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4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
8 8
9=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10
11 #include <ev.h>
12
13 ev_io stdin_watcher;
14 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
15
16 /* called when data readable on stdin */
17 static void
18 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents)
19 {
20 /* puts ("stdin ready"); */
21 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); /* just a syntax example */
22 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); /* leave all loop calls */
23 }
24
25 static void
26 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
27 {
28 /* puts ("timeout"); */
29 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); /* leave one loop call */
30 }
31
32 int
33 main (void)
34 {
35 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
36
37 /* initialise an io watcher, then start it */
38 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
39 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
40
41 /* simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout */
42 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
43 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
44
45 /* loop till timeout or data ready */
46 ev_loop (loop, 0);
47
48 return 0;
49 }
50
9=head1 DESCRIPTION 51=head1 DESCRIPTION
52
53The newest version of this document is also available as a html-formatted
54web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
55time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>.
10 56
11Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 57Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
12file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage 58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage
13these event sources and provide your program with events. 59these event sources and provide your program with events.
14 60
21details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the 67details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the
22watcher. 68watcher.
23 69
24=head1 FEATURES 70=head1 FEATURES
25 71
26Libev supports select, poll, the linux-specific epoll and the bsd-specific 72Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
27kqueue mechanisms for file descriptor events, relative timers, absolute 73BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
28timers with customised rescheduling, signal events, process status change 74for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
29events (related to SIGCHLD), and event watchers dealing with the event 75(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers
30loop mechanism itself (idle, prepare and check watchers). It also is quite 76with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals
77(C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and event
78watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>,
79C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as
80file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events
81(C<ev_fork>).
82
83It also is quite fast (see this
31fast (see this L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing 84L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
32it to libevent for example). 85for example).
33 86
34=head1 CONVENTIONS 87=head1 CONVENTIONS
35 88
36Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration 89Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will
37will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info 90be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about
38about various configuration options please have a look at the file 91various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in
39F<README.embed> in the libev distribution. If libev was configured without 92this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event
40support for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial 93loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop>
41argument of name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) 94(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument.
42will not have this argument.
43 95
44=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION 96=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION
45 97
46Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 98Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
47(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 99(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
48the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 100the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
49called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 101called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
50to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 102to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
51it, you should treat it as such. 103it, you should treat it as such.
52 104
53
54=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 105=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
55 106
56These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 107These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
57library in any way. 108library in any way.
58 109
77Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch, 128Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch,
78as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 129as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
79compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 130compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
80not a problem. 131not a problem.
81 132
82Example: make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 133Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
83version: 134version.
84 135
85 assert (("libev version mismatch", 136 assert (("libev version mismatch",
86 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 137 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
87 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 138 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
88 139
118 169
119See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 170See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
120 171
121=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 172=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
122 173
123Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar to the 174Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
124realloc C function, the semantics are identical). It is used to allocate 175semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to
125and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when memory 176allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when
126needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some potentially 177memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some
127destructive action. The default is your system realloc function. 178potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc
179function.
128 180
129You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 181You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
130free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 182free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
131or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 183or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
132 184
133Example: replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 185Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
134retries: better than mine). 186retries).
135 187
136 static void * 188 static void *
137 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, long size) 189 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
138 { 190 {
139 for (;;) 191 for (;;)
140 { 192 {
141 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size); 193 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size);
142 194
158callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 210callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no
159matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 211matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
160requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 212requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
161(such as abort). 213(such as abort).
162 214
163Example: do the same thing as libev does internally: 215Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
164 216
165 static void 217 static void
166 fatal_error (const char *msg) 218 fatal_error (const char *msg)
167 { 219 {
168 perror (msg); 220 perror (msg);
218C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 270C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
219override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 271override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
220useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 272useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
221around bugs. 273around bugs.
222 274
275=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
276
277Instead of calling C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork> manually after
278a fork, you can also make libev check for a fork in each iteration by
279enabling this flag.
280
281This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
282and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
283iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
284Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
285without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my Linux system also has
286C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
287
288The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
289forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
290flag.
291
292This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
293environment variable.
