_nested_loop = 0;
3586 3693
3587 while (!exit_nested_loop) 3694 while (!exit_nested_loop)
3588 ev_run (EV_A_ EVRUN_ONCE); 3695 ev_run (EV_A_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3589 3696
3769 switch_to (libev_coro); 3876 switch_to (libev_coro);
3770 } 3877 }
3771 3878
3772That basically suspends the coroutine inside C<wait_for_event> and 3879That basically suspends the coroutine inside C<wait_for_event> and
3773continues the libev coroutine, which, when appropriate, switches back to 3880continues the libev coroutine, which, when appropriate, switches back to
3774this or any other coroutine. I am sure if you sue this your own :) 3881this or any other coroutine.
3775 3882
3776You can do similar tricks if you have, say, threads with an event queue - 3883You can do similar tricks if you have, say, threads with an event queue -
3777instead of storing a coroutine, you store the queue object and instead of 3884instead of storing a coroutine, you store the queue object and instead of
3778switching to a coroutine, you push the watcher onto the queue and notify 3885switching to a coroutine, you push the watcher onto the queue and notify
3779any waiters. 3886any waiters.
3829to use the libev header file and library. 3936to use the libev header file and library.
3830 3937
3831=back 3938=back
3832 3939
3833=head1 C++ SUPPORT 3940=head1 C++ SUPPORT
3941
3942=head2 C API
3943
3944The normal C API should work fine when used from C++: both ev.h and the
3945libev sources can be compiled as C++. Therefore, code that uses the C API
3946will work fine.
3947
3948Proper exception specifications might have to be added to callbacks passed
3949to libev: exceptions may be thrown only from watcher callbacks, all
3950other callbacks (allocator, syserr, loop acquire/release and periodioc
3951reschedule callbacks) must not throw exceptions, and might need a C<throw
3952()> specification. If you have code that needs to be compiled as both C
3953and C++ you can use the C<EV_THROW> macro for this:
3954
3955 static void
3956 fatal_error (const char *msg) EV_THROW
3957 {
3958 perror (msg);
3959 abort ();
3960 }
3961
3962 ...
3963 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error);
3964
3965The only API functions that can currently throw exceptions are C<ev_run>,
3966C<ev_invoke>, C<ev_invoke_pending> and C<ev_loop_destroy> (the latter
3967because it runs cleanup watchers).
3968
3969Throwing exceptions in watcher callbacks is only supported if libev itself
3970is compiled with a C++ compiler or your C and C++ environments allow
3971throwing exceptions through C libraries (most do).
3972
3973=head2 C++ API
3834 3974
3835Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 3975Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
3836you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change 3976you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
3837the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 3977the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
3838 3978
3854with C<operator ()> can be used as callbacks. Other types should be easy 3994with C<operator ()> can be used as callbacks. Other types should be easy
3855to add as long as they only need one additional pointer for context. If 3995to add as long as they only need one additional pointer for context. If
3856you need support for other types of functors please contact the author 3996you need support for other types of functors please contact the author
3857(preferably after implementing it). 3997(preferably after implementing it).
3858 3998
3999For all this to work, your C++ compiler either has to use the same calling
4000conventions as your C compiler (for static member functions), or you have
4001to embed libev and compile libev itself as C++.
4002
3859Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 4003Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
3860 4004
3861=over 4 4005=over 4
3862 4006
3863=item C<ev::READ>, C<ev::WRITE> etc. 4007=item C<ev::READ>, C<ev::WRITE> etc.
3872=item C<ev::io>, C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic>, C<ev::idle>, C<ev::sig> etc. 4016=item C<ev::io>, C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic>, C<ev::idle>, C<ev::sig> etc.
3873 4017
3874For each C<ev_TYPE> watcher in F<ev.h> there is a corresponding class of 4018For each C<ev_TYPE> watcher in F<ev.h> there is a corresponding class of
3875the same name in the C<ev> namespace, with the exception of C<ev_signal> 4019the same name in the C<ev> namespace, with the exception of C<ev_signal>
3876which is called C<ev::sig> to avoid clashes with the C<signal> macro 4020which is called C<ev::sig> to avoid clashes with the C<signal> macro
3877defines by many implementations. 4021defined by many implementations.
3878 4022
3879All of those classes have these methods: 4023All of those classes have these methods:
3880 4024
3881=over 4 4025=over 4
3882 4026
4441If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 4585If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
4442interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will 4586interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
4443be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers 4587be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers
4444indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled. 4588indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
4445 4589
4590=item EV_NO_SMP
4591
4592If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that memory is always coherent
4593between threads, that is, threads can be used, but threads never run on
4594different cpus (or different cpu cores). This reduces dependencies
4595and makes libev faster.
