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Revision 1.422 by root, Thu Nov 15 01:39:45 2012 UTC vs.
Revision 1.457 by root, Fri Sep 6 22:17:52 2019 UTC

1=encoding utf-8
2
1=head1 NAME 3=head1 NAME
2 4
3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C 5libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C
4 6
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 7=head1 SYNOPSIS
103details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the 105details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the
104watcher. 106watcher.
105 107
106=head2 FEATURES 108=head2 FEATURES
107 109
108Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the 110Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific aio and C<epoll>
109BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms 111interfaces, the BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port
110for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface 112mechanisms for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify>
111(for C<ev_stat>), Linux eventfd/signalfd (for faster and cleaner 113interface (for C<ev_stat>), Linux eventfd/signalfd (for faster and cleaner
112inter-thread wakeup (C<ev_async>)/signal handling (C<ev_signal>)) relative 114inter-thread wakeup (C<ev_async>)/signal handling (C<ev_signal>)) relative
113timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers with customised rescheduling 115timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers with customised rescheduling
114(C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals (C<ev_signal>), process status 116(C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals (C<ev_signal>), process status
115change events (C<ev_child>), and event watchers dealing with the event 117change events (C<ev_child>), and event watchers dealing with the event
116loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>, C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and 118loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>, C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and
157When libev detects a usage error such as a negative timer interval, then 159When libev detects a usage error such as a negative timer interval, then
158it will print a diagnostic message and abort (via the C<assert> mechanism, 160it will print a diagnostic message and abort (via the C<assert> mechanism,
159so C<NDEBUG> will disable this checking): these are programming errors in 161so C<NDEBUG> will disable this checking): these are programming errors in
160the libev caller and need to be fixed there. 162the libev caller and need to be fixed there.
161 163
164Via the C<EV_FREQUENT> macro you can compile in and/or enable extensive
165consistency checking code inside libev that can be used to check for
166internal inconsistencies, suually caused by application bugs.
167
162Libev also has a few internal error-checking C<assert>ions, and also has 168Libev also has a few internal error-checking C<assert>ions. These do not
163extensive consistency checking code. These do not trigger under normal
164circumstances, as they indicate either a bug in libev or worse. 169trigger under normal circumstances, as they indicate either a bug in libev
170or worse.
165 171
166 172
167=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 173=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
168 174
169These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 175These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
263 269
264You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 270You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
265free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 271free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
266or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 272or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
267 273
274Example: The following is the C<realloc> function that libev itself uses
275which should work with C<realloc> and C<free> functions of all kinds and
276is probably a good basis for your own implementation.
277
278 static void *
279 ev_realloc_emul (void *ptr, long size) EV_NOEXCEPT
280 {
281 if (size)
282 return realloc (ptr, size);
283
284 free (ptr);
285 return 0;
286 }
287
268Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 288Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
269retries (example requires a standards-compliant C<realloc>). 289retries.
270 290
271 static void * 291 static void *
272 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size) 292 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
273 { 293 {
294 if (!size)
295 {
296 free (ptr);
297 return 0;
298 }
299
274 for (;;) 300 for (;;)
275 { 301 {
276 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size); 302 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size);
277 303
278 if (newptr) 304 if (newptr)
396 422
397If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid 423If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid
398or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable 424or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
399C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 425C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
400override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 426override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
401useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 427useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, to work
402around bugs. 428around bugs, or to make libev threadsafe (accessing environment variables
429cannot be done in a threadsafe way, but usually it works if no other
430thread modifies them).
403 431
404=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK> 432=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
405 433
406Instead of calling C<ev_loop_fork> manually after a fork, you can also 434Instead of calling C<ev_loop_fork> manually after a fork, you can also
407make libev check for a fork in each iteration by enabling this flag. 435make libev check for a fork in each iteration by enabling this flag.
408 436
409This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 437This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
410and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop 438and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
411iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 439iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
412GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence 440GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn
413without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has 441sequence without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux
414C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). 442system also has C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). (Update: glibc
443versions 2.25 apparently removed the C<getpid> optimisation again).