294
223=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 295=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
224 296
225This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 297This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
226libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 298libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
227but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 299but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
314Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 386Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
315always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 387always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
316handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by 388handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
317undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 389undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
318 390
319Example: try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 391Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
320 392
321 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 393 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
322 if (!epoller) 394 if (!epoller)
323 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 395 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
324 396
362 434
363Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 435Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
364C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 436C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
365after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 437after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
366 438
439=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
440
441Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
442the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
443happily wraps around with enough iterations.
444
445This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
446"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
447C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls.
448
367=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 449=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
368 450
369Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 451Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
370use. 452use.
371 453
404libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 486libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
405usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 487usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
406 488
407Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 489Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
408 490
491 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
409 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 492 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return.
410 - Queue prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 493 - Queue all prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers.
411 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 494 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
412 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 495 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
413 - Update the "event loop time". 496 - Update the "event loop time".
414 - Calculate for how long to block. 497 - Calculate for how long to block.
415 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 498 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
423 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 506 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
424 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 507 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
425 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 508 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
426 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *. 509 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *.
427 510
428Example: queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding 511Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding
429anymore. 512anymore.
430 513
431 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 514 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
432 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 515 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
433 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 516 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
453visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 536visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if
454no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 537no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent
455way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 538way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party
456libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>. 539libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>.
457 540
458Example: create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 541Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
459running when nothing else is active. 542running when nothing else is active.
460 543
461 struct dv_signal exitsig; 544 struct ev_signal exitsig;
462 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 545 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
463 ev_signal_start (myloop, &exitsig); 546 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
464 evf_unref (myloop); 547 evf_unref (loop);
465 548
466Example: for some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 549Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
467 550
468 ev_ref (myloop); 551 ev_ref (loop);
469 ev_signal_stop (myloop, &exitsig); 552 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
470 553
471=back 554=back
555
472 556
473=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 557=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
474 558
475A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 559A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your
476interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 560interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to
543The signal specified in the C<ev_signal> watcher has been received by a thread. 627The signal specified in the C<ev_signal> watcher has been received by a thread.
544 628
545=item C<EV_CHILD> 629=item C<EV_CHILD>
546 630
547The pid specified in the C<ev_child> watcher has received a status change. 631The pid specified in the C<ev_child> watcher has received a status change.
632
633=item C<EV_STAT>
634
635The path specified in the C<ev_stat> watcher changed its attributes somehow.
548 636
549=item C<EV_IDLE> 637=item C<EV_IDLE>
550 638
551The C<ev_idle> watcher has determined that you have nothing better to do. 639The C<ev_idle> watcher has determined that you have nothing better to do.
552 640
560received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 648received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as
561many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account 649many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account
562(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep 650(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep
563C<ev_loop> from blocking). 651C<ev_loop> from blocking).
564 652
653=item C<EV_EMBED>
654
655The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
656
657=item C<EV_FORK>
658
659The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
660C<ev_fork>).
661
565=item C<EV_ERROR> 662=item C<EV_ERROR>
566 663
567An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 664An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might
568happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 665happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
569ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 666ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
576with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multithreaded 673with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multithreaded
577programs, though, so beware. 674programs, though, so beware.
578 675
579=back 676=back
580 677
581=head2 SUMMARY OF GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 678=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
582 679
583In the following description, C<TYPE> stands for the watcher type, 680In the following description, C<TYPE> stands for the watcher type,
584e.g. C<timer> for C<ev_timer> watchers and C<io> for C<ev_io> watchers. 681e.g. C<timer> for C<ev_timer> watchers and C<io> for C<ev_io> watchers.
585 682
586=over 4 683=over 4
595which rolls both calls into one. 692which rolls both calls into one.
596 693
597You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped 694You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped
598(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding. 695(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
599 696
600The callbakc is always of type C<void (*)(ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, 697The callback is always of type C<void (*)(ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,
601int revents)>. 698int revents)>.
602 699
603=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args]) 700=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args])
604 701
605This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to 702This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
640=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher) 737=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
641 738
642Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding 739Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding
643events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher 740events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher
644is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but 741is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but
645C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe) and you must make sure the watcher is available to 742C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
646libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 743make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
744it).
