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82 82
83=head1 WHAT TO READ WHEN IN A HURRY 83=head1 WHAT TO READ WHEN IN A HURRY
84 84
85This manual tries to be very detailed, but unfortunately, this also makes 85This manual tries to be very detailed, but unfortunately, this also makes
86it very long. If you just want to know the basics of libev, I suggest 86it very long. If you just want to know the basics of libev, I suggest
87reading L<ANATOMY OF A WATCHER>, then the L<EXAMPLE PROGRAM> above and 87reading L</ANATOMY OF A WATCHER>, then the L</EXAMPLE PROGRAM> above and
88look up the missing functions in L<GLOBAL FUNCTIONS> and the C<ev_io> and 88look up the missing functions in L</GLOBAL FUNCTIONS> and the C<ev_io> and
89C<ev_timer> sections in L<WATCHER TYPES>. 89C<ev_timer> sections in L</WATCHER TYPES>.
90 90
91=head1 ABOUT LIBEV 91=head1 ABOUT LIBEV
92 92
93Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 93Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
94file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage 94file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
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 (you 572two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad (you
573might have to leak fd's on fork, but it's more sane than epoll) and it 573might have to leak fd's on fork, but it's more sane than epoll) and it
574drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases 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
764 764
765This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a 765This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
766very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of 766very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
767the current time is a good idea. 767the current time is a good idea.
768 768
769See also L<The special problem of time updates> in the C<ev_timer> section. 769See also L</The special problem of time updates> in the C<ev_timer> section.
770 770
771=item ev_suspend (loop) 771=item ev_suspend (loop)
772 772
773=item ev_resume (loop) 773=item ev_resume (loop)
774 774
1318 1318
1319=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1319=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1320 1320
1321Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 1321Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
1322 1322
1323=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 1323=item ev_set_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1324 1324
1325Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 1325Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
1326(modulo threads). 1326(modulo threads).
1327 1327
1328=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, int priority) 1328=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, int priority)
1346or might not have been clamped to the valid range. 1346or might not have been clamped to the valid range.
1347 1347
1348The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is 1348The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
1349always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :). 1349always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
1350 1350
1351See L<WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS>, below, for a more thorough treatment of 1351See L</WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS>, below, for a more thorough treatment of
1352priorities. 1352priorities.
1353 1353
1354=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents) 1354=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1355 1355
1356Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither 1356Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
1381See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related 1381See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
1382functions that do not need a watcher. 1382functions that do not need a watcher.
1383 1383
1384=back 1384=back
1385 1385
1386See also the L<ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER> and L<BUILDING YOUR 1386See also the L</ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER> and L</BUILDING YOUR
1387OWN COMPOSITE WATCHERS> idioms. 1387OWN COMPOSITE WATCHERS> idioms.
1388 1388
1389=head2 WATCHER STATES 1389=head2 WATCHER STATES
1390 1390
1391There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual - 1391There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual -
1393transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these 1393transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these
1394rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing". 1394rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing".
1395 1395
1396=over 4 1396=over 4
1397 1397
1398=item initialiased 1398=item initialised
1399 1399
1400Before a watcher can be registered with the event loop it has to be 1400Before a watcher can be registered with the event loop it has to be
1401initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to 1401initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to
1402C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function. 1402C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function.
1403 1403
2136=item If the timer is repeating, make the C<repeat> value the new timeout 2136=item If the timer is repeating, make the C<repeat> value the new timeout
2137and start the timer, if necessary. 2137and start the timer, if necessary.
2138 2138
2139=back 2139=back
2140 2140
2141This 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
2142usage example. 2142usage example.
2143 2143
2144=item ev_tstamp ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *) 2144=item ev_tstamp ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *)
2145 2145
2146Returns the remaining time until a timer fires. If the timer is active, 2146Returns the remaining time until a timer fires. If the timer is active,
2858 2858
2859This mode of operation can be useful together with an C<ev_check> watcher, 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 2860to do something on each event loop iteration - for example to balance load
2861between different connections. 2861between different connections.
2862 2862
2863See L<Abusing an C<ev_check> watcher for its side-effect> for a longer 2863See L</Abusing an ev_check watcher for its side-effect> for a longer
2864example. 2864example.
2865 2865
2866=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2866=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2867 2867
2868=over 4 2868=over 4
2881callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 2881callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
2882 2882
2883 static void 2883 static void
2884 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents) 2884 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents)
2885 { 2885 {
2886 // stop the watcher
2887 ev_idle_stop (loop, w);
2888
2889 // now we can free it
2886 free (w); 2890 free (w);
2891
2887 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 2892 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
2888 // no longer anything immediate to do. 2893 // no longer anything immediate to do.