415 444
416The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and 445The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
417forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this 446forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking, although you still
418flag. 447have to ignore C<SIGPIPE>) when you use this flag.
419 448
420This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> 449This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
421environment variable. 450environment variable.
422 451
423=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY> 452=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY>
486This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and 515This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and
487C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>. 516C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>.
488 517
489=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 518=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
490 519
491Use the linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9 520Use the Linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9
492kernels). 521kernels).
493 522
494For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, but 523For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, but
495it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like 524it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like
496O(total_fds) where total_fds is the total number of fds (or the highest 525O(total_fds) where total_fds is the total number of fds (or the highest
542All this means that, in practice, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> can be as fast or 571All this means that, in practice, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> can be as fast or
543faster than epoll for maybe up to a hundred file descriptors, depending on 572faster than epoll for maybe up to a hundred file descriptors, depending on
544the usage. So sad. 573the usage. So sad.
545 574
546While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in 575While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
547all kernel versions tested so far. 576a lot of kernel revisions, but probably(!) works in current versions.
548 577
549This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as 578This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
550C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 579C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
551 580
581=item C<EVBACKEND_LINUXAIO> (value 64, Linux)
582
583Use the Linux-specific Linux AIO (I<not> C<< aio(7) >> but C<<
584io_submit(2) >>) event interface available in post-4.18 kernels (but libev
585only tries to use it in 4.19+).
586
587This is another Linux train wreck of an event interface.
588
589If this backend works for you (as of this writing, it was very
590experimental), it is the best event interface available on Linux and might
591be well worth enabling it - if it isn't available in your kernel this will
592be detected and this backend will be skipped.
593
594This backend can batch oneshot requests and supports a user-space ring
595buffer to receive events. It also doesn't suffer from most of the design
596problems of epoll (such as not being able to remove event sources from
597the epoll set), and generally sounds too good to be true. Because, this
598being the Linux kernel, of course it suffers from a whole new set of
599limitations, forcing you to fall back to epoll, inheriting all its design
600issues.
601
602For one, it is not easily embeddable (but probably could be done using
603an event fd at some extra overhead). It also is subject to a system wide
604limit that can be configured in F</proc/sys/fs/aio-max-nr>. If no AIO
605requests are left, this backend will be skipped during initialisation, and
606will switch to epoll when the loop is active.
607
608Most problematic in practice, however, is that not all file descriptors
609work with it. For example, in Linux 5.1, TCP sockets, pipes, event fds,
610files, F</dev/null> and many others are supported, but ttys do not work
611properly (a known bug that the kernel developers don't care about, see
612L<https://lore.kernel.org/patchwork/patch/1047453/>), so this is not
613(yet?) a generic event polling interface.
614
615Overall, it seems the Linux developers just don't want it to have a
616generic event handling mechanism other than C<select> or C<poll>.
617
618To work around all these problem, the current version of libev uses its
619epoll backend as a fallback for file descriptor types that do not work. Or
620falls back completely to epoll if the kernel acts up.
621
622This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
623C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
624
552=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 625=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
553 626
554Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 627Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time this backend was
555was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably 628implemented, it was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't
556with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course 629work reliably with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin,
557it's completely useless). Unlike epoll, however, whose brokenness 630where of course it's completely useless). Unlike epoll, however, whose
558is by design, these kqueue bugs can (and eventually will) be fixed 631brokenness is by design, these kqueue bugs can be (and mostly have been)
559without API changes to existing programs. For this reason it's not being 632fixed without API changes to existing programs. For this reason it's not
560"auto-detected" unless you explicitly specify it in the flags (i.e. using 633being "auto-detected" on all platforms unless you explicitly specify it
561C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough) 634in the flags (i.e. using C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a
562system like NetBSD. 635known-to-be-good (-enough) system like NetBSD.