647 745
648=item callback = ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 746=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
649 747
650Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 748Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
651 749
652=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 750=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
653 751
654Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 752Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
655(modulo threads). 753(modulo threads).
754
755=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority)
756
757=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
758
759Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
760integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
761(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
762before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
763from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
764
765This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
766invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
767example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
768watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
769
770If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
771you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
772
773You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
774pending.
775
776The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
777always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
778
779Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
780fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
781or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
782
783=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
784
785Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
786C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
787can deal with that fact.
788
789=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
790
791If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status
792and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
793watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
656 794
657=back 795=back
658 796
659 797
660=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 798=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
681 { 819 {
682 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 820 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
683 ... 821 ...
684 } 822 }
685 823
686More interesting and less C-conformant ways of catsing your callback type 824More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
687have been omitted.... 825instead have been omitted.
826
827Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple
828watchers:
829
830 struct my_biggy
831 {
832 int some_data;
833 ev_timer t1;
834 ev_timer t2;
835 }
836
837In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated,
838you need to use C<offsetof>:
839
840 #include <stddef.h>
841
842 static void
843 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
844 {
845 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
846 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
847 }
848
849 static void
850 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
851 {
852 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
853 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
854 }
688 855
689 856
690=head1 WATCHER TYPES 857=head1 WATCHER TYPES
691 858
692This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 859This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
693information given in the last section. 860information given in the last section. Any initialisation/set macros,
861functions and members specific to the watcher type are explained.
694 862
863Members are additionally marked with either I<[read-only]>, meaning that,
864while the watcher is active, you can look at the member and expect some
865sensible content, but you must not modify it (you can modify it while the
866watcher is stopped to your hearts content), or I<[read-write]>, which
867means you can expect it to have some sensible content while the watcher
868is active, but you can also modify it. Modifying it may not do something
869sensible or take immediate effect (or do anything at all), but libev will
870not crash or malfunction in any way.
695 871
872
696=head2 C<ev_io> - is this file descriptor readable or writable 873=head2 C<ev_io> - is this file descriptor readable or writable?
697 874
698I/O watchers check whether a file descriptor is readable or writable 875I/O watchers check whether a file descriptor is readable or writable
699in each iteration of the event loop (This behaviour is called 876in each iteration of the event loop, or, more precisely, when reading
700level-triggering because you keep receiving events as long as the 877would not block the process and writing would at least be able to write
701condition persists. Remember you can stop the watcher if you don't want to 878some data. This behaviour is called level-triggering because you keep
702act on the event and neither want to receive future events). 879receiving events as long as the condition persists. Remember you can stop
880the watcher if you don't want to act on the event and neither want to
881receive future events.
703 882
704In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 883In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
705fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 884fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
706descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 885descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
707required if you know what you are doing). 886required if you know what you are doing).
708 887
709You have to be careful with dup'ed file descriptors, though. Some backends 888You have to be careful with dup'ed file descriptors, though. Some backends
710(the linux epoll backend is a notable example) cannot handle dup'ed file 889(the linux epoll backend is a notable example) cannot handle dup'ed file
711descriptors correctly if you register interest in two or more fds pointing 890descriptors correctly if you register interest in two or more fds pointing
712to the same underlying file/socket etc. description (that is, they share 891to the same underlying file/socket/etc. description (that is, they share
713the same underlying "file open"). 892the same underlying "file open").
714 893
715If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 894If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend
716(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and 895(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and
717C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 896C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
718 897
898Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
899receive "spurious" readyness notifications, that is your callback might
900be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
901because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
902lot of those (for example solaris ports), it is very easy to get into
903this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus
904it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
905C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
906
907If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not
908play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test
909whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface
910such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
911its own, so its quite safe to use).
912
719=over 4 913=over 4
720 914
721=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 915=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
722 916
723=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 917=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
724 918
725Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The fd is the file descriptor to rceeive 919Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to
726events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_READ | 920rceeive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
727EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 921C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events.
728 922
729Please note that most of the more scalable backend mechanisms (for example 923=item int fd [read-only]
730epoll and solaris ports) can result in spurious readyness notifications 924
731for file descriptors, so you practically need to use non-blocking I/O (and 925The file descriptor being watched.