2889 } 2894 }
2890 2895
2891 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle)); 2896 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle));
2956connections have a chance of making progress. 2961connections have a chance of making progress.
2957 2962
2958Using an C<ev_check> watcher is almost enough: it will be called on the 2963Using 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 - 2964next event loop iteration. However, that isn't as soon as possible -
2960without external events, your C<ev_check> watcher will not be invoked. 2965without external events, your C<ev_check> watcher will not be invoked.
2961
2962 2966
2963This is where C<ev_idle> watchers come in handy - all you need is a 2967This 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 2968single 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 2969C<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 2970will not sleep, and the C<ev_check> watcher makes sure a callback gets
3246 3250
3247=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 3251=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
3248 3252
3249Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 3253Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
3250whoever is a good citizen cared to tell libev about it by calling 3254whoever is a good citizen cared to tell libev about it by calling
3251C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork>). The invocation is done before the 3255C<ev_loop_fork>). The invocation is done before the event loop blocks next
3252event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 3256and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, and only in the child
3253and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling 3257after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling C<ev_default_fork> cheats
3254C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 3258and calls it in the wrong process, the fork handlers will be invoked, too,
3255handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 3259of course.
3256 3260
3257=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible? 3261=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible?
3258 3262
3259Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to set 3263Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to set
3260up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This 3264up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This
3870called): 3874called):
3871 3875
3872 void 3876 void
3873 wait_for_event (ev_watcher *w) 3877 wait_for_event (ev_watcher *w)
3874 { 3878 {
3875 ev_cb_set (w) = current_coro; 3879 ev_set_cb (w, current_coro);
3876 switch_to (libev_coro); 3880 switch_to (libev_coro);
3877 } 3881 }
3878 3882
3879That basically suspends the coroutine inside C<wait_for_event> and 3883That basically suspends the coroutine inside C<wait_for_event> and
3880continues the libev coroutine, which, when appropriate, switches back to 3884continues the libev coroutine, which, when appropriate, switches back to
3883You can do similar tricks if you have, say, threads with an event queue - 3887You can do similar tricks if you have, say, threads with an event queue -
3884instead of storing a coroutine, you store the queue object and instead of 3888instead of storing a coroutine, you store the queue object and instead of
3885switching to a coroutine, you push the watcher onto the queue and notify 3889switching to a coroutine, you push the watcher onto the queue and notify
3886any waiters. 3890any waiters.
3887 3891
3888To embed libev, see L<EMBEDDING>, but in short, it's easiest to create two 3892To embed libev, see L</EMBEDDING>, but in short, it's easiest to create two
3889files, F<my_ev.h> and F<my_ev.c> that include the respective libev files: 3893files, F<my_ev.h> and F<my_ev.c> that include the respective libev files:
3890 3894
3891 // my_ev.h 3895 // my_ev.h
3892 #define EV_CB_DECLARE(type) struct my_coro *cb; 3896 #define EV_CB_DECLARE(type) struct my_coro *cb;
3893 #define EV_CB_INVOKE(watcher) switch_to ((watcher)->cb); 3897 #define EV_CB_INVOKE(watcher) switch_to ((watcher)->cb);
3945libev sources can be compiled as C++. Therefore, code that uses the C API 3949libev sources can be compiled as C++. Therefore, code that uses the C API
3946will work fine. 3950will work fine.
3947 3951
3948Proper exception specifications might have to be added to callbacks passed 3952Proper exception specifications might have to be added to callbacks passed
3949to libev: exceptions may be thrown only from watcher callbacks, all 3953to libev: exceptions may be thrown only from watcher callbacks, all
3950other callbacks (allocator, syserr, loop acquire/release and periodioc 3954other callbacks (allocator, syserr, loop acquire/release and periodic
3951reschedule callbacks) must not throw exceptions, and might need a C<throw 3955reschedule 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 3956()> 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: 3957and C++ you can use the C<EV_THROW> macro for this:
3954 3958
3955 static void 3959 static void
4116Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 4120Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
4117do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 4121do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
4118 4122
4119=item w->set ([arguments]) 4123=item w->set ([arguments])
4120 4124
4121Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Either this 4125Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set> (except for C<ev::embed> watchers>),
4122method or a suitable start method must be called at least once. Unlike the 4126with the same arguments. Either this method or a suitable start method
4123C counterpart, an active watcher gets automatically stopped and restarted 4127must be called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher
4124when reconfiguring it with this method. 4128gets automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
4129method.
4130
4131For C<ev::embed> watchers this method is called C<set_embed>, to avoid
4132clashing with the C<set (loop)> method.