563 636
564You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it 637You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
565only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on 638only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
566the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 639the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
567 640
568It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 641It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
569kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 642kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
570course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 643course). 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 644cause 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 645two 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 646might have to leak fds on fork, but it's more sane than epoll) and it
574drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases. 647drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
575 648
576This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 649This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
577 650
578While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work 651While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
653Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is 726Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
654used if available. 727used if available.
655 728
656 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_loop_new (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE); 729 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_loop_new (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
657 730
731Example: Similarly, on linux, you mgiht want to take advantage of the
732linux aio backend if possible, but fall back to something else if that
733isn't available.
734
735 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_loop_new (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_LINUXAIO);
736
658=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 737=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
659 738
660Destroys an event loop object (frees all memory and kernel state 739Destroys an event loop object (frees all memory and kernel state
661etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 740etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
662sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 741sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
678If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use C<ev_loop_new> 757If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use C<ev_loop_new>
679and C<ev_loop_destroy>. 758and C<ev_loop_destroy>.
680 759
681=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 760=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
682 761
683This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations to 762This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations
684reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the 763to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite
685name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in 764the name, you can call it anytime you are allowed to start or stop
686the child process. You I<must> call it (or use C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>) in the 765watchers (except inside an C<ev_prepare> callback), but it makes most
766sense after forking, in the child process. You I<must> call it (or use
687child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>. 767C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>) in the child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>.
688 768
769In addition, if you want to reuse a loop (via this function or
770C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>), you I<also> have to ignore C<SIGPIPE>.
771
689Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after 772Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after
690a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is 773a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is
691because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things 774because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things
692during fork. 775during fork.
693 776
694On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child 777On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
1452 1535
1453Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small 1536Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small
1454integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation 1537integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation
1455between watchers in some way, all else being equal. 1538between watchers in some way, all else being equal.
1456 1539
1457In libev, Watcher priorities can be set using C<ev_set_priority>. See its 1540In libev, watcher priorities can be set using C<ev_set_priority>. See its
1458description for the more technical details such as the actual priority 1541description for the more technical details such as the actual priority
1459range. 1542range.
1460 1543
1461There are two common ways how these these priorities are being interpreted 1544There are two common ways how these these priorities are being interpreted
1462by event loops: 1545by event loops:
1601 1684
1602But really, best use non-blocking mode. 1685But really, best use non-blocking mode.
1603 1686
1604=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors 1687=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1605 1688
1606Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file 1689Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll, linuxaio) need to be told about closing
1607descriptor (either due to calling C<close> explicitly or any other means, 1690a file descriptor (either due to calling C<close> explicitly or any other
1608such as C<dup2>). The reason is that you register interest in some file 1691means, such as C<dup2>). The reason is that you register interest in some
1609descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop 1692file descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently
1610this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is 1693drop this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then
1611registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in 1694is registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is,
1612fact, a different file descriptor. 1695in fact, a different file descriptor.
1613 1696
1614To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows 1697To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows
1615the following policy: Each time C<ev_io_set> is being called, libev 1698the following policy: Each time C<ev_io_set> is being called, libev
1616will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise 1699will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise
1617it is assumed that the file descriptor stays the same. That means that 1700it is assumed that the file descriptor stays the same. That means that
1666when you rarely read from a file instead of from a socket, and want to 1749when you rarely read from a file instead of from a socket, and want to
1667reuse the same code path. 1750reuse the same code path.
1668 1751
1669=head3 The special problem of fork 1752=head3 The special problem of fork
1670 1753
1671Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit 1754Some backends (epoll, kqueue, linuxaio, iouring) do not support C<fork ()>
1672useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about 1755at all or exhibit useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs
1673it in the child if you want to continue to use it in the child. 1756to be told about it in the child if you want to continue to use it in the
1757child.