732treat callback invocation as hint only), or retest separately with a safe 926
733interface before doing I/O (XLib can do this), or force the use of either 927=item int events [read-only]
734C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>, which don't suffer from this 928
735problem. Also note that it is quite easy to have your callback invoked 929The events being watched.
736when the readyness condition is no longer valid even when employing
737typical ways of handling events, so its a good idea to use non-blocking
738I/O unconditionally.
739 930
740=back 931=back
741 932
742Example: call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 933Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
743readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 934readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
744attempt to read a whole line in the callback: 935attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
745 936
746 static void 937 static void
747 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 938 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
748 { 939 {
749 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 940 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
756 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 947 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
757 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 948 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
758 ev_loop (loop, 0); 949 ev_loop (loop, 0);
759 950
760 951
761=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally recurring timeouts 952=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
762 953
763Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 954Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
764given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 955given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
765 956
766The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that 957The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that
801=item ev_timer_again (loop) 992=item ev_timer_again (loop)
802 993
803This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 994This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
804repeating. The exact semantics are: 995repeating. The exact semantics are:
805 996
997If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
998
806If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it. 999If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
807 1000
808If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat 1001If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
809value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value. 1002C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
810 1003
811This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1004This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
812example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle 1005example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle
813timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60 1006timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
814seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to 1007seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
815configure an C<ev_timer> with after=repeat=60 and calling ev_timer_again each 1008configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
816time you successfully read or write some data. If you go into an idle 1009C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
817state where you do not expect data to travel on the socket, you can stop 1010you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
818the timer, and again will automatically restart it if need be. 1011socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
1012automatically restart it if need be.
1013
1014That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
1015altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
1016
1017 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
1018 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1019 ...
1020 timer->again = 17.;
1021 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1022 ...
1023 timer->again = 10.;
1024 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1025
1026This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1027you want to modify its timeout value.
1028
1029=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1030
1031The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1032or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
1033which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
819 1034
820=back 1035=back
821 1036
822Example: create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1037Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
823 1038
824 static void 1039 static void
825 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1040 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
826 { 1041 {
827 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1042 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
829 1044
830 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1045 struct ev_timer mytimer;
831 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1046 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
832 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1047 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
833 1048
834Example: create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1049Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
835inactivity. 1050inactivity.
836 1051
837 static void 1052 static void
838 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1053 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
839 { 1054 {
848 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 1063 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
849 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 1064 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
850 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 1065 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
851 1066
852 1067
853=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron 1068=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
854 1069
855Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 1070Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
856(and unfortunately a bit complex). 1071(and unfortunately a bit complex).
857 1072
858Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 1073Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time)
950Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1165Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
951when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1166when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
952a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1167a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
953program when the crontabs have changed). 1168program when the crontabs have changed).
954 1169
1170=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1171
1172The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1173take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1174called.
1175
1176=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1177
1178The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1179switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1180the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1181
955=back 1182=back
956 1183
957Example: call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1184Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
958system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1185system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
959potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1186potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability.
960 1187
961 static void 1188 static void
962 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1189 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
966 1193
967 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1194 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
968 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1195 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
969 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1196 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
970 1197
971Example: the same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1198Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
972 1199
973 #include <math.h> 1200 #include <math.h>
974 1201
975 static ev_tstamp 1202 static ev_tstamp
976 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1203 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
978 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1205 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;
979 } 1206 }
980 1207
981 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1208 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
982 1209
983Example: call a callback every hour, starting now: 1210Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
984 1211
985 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1212 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
986 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1213 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
987 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1214 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
988 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1215 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
989 1216
990 1217
991=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled 1218=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
992 1219
993Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 1220Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
994signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 1221signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
995will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 1222will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
996normal event processing, like any other event. 1223normal event processing, like any other event.
1009=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum) 1236=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)
1010 1237
1011Configures the watcher to trigger on the given signal number (usually one 1238Configures the watcher to trigger on the given signal number (usually one
1012of the C<SIGxxx> constants). 1239of the C<SIGxxx> constants).
1013 1240
1241=item int signum [read-only]
1242
1243The signal the watcher watches out for.