4125 4133
4126=item w->start () 4134=item w->start ()
4127 4135
4128Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the 4136Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
4129constructor already stores the event loop. 4137constructor already stores the event loop.
4232=item Lua 4240=item Lua
4233 4241
4234Brian Maher has written a partial interface to libev for lua (at the 4242Brian Maher has written a partial interface to libev for lua (at the
4235time of this writing, only C<ev_io> and C<ev_timer>), to be found at 4243time of this writing, only C<ev_io> and C<ev_timer>), to be found at
4236L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>. 4244L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>.
4245
4246=item Javascript
4247
4248Node.js (L<http://nodejs.org>) uses libev as the underlying event library.
4249
4250=item Others
4251
4252There are others, and I stopped counting.
4237 4253
4238=back 4254=back
4239 4255
4240 4256
4241=head1 MACRO MAGIC 4257=head1 MACRO MAGIC
4540 4556
4541If programs implement their own fd to handle mapping on win32, then this 4557If programs implement their own fd to handle mapping on win32, then this
4542macro can be used to override the C<close> function, useful to unregister 4558macro can be used to override the C<close> function, useful to unregister
4543file descriptors again. Note that the replacement function has to close 4559file descriptors again. Note that the replacement function has to close
4544the underlying OS handle. 4560the underlying OS handle.
4561
4562=item EV_USE_WSASOCKET
4563
4564If defined to be C<1>, libev will use C<WSASocket> to create its internal
4565communication socket, which works better in some environments. Otherwise,
4566the normal C<socket> function will be used, which works better in other
4567environments.
4545 4568
4546=item EV_USE_POLL 4569=item EV_USE_POLL
4547 4570
4548If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2) 4571If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
4549backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 4572backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
4601above. This reduces dependencies and makes libev faster. 4624above. This reduces dependencies and makes libev faster.
4602 4625
4603=item EV_ATOMIC_T 4626=item EV_ATOMIC_T
4604 4627
4605Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose 4628Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
4606access is atomic and serialised with respect to other threads or signal 4629access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No
4607contexts. No such type is easily found in the C language, so you can 4630such type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own
4608provide your own type that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used 4631type that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal
4609both for signal handler "locking" as well as for signal and thread safety 4632handler "locking" as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async>
4610in C<ev_async> watchers. 4633watchers.
4611 4634
4612In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 4635In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
4613(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms, 4636(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
4614although strictly speaking using a type that also implies a memory fence
4615is required.
4616 4637
4617=item EV_H (h) 4638=item EV_H (h)
4618 4639
4619The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 4640The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
4620undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be 4641undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be
4988default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop 5009default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
4989watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal. 5010watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
4990 5011
4991=back 5012=back
4992 5013
4993See also L<THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE>. 5014See also L</THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE>.
4994 5015
4995=head3 COROUTINES 5016=head3 COROUTINES
4996 5017
4997Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 5018Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
4998libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different 5019libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
5289thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would 5310thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would
5290be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and 5311be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and
5291C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however. 5312C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however.
5292 5313
5293The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads 5314The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads
5294except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as 5315except the initial one, and run the signal handling loop in the initial
5295well. 5316thread as well.
5296 5317
5297=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes 5318=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
5298 5319
5299To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally 5320To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally
5300instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX 5321instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX
5404=over 4 5425=over 4
5405 5426
5406=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism 5427=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
5407 5428
5408The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by 5429The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
5409C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L<PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L<EMBEDDING> 5430C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L</PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L</EMBEDDING>
5410section. 5431section.
5411 5432
5412=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed 5433=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed
5413 5434
5414These calls can be replaced easily by their C<ev_loop_xxx> counterparts: 5435These calls can be replaced easily by their C<ev_loop_xxx> counterparts:
5457=over 4 5478=over 4
5458 5479
5459=item active 5480=item active
5460 5481
5461A watcher is active as long as it has been started and not yet stopped. 5482A watcher is active as long as it has been started and not yet stopped.
5462See L<WATCHER STATES> for details. 5483See L</WATCHER STATES> for details.
5463 5484
5464=item application 5485=item application
5465 5486
5466In this document, an application is whatever is using libev. 5487In this document, an application is whatever is using libev.
5467 5488
5503watchers and events. 5524watchers and events.
5504 5525
5505=item pending 5526=item pending
5506 5527
5507A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been 5528A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been
5508detected. See L<WATCHER STATES> for details. 5529detected. See L</WATCHER STATES> for details.
5509 5530
5510=item real time 5531=item real time
5511 5532
5512The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :) 5533The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
5513 5534

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