1674 1758
1675To support fork in your child processes, you have to call C<ev_loop_fork 1759To support fork in your child processes, you have to call C<ev_loop_fork
1676()> after a fork in the child, enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to 1760()> after a fork in the child, enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to
1677C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 1761C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1678 1762
2024 2108
2025The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 2109The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
2026time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 2110time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
2027of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If 2111of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If
2028you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the 2112you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the
2029timeout on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this: 2113timeout on the current time, use something like the following to adjust
2114for it:
2030 2115
2031 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 2116 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + (ev_time () - ev_now ()), 0.);
2032 2117
2033If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an 2118If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
2034update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update 2119update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
2035()>. 2120()>, although that will push the event time of all outstanding events
2121further into the future.
2036 2122
2037=head3 The special problem of unsynchronised clocks 2123=head3 The special problem of unsynchronised clocks
2038 2124
2039Modern systems have a variety of clocks - libev itself uses the normal 2125Modern systems have a variety of clocks - libev itself uses the normal
2040"wall clock" clock and, if available, the monotonic clock (to avoid time 2126"wall clock" clock and, if available, the monotonic clock (to avoid time
2103 2189
2104=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 2190=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
2105 2191
2106=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 2192=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
2107 2193
2108Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat> 2194Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds (fractional and
2109is C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped once the timeout is 2195negative values are supported). If C<repeat> is C<0.>, then it will
2110reached. If it is positive, then the timer will automatically be 2196automatically be stopped once the timeout is reached. If it is positive,
2111configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds later, again, and again, 2197then the timer will automatically be configured to trigger again C<repeat>
2112until stopped manually. 2198seconds later, again, and again, until stopped manually.
2113 2199
2114The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if 2200The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if
2115you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally 2201you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally
2116trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot 2202trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot
2117keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to 2203keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to
2199Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 2285Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
2200(and unfortunately a bit complex). 2286(and unfortunately a bit complex).
2201 2287
2202Unlike C<ev_timer>, periodic watchers are not based on real time (or 2288Unlike C<ev_timer>, periodic watchers are not based on real time (or
2203relative time, the physical time that passes) but on wall clock time 2289relative time, the physical time that passes) but on wall clock time
2204(absolute time, the thing you can read on your calender or clock). The 2290(absolute time, the thing you can read on your calendar or clock). The
2205difference is that wall clock time can run faster or slower than real 2291difference is that wall clock time can run faster or slower than real
2206time, and time jumps are not uncommon (e.g. when you adjust your 2292time, and time jumps are not uncommon (e.g. when you adjust your
2207wrist-watch). 2293wrist-watch).
2208 2294
2209You can tell a periodic watcher to trigger after some specific point 2295You can tell a periodic watcher to trigger after some specific point
2214C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger roughly 10 seconds after starting 2300C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger roughly 10 seconds after starting
2215it, as it uses a relative timeout). 2301it, as it uses a relative timeout).
2216 2302
2217C<ev_periodic> watchers can also be used to implement vastly more complex 2303C<ev_periodic> watchers can also be used to implement vastly more complex
2218timers, such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or 2304timers, such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or
2219other complicated rules. This cannot be done with C<ev_timer> watchers, as 2305other complicated rules. This cannot easily be done with C<ev_timer>
2220those cannot react to time jumps. 2306watchers, as those cannot react to time jumps.
2221 2307
2222As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the 2308As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
2223point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple 2309point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple
2224timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with 2310timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with
2225earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values 2311earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values
2311 2397
2312NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is higher than or 2398NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is higher than or
2313equal to the passed C<now> value >>. 2399equal to the passed C<now> value >>.
2314 2400
2315This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that 2401This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that
2316triggers on "next midnight, local time". To do this, you would calculate the 2402triggers on "next midnight, local time". To do this, you would calculate
2317next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How 2403the next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for
2318you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main 2404this. Here is a (completely untested, no error checking) example on how to
2319reason I omitted it as an example). 2405do this:
2406
2407 #include <time.h>
2408
2409 static ev_tstamp
2410 my_rescheduler (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
2411 {
2412 time_t tnow = (time_t)now;
2413 struct tm tm;
2414 localtime_r (&tnow, &tm);
2415
2416 tm.tm_sec = tm.tm_min = tm.tm_hour = 0; // midnight current day
2417 ++tm.tm_mday; // midnight next day
2418
2419 return mktime (&tm);
2420 }
2421
2422Note: this code might run into trouble on days that have more then two
2423midnights (beginning and end).