1244
1014=back 1245=back
1015 1246
1016 1247
1017=head2 C<ev_child> - wait for pid status changes 1248=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1018 1249
1019Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1250Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1020some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1251some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies).
1021 1252
1022=over 4 1253=over 4
1030at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see 1261at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see
1031the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems 1262the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems
1032C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the 1263C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the
1033process causing the status change. 1264process causing the status change.
1034 1265
1266=item int pid [read-only]
1267
1268The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id.
1269
1270=item int rpid [read-write]
1271
1272The process id that detected a status change.
1273
1274=item int rstatus [read-write]
1275
1276The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1277C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1278
1035=back 1279=back
1036 1280
1037Example: try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1281Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1038 1282
1039 static void 1283 static void
1040 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1284 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1041 { 1285 {
1042 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1286 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1045 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1289 struct ev_signal signal_watcher;
1046 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1290 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1047 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1291 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb);
1048 1292
1049 1293
1294=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1295
1296This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1297C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed
1298compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did.
1299
1300The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1301not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1302not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is
1303otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of
1304the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1305
1306The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1307relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1308
1309Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply
1310calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You
1311can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify
1312a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,
1313unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around
1314five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also
1315impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats
1316usually overkill.
1317
1318This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1319as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1320resource-intensive.
1321
1322At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1323implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the
1324reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the
1325semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
1326to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1327usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1328polling.
1329
1330=over 4
1331
1332=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1333
1334=item ev_stat_set (ev_stat *, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1335
1336Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of the given
1337C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to
1338be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose
1339a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1340path for as long as the watcher is active.
1341
1342The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected,
1343relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the
1344last change was detected).
1345
1346=item ev_stat_stat (ev_stat *)
1347
1348Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1349watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid
1350detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be
1351useful simply to find out the new values.
1352
1353=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1354
1355The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of
1356C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types
1357suitable for your system. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there
1358was some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1359
1360=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1361
1362The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1363C<prev> != C<attr>.
1364
1365=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1366
1367The specified interval.
1368
1369=item const char *path [read-only]
1370
1371The filesystem path that is being watched.
1372
1373=back
1374
1375Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1376
1377 static void
1378 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1379 {
1380 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1381 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1382 {
1383 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1384 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1385 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1386 }
1387 else
1388 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1389 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1390 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1391 }
1392
1393 ...
1394 ev_stat passwd;
1395
1396 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd");
1397 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1398
1399
1050=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do 1400=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1051 1401
1052Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1402Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1053(prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count). That is, as long 1403priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
1054as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1404count).
1055imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1405
1056watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration - 1406That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1407(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1408triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1409are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1057until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1410iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1058busy. 1411and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
1059 1412
1060The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 1413The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
1061active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1414active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
1062 1415
1063Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1416Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1073kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 1426kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1074believe me. 1427believe me.
1075 1428
1076=back 1429=back
1077 1430
1078Example: dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle>, start it, and in the 1431Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1079callback, free it. Alos, use no error checking, as usual. 1432callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1080 1433
1081 static void 1434 static void
1082 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1435 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1083 { 1436 {
1084 free (w); 1437 free (w);
1089 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 1442 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle));
1090 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 1443 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1091 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 1444 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1092 1445
1093 1446
1094=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop 1447=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
1095 1448
1096Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem: 1449Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem:
1097prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 1450prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
1098afterwards. 1451afterwards.
1099 1452
1453You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter
1454the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
1455watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The
1456rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in
1457those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,
1458C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
1459called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.
1460
1100Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and 1461Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and
1101their use is somewhat advanced. This could be used, for example, to track 1462their use is somewhat advanced. This could be used, for example, to track
1102variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a 1463variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a
1103coroutine library and lots more. 1464coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if
1465you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example,
1466in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare>
1467watcher).
1104 1468
1105This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 1469This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need
1106to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for 1470to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for
1107them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries 1471them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries
1108provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for 1472provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for
1118with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 1482with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine
1119of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event 1483of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
1120loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 1484loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1121low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 1485low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1122 1486
1487It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1488priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1489after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1490too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1491supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers did
1492their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other event
1493loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
1494C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
1495others).