4596
4597=item EV_NO_THREADS
4598
4599If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that it will never be called
4600from different threads, which is a stronger assumption than C<EV_NO_SMP>,
4601above. This reduces dependencies and makes libev faster.
4602
4446=item EV_ATOMIC_T 4603=item EV_ATOMIC_T
4447 4604
4448Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose 4605Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
4449access is atomic and serialised with respect to other threads or signal 4606access is atomic and serialised with respect to other threads or signal
4450contexts. No such type is easily found in the C language, so you can 4607contexts. No such type is easily found in the C language, so you can
4536 #define EV_USE_POLL 1 4693 #define EV_USE_POLL 1
4537 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1 4694 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
4538 #define EV_ASYNC_ENABLE 1 4695 #define EV_ASYNC_ENABLE 1
4539 4696
4540The actual value is a bitset, it can be a combination of the following 4697The actual value is a bitset, it can be a combination of the following
4541values: 4698values (by default, all of these are enabled):
4542 4699
4543=over 4 4700=over 4
4544 4701
4545=item C<1> - faster/larger code 4702=item C<1> - faster/larger code
4546 4703
4550code size by roughly 30% on amd64). 4707code size by roughly 30% on amd64).
4551 4708
4552When optimising for size, use of compiler flags such as C<-Os> with 4709When optimising for size, use of compiler flags such as C<-Os> with
4553gcc is recommended, as well as C<-DNDEBUG>, as libev contains a number of 4710gcc is recommended, as well as C<-DNDEBUG>, as libev contains a number of
4554assertions. 4711assertions.
4712
4713The default is off when C<__OPTIMIZE_SIZE__> is defined by your compiler
4714(e.g. gcc with C<-Os>).
4555 4715
4556=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures 4716=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures
4557 4717
4558Replaces the small 2-heap for timer management by a faster 4-heap, larger 4718Replaces the small 2-heap for timer management by a faster 4-heap, larger
4559hash table sizes and so on. This will usually further increase code size 4719hash table sizes and so on. This will usually further increase code size
4560and can additionally have an effect on the size of data structures at 4720and can additionally have an effect on the size of data structures at
4561runtime. 4721runtime.
4562 4722
4723The default is off when C<__OPTIMIZE_SIZE__> is defined by your compiler
4724(e.g. gcc with C<-Os>).
4725
4563=item C<4> - full API configuration 4726=item C<4> - full API configuration
4564 4727
4565This enables priorities (sets C<EV_MAXPRI>=2 and C<EV_MINPRI>=-2), and 4728This enables priorities (sets C<EV_MAXPRI>=2 and C<EV_MINPRI>=-2), and
4566enables multiplicity (C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>=1). 4729enables multiplicity (C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>=1).
4567 4730
4597 4760
4598With an intelligent-enough linker (gcc+binutils are intelligent enough 4761With an intelligent-enough linker (gcc+binutils are intelligent enough
4599when you use C<-Wl,--gc-sections -ffunction-sections>) functions unused by 4762when you use C<-Wl,--gc-sections -ffunction-sections>) functions unused by
4600your program might be left out as well - a binary starting a timer and an 4763your program might be left out as well - a binary starting a timer and an
4601I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb. 4764I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb.
4765
4766=item EV_API_STATIC
4767
4768If this symbol is defined (by default it is not), then all identifiers
4769will have static linkage. This means that libev will not export any
4770identifiers, and you cannot link against libev anymore. This can be useful
4771when you embed libev, only want to use libev functions in a single file,
4772and do not want its identifiers to be visible.
4773
4774To use this, define C<EV_API_STATIC> and include F<ev.c> in the file that
4775wants to use libev.
4776
4777This option only works when libev is compiled with a C compiler, as C++
4778doesn't support the required declaration syntax.
4602 4779
4603=item EV_AVOID_STDIO 4780=item EV_AVOID_STDIO
4604 4781
4605If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio 4782If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio
4606functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the code size 4783functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the code size
5132good enough for at least into the year 4000 with millisecond accuracy 5309good enough for at least into the year 4000 with millisecond accuracy
5133(the design goal for libev). This requirement is overfulfilled by 5310(the design goal for libev). This requirement is overfulfilled by
5134implementations using IEEE 754, which is basically all existing ones. 5311implementations using IEEE 754, which is basically all existing ones.
5135 5312
5136With IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least the 5313With IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least the
5137year 2255 (and millisecond accuray till the year 287396 - by then, libev 5314year 2255 (and millisecond accuracy till the year 287396 - by then, libev
5138is either obsolete or somebody patched it to use C<long double> or 5315is either obsolete or somebody patched it to use C<long double> or
5139something like that, just kidding). 5316something like that, just kidding).
5140 5317
5141=back 5318=back
5142 5319

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