2320 2424
2321=back 2425=back
2322 2426
2323=item ev_periodic_again (loop, ev_periodic *) 2427=item ev_periodic_again (loop, ev_periodic *)
2324 2428
2389 2493
2390 ev_periodic hourly_tick; 2494 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
2391 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 2495 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
2392 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 2496 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
2393 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 2497 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
2394 2498
2395 2499
2396=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 2500=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
2397 2501
2398Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 2502Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
2399signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 2503signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
2409only within the same loop, i.e. you can watch for C<SIGINT> in your 2513only within the same loop, i.e. you can watch for C<SIGINT> in your
2410default loop and for C<SIGIO> in another loop, but you cannot watch for 2514default loop and for C<SIGIO> in another loop, but you cannot watch for
2411C<SIGINT> in both the default loop and another loop at the same time. At 2515C<SIGINT> in both the default loop and another loop at the same time. At
2412the moment, C<SIGCHLD> is permanently tied to the default loop. 2516the moment, C<SIGCHLD> is permanently tied to the default loop.
2413 2517
2414When the first watcher gets started will libev actually register something 2518Only after the first watcher for a signal is started will libev actually
2415with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as 2519register something with the kernel. It thus coexists with your own signal
2416you don't register any with libev for the same signal). 2520handlers as long as you don't register any with libev for the same signal.
2417 2521
2418If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with 2522If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
2419C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should 2523C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should
2420not be unduly interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting 2524not be unduly interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting
2421interrupted by signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher 2525interrupted by signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher
2606 2710
2607=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 2711=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
2608 2712
2609This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 2713This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
2610C<stat> on that path in regular intervals (or when the OS says it changed) 2714C<stat> on that path in regular intervals (or when the OS says it changed)
2611and sees if it changed compared to the last time, invoking the callback if 2715and sees if it changed compared to the last time, invoking the callback
2612it did. 2716if it did. Starting the watcher C<stat>'s the file, so only changes that
2717happen after the watcher has been started will be reported.
2613 2718
2614The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 2719The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
2615not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does not 2720not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does not
2616exist" (or more correctly "path cannot be stat'ed") is signified by the 2721exist" (or more correctly "path cannot be stat'ed") is signified by the
2617C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is otherwise always forced to be at 2722C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is otherwise always forced to be at
2902 3007
2903Prepare and check watchers are often (but not always) used in pairs: 3008Prepare and check watchers are often (but not always) used in pairs:
2904prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 3009prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
2905afterwards. 3010afterwards.
2906 3011
2907You I<must not> call C<ev_run> or similar functions that enter 3012You I<must not> call C<ev_run> (or similar functions that enter the
2908the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 3013current event loop) or C<ev_loop_fork> from either C<ev_prepare> or
2909watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The 3014C<ev_check> watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine,
2910rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in 3015however. The rationale behind this is that you do not need to check
2911those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking, 3016for recursion in those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be
2912C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be 3017C<ev_prepare>, blocking, C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each
2913called in pairs bracketing the blocking call. 3018kind they will always be called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.
2914 3019
2915Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and 3020Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and
2916their use is somewhat advanced. They could be used, for example, to track 3021their use is somewhat advanced. They could be used, for example, to track
2917variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a 3022variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a
2918coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if 3023coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if
3177 3282
3178=over 4 3283=over 4
3179 3284
3180=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 3285=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
3181 3286
3182=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 3287=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
3183 3288
3184Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 3289Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
3185embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be 3290embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
3186invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback 3291invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
3187to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done, 3292to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
3208used). 3313used).