1496
1123=over 4 1497=over 4
1124 1498
1125=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1499=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
1126 1500
1127=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1501=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1130parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 1504parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1131macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1505macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1132 1506
1133=back 1507=back
1134 1508
1135Example: *TODO*. 1509There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1510into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1511(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1512use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib>
1513embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV
1514into the Glib event loop).
1136 1515
1516Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1517and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1518is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1519priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1520the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1137 1521
1522 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1523 static ev_timer tw;
1524
1525 static void
1526 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1527 {
1528 }
1529
1530 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1531 static void
1532 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1533 {
1534 int timeout = 3600000;
1535 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1536 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1537 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1538
1539 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1540 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1541 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1542
1543 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1544 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1545 {
1546 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1547 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1548 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1549
1550 fds [i].revents = 0;
1551 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1552 }
1553 }
1554
1555 // stop all watchers after blocking
1556 static void
1557 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1558 {
1559 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1560
1561 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1562 {
1563 // set the relevant poll flags
1564 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1565 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1566 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1567 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1568 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1569
1570 // now stop the watcher
1571 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1572 }
1573
1574 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1575 }
1576
1577Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1578in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1579
1580Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1581notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1582callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1583
1584 static void
1585 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1586 {
1587 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1588 update_now (EV_A);
1589
1590 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1591 }
1592
1593 static void
1594 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1595 {
1596 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1597 update_now (EV_A);
1598
1599 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1600 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1601 }
1602
1603 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1604
1605Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1606want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override
1607their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
1608loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
1609this.
1610
1611 static gint
1612 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1613 {
1614 int got_events = 0;
1615
1616 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1617 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1618
1619 if (timeout >= 0)
1620 // create/start timer
1621
1622 // poll
1623 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1624
1625 // stop timer again
1626 if (timeout >= 0)
1627 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1628
1629 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1630 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1631 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1632
1633 return got_events;
1634 }
1635
1636
1138=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough 1637=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1139 1638
1140This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 1639This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
1141into another (currently only C<ev_io> events are supported in the embedded 1640into another (currently only C<ev_io> events are supported in the embedded
1142loop, other types of watchers might be handled in a delayed or incorrect 1641loop, other types of watchers might be handled in a delayed or incorrect
1143fashion and must not be used). 1642fashion and must not be used).
1221 1720
1222Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 1721Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1223similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 1722similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1224apropriate way for embedded loops. 1723apropriate way for embedded loops.
1225 1724
1725=item struct ev_loop *loop [read-only]
1726
1727The embedded event loop.
1728
1729=back
1730
1731
1732=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
1733
1734Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
1735whoever is a good citizen cared to tell libev about it by calling
1736C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork>). The invocation is done before the
1737event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
1738and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
1739C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
1740handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
1741
1742=over 4
1743
1744=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1745
1746Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
1747kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1748believe me.
1749
1226=back 1750=back
1227 1751
1228 1752
1229=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 1753=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
1230 1754
1318 1842
1319To use it, 1843To use it,
1320 1844
1321 #include <ev++.h> 1845 #include <ev++.h>
1322 1846
1323(it is not installed by default). This automatically includes F<ev.h> 1847This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
1324and puts all of its definitions (many of them macros) into the global 1848of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1325namespace. All C++ specific things are put into the C<ev> namespace. 1849put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
1850options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
1326 1851
1327It should support all the same embedding options as F<ev.h>, most notably 1852Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
1328C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 1853classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
1854that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
1855you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
1856
1857Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be
1858used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only
1859need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other
1860types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing
1861it).
1329 1862
1330Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 1863Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1331 1864
1332=over 4 1865=over 4
1333 1866
1349 1882
1350All of those classes have these methods: 1883All of those classes have these methods:
1351 1884
1352=over 4 1885=over 4
1353 1886
1354=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *) 1887=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1355 1888
1356=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *, struct ev_loop *) 1889=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1357 1890
1358=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 1891=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1359 1892
1360The constructor takes a pointer to an object and a method pointer to 1893The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1361the event handler callback to call in this class. The constructor calls 1894with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
1362C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the C<set> method 1895
1363before starting it. If you do not specify a loop then the constructor 1896The constructor calls C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the
1364automatically associates the default loop with this watcher. 1897C<set> method before starting it.