3209 3314
3210 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 3315 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
3211 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 3316 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
3212 ev_embed embed; 3317 ev_embed embed;
3213 3318
3214 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 3319 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
3215 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 3320 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
3216 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 3321 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
3217 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 3322 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
3218 : 0; 3323 : 0;
3232C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 3337C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
3233 3338
3234 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 3339 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
3235 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 3340 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
3236 ev_embed embed; 3341 ev_embed embed;
3237 3342
3238 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 3343 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
3239 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 3344 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
3240 { 3345 {
3241 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 3346 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
3242 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed); 3347 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
3258and calls it in the wrong process, the fork handlers will be invoked, too, 3363and calls it in the wrong process, the fork handlers will be invoked, too,
3259of course. 3364of course.
3260 3365
3261=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible? 3366=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible?
3262 3367
3263Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to set 3368Most uses of C<fork ()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to set
3264up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This 3369up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This
3265sequence should be handled by libev without any problems. 3370sequence should be handled by libev without any problems.
3266 3371
3267This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling 3372This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling
3268in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the 3373in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the
3506 3611
3507There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now. 3612There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now.
3508 3613
3509=over 4 3614=over 4
3510 3615
3511=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback) 3616=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback, arg)
3512 3617
3513This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your 3618This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your
3514callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stops both 3619callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stops both
3515watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd 3620watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd
3516or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 3621or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
3658already been invoked. 3763already been invoked.
3659 3764
3660A common way around all these issues is to make sure that 3765A common way around all these issues is to make sure that
3661C<start_new_request> I<always> returns before the callback is invoked. If 3766C<start_new_request> I<always> returns before the callback is invoked. If
3662C<start_new_request> immediately knows the result, it can artificially 3767C<start_new_request> immediately knows the result, it can artificially
3663delay invoking the callback by e.g. using a C<prepare> or C<idle> watcher 3768delay invoking the callback by using a C<prepare> or C<idle> watcher for
3664for example, or more sneakily, by reusing an existing (stopped) watcher 3769example, or more sneakily, by reusing an existing (stopped) watcher and
3665and pushing it into the pending queue: 3770pushing it into the pending queue:
3666 3771
3667 ev_set_cb (watcher, callback); 3772 ev_set_cb (watcher, callback);
3668 ev_feed_event (EV_A_ watcher, 0); 3773 ev_feed_event (EV_A_ watcher, 0);
3669 3774
3670This way, C<start_new_request> can safely return before the callback is 3775This way, C<start_new_request> can safely return before the callback is
3678 3783
3679This brings the problem of exiting - a callback might want to finish the 3784This brings the problem of exiting - a callback might want to finish the
3680main C<ev_run> call, but not the nested one (e.g. user clicked "Quit", but 3785main C<ev_run> call, but not the nested one (e.g. user clicked "Quit", but
3681a modal "Are you sure?" dialog is still waiting), or just the nested one 3786a modal "Are you sure?" dialog is still waiting), or just the nested one
3682and not the main one (e.g. user clocked "Ok" in a modal dialog), or some 3787and not the main one (e.g. user clocked "Ok" in a modal dialog), or some
3683other combination: In these cases, C<ev_break> will not work alone. 3788other combination: In these cases, a simple C<ev_break> will not work.
3684 3789
3685The solution is to maintain "break this loop" variable for each C<ev_run> 3790The solution is to maintain "break this loop" variable for each C<ev_run>
3686invocation, and use a loop around C<ev_run> until the condition is 3791invocation, and use a loop around C<ev_run> until the condition is
3687triggered, using C<EVRUN_ONCE>: 3792triggered, using C<EVRUN_ONCE>:
3688 3793
3892To embed libev, see L</EMBEDDING>, but in short, it's easiest to create two 3997To embed libev, see L</EMBEDDING>, but in short, it's easiest to create two
3893files, F<my_ev.h> and F<my_ev.c> that include the respective libev files: 3998files, F<my_ev.h> and F<my_ev.c> that include the respective libev files:
3894 3999
3895 // my_ev.h 4000 // my_ev.h
3896 #define EV_CB_DECLARE(type) struct my_coro *cb; 4001 #define EV_CB_DECLARE(type) struct my_coro *cb;
3897 #define EV_CB_INVOKE(watcher) switch_to ((watcher)->cb); 4002 #define EV_CB_INVOKE(watcher) switch_to ((watcher)->cb)
3898 #include "../libev/ev.h" 4003 #include "../libev/ev.h"
3899 4004
3900 // my_ev.c 4005 // my_ev.c
3901 #define EV_H "my_ev.h" 4006 #define EV_H "my_ev.h"
3902 #include "../libev/ev.c" 4007 #include "../libev/ev.c"
3948The normal C API should work fine when used from C++: both ev.h and the 4053The normal C API should work fine when used from C++: both ev.h and the
3949libev sources can be compiled as C++. Therefore, code that uses the C API 4054libev sources can be compiled as C++. Therefore, code that uses the C API
3950will work fine. 4055will work fine.