1898
1899It will not set a callback, however: You have to call the templated C<set>
1900method to set a callback before you can start the watcher.
1901
1902(The reason why you have to use a method is a limitation in C++ which does
1903not allow explicit template arguments for constructors).
1365 1904
1366The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active. 1905The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active.
1906
1907=item w->set<class, &class::method> (object *)
1908
1909This method sets the callback method to call. The method has to have a
1910signature of C<void (*)(ev_TYPE &, int)>, it receives the watcher as
1911first argument and the C<revents> as second. The object must be given as
1912parameter and is stored in the C<data> member of the watcher.
1913
1914This method synthesizes efficient thunking code to call your method from
1915the C callback that libev requires. If your compiler can inline your
1916callback (i.e. it is visible to it at the place of the C<set> call and
1917your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
1918thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
1919
1920Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
1921
1922 struct myclass
1923 {
1924 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
1925 }
1926
1927 myclass obj;
1928 ev::io iow;
1929 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
1930
1931=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
1932
1933Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
1934callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
1935C<data> member and is free for you to use.
1936
1937The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
1938
1939See the method-C<set> above for more details.
1940
1941Example:
1942
1943 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
1944 iow.set <io_cb> ();
1367 1945
1368=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 1946=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1369 1947
1370Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 1948Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
1371do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 1949do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1372 1950
1373=item w->set ([args]) 1951=item w->set ([args])
1374 1952
1375Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 1953Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be
1376called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 1954called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1377automatically stopped and restarted. 1955automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
1956method.
1378 1957
1379=item w->start () 1958=item w->start ()
1380 1959
1381Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument as the 1960Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
1382constructor already takes the loop. 1961constructor already stores the event loop.
1383 1962
1384=item w->stop () 1963=item w->stop ()
1385 1964
1386Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 1965Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1387 1966
1392 1971
1393=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only 1972=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only
1394 1973
1395Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>. 1974Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
1396 1975
1976=item w->update () C<ev::stat> only
1977
1978Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
1979
1397=back 1980=back
1398 1981
1399=back 1982=back
1400 1983
1401Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 1984Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
1408 1991
1409 myclass (); 1992 myclass ();
1410 } 1993 }
1411 1994
1412 myclass::myclass (int fd) 1995 myclass::myclass (int fd)
1413 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb),
1414 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb)
1415 { 1996 {
1997 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
1998 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
1999
1416 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2000 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
1417 } 2001 }
2002
2003
2004=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2005
2006Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is
2007C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) functions and
2008callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2009
2010To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2011following macros are defined:
2012
2013=over 4
2014
2015=item C<EV_A>, C<EV_A_>
2016
2017This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2018loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
2019C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2020
2021 ev_unref (EV_A);
2022 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2023 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2024
2025It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2026which is often provided by the following macro.
2027
2028=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2029
2030This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2031loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
2032C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2033
2034 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
2035 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2036
2037 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
2038 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2039
2040It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
2041suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2042
2043=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2044
2045Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
2046loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
2047
2048=back
2049
2050Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2051macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2052or not.
2053
2054 static void
2055 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2056 {
2057 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
2058 }
2059
2060 ev_check check;
2061 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
2062 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
2063 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1418 2064
1419=head1 EMBEDDING 2065=head1 EMBEDDING
1420 2066
1421Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2067Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1422applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2068applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1462 ev_vars.h 2108 ev_vars.h
1463 ev_wrap.h 2109 ev_wrap.h
1464 2110
1465 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2111 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1466 2112
1467 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is is by default) 2113 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
1468 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2114 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1469 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2115 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1470 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2116 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1471 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2117 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1472 2118
1473F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need 2119F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
1474to compile a single file. 2120to compile this single file.
1475 2121
1476=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 2122=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
1477 2123
1478To include the libevent compatibility API, also include: 2124To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:
1479 2125
1492 2138
1493=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT 2139=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT
1494 2140
1495Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in 2141Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in
1496whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your 2142whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your
1497F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> off. F<ev.c> will then include 2143F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then
1498F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly. 2144include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.
1499 2145
1500For this of course you need the m4 file: 2146For this of course you need the m4 file:
1501 2147
1502 libev.m4 2148 libev.m4
1503 2149
1597 2243
1598=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 2244=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
1599 2245
1600reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 2246reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
1601 2247
2248=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2249
2250If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2251interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2252be detected at runtime.
2253
1602=item EV_H 2254=item EV_H
1603 2255
1604The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 2256The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
1605undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This 2257undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This
1606can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 2258can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
1629will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 2281will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
1630additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 2282additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
1631for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 2283for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
1632argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 2284argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
1633 2285
2286=item EV_MINPRI
2287
2288=item EV_MAXPRI
2289
2290The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
2291C<EV_MAXPRI>, but otherwise there are no non-obvious limitations. You can
2292provide for more priorities by overriding those symbols (usually defined
2293to be C<-2> and C<2>, respectively).
2294
2295When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2296all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2297and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2298fine.
2299
2300If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2301C<0> will save some memory and cpu.
2302
1634=item EV_PERIODICS 2303=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
1635 2304
1636If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported, 2305If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
1637otherwise not. This saves a few kb of code. 2306defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2307code.
2308
2309=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE
2310
2311If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
2312defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2313code.
2314
2315=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2316
2317If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
2318defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2319
2320=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
2321
2322If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
2323defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2324
2325=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
2326
2327If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
2328defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2329
2330=item EV_MINIMAL
2331
2332If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2333speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override
2334some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64.
2335
2336=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2337
2338C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2339pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2340than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to
2341increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
2342
2343=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
2344
2345C<ev_staz> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2346inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2347usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2348watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2349two).
1638 2350
1639=item EV_COMMON 2351=item EV_COMMON
1640 2352
1641By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 2353By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
1642this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 2354this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
1647 2359
1648 #define EV_COMMON \ 2360 #define EV_COMMON \
1649 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \ 2361 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \
1650 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */ 2362 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */
1651 2363
1652=item EV_CB_DECLARE(type) 2364=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)
1653 2365
1654=item EV_CB_INVOKE(watcher,revents) 2366=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)
1655 2367
1656=item ev_set_cb(ev,cb) 2368=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb)
1657 2369
1658Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher, 2370Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher,
1659and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member 2371and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member
1660definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.v> header file for 2372definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.v> header file for
1661their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 2373their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
1662avoid the ev_loop pointer as first argument in all cases, or to use method 2374avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
1663calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 2375method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
1664 2376
1665=head2 EXAMPLES 2377=head2 EXAMPLES
1666 2378
1667For a real-world example of a program the includes libev 2379For a real-world example of a program the includes libev
1668verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module 2380verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module
1671interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file 2383interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file
1672will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header 2384will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header
1673file. 2385file.
1674 2386
1675The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 2387The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
1676that everybody includes and which overrides some autoconf choices: 2388that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
1677 2389
2390 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
1678 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 2391 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
1679 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 2392 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
1680 #define EV_PERIODICS 0 2393 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2394 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2395 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
1681 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 2396 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2397 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2398 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
1682 2399
1683 #include "ev++.h" 2400 #include "ev++.h"
1684 2401
1685And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 2402And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
1686 2403
1687 #include "ev_cpp.h" 2404 #include "ev_cpp.h"
1688 #include "ev.c" 2405 #include "ev.c"
1689 2406
2407
2408=head1 COMPLEXITIES
2409
2410In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2411libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2412documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2413
2414All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
2415extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
2416happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
2417mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
2418it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
2419
2420=over 4
2421
2422=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
2423
2424This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
2425there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
2426have to skip those 100 watchers.
2427
2428=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
2429
2430That means that for changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
2431as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
2432
2433=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)
2434
2435These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
2436=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)
2437
2438=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2439
2440These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
2441correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2442have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
2443
2444=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1)
2445
2446=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2447
2448A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2449libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel).
2450
2451=item Activating one watcher: O(1)
2452
2453=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2454
2455Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2456priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2457linearly search all the priorities.
2458
2459=back
2460
2461
1690=head1 AUTHOR 2462=head1 AUTHOR
1691 2463
1692Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 2464Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
1693 2465

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