3951 4056
3952Proper exception specifications might have to be added to callbacks passed 4057Proper exception specifications might have to be added to callbacks passed
3953to libev: exceptions may be thrown only from watcher callbacks, all 4058to libev: exceptions may be thrown only from watcher callbacks, all other
3954other callbacks (allocator, syserr, loop acquire/release and periodic 4059callbacks (allocator, syserr, loop acquire/release and periodic reschedule
3955reschedule callbacks) must not throw exceptions, and might need a C<throw 4060callbacks) must not throw exceptions, and might need a C<noexcept>
3956()> specification. If you have code that needs to be compiled as both C 4061specification. If you have code that needs to be compiled as both C and
3957and C++ you can use the C<EV_THROW> macro for this: 4062C++ you can use the C<EV_NOEXCEPT> macro for this:
3958 4063
3959 static void 4064 static void
3960 fatal_error (const char *msg) EV_THROW 4065 fatal_error (const char *msg) EV_NOEXCEPT
3961 { 4066 {
3962 perror (msg); 4067 perror (msg);
3963 abort (); 4068 abort ();
3964 } 4069 }
3965 4070
3979Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 4084Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
3980you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change 4085you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
3981the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 4086the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
3982 4087
3983To use it, 4088To use it,
3984 4089
3985 #include <ev++.h> 4090 #include <ev++.h>
3986 4091
3987This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many 4092This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
3988of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are 4093of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
3989put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding 4094put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
4092 void operator() (ev::io &w, int revents) 4197 void operator() (ev::io &w, int revents)
4093 { 4198 {
4094 ... 4199 ...
4095 } 4200 }
4096 } 4201 }
4097 4202
4098 myfunctor f; 4203 myfunctor f;
4099 4204
4100 ev::io w; 4205 ev::io w;
4101 w.set (&f); 4206 w.set (&f);
4102 4207
4375 ev_vars.h 4480 ev_vars.h
4376 ev_wrap.h 4481 ev_wrap.h
4377 4482
4378 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 4483 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
4379 4484
4380 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default) 4485 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled
4381 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 4486 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled
4382 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 4487 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled
4488 ev_linuxaio.c only when the linux aio backend is enabled
4489 ev_iouring.c only when the linux io_uring backend is enabled
4383 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 4490 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled
4384 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 4491 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled
4385 4492
4386F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need 4493F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
4387to compile this single file. 4494to compile this single file.
4388 4495
4389=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 4496=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
4577If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux 4684If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux
4578C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime, 4685C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
4579otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred 4686otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
4580backend for GNU/Linux systems. If undefined, it will be enabled if the 4687backend for GNU/Linux systems. If undefined, it will be enabled if the
4581headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled. 4688headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
4689
4690=item EV_USE_LINUXAIO
4691
4692If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux aio
4693backend (C<EV_USE_EPOLL> must also be enabled). If undefined, it will be
4694enabled on linux, otherwise disabled.
4695
4696=item EV_USE_IOURING
4697
4698If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux
4699io_uring backend (C<EV_USE_EPOLL> must also be enabled). Due to it's
4700current limitations it has to be requested explicitly. If undefined, it
4701will be enabled on linux, otherwise disabled.
4582 4702
4583=item EV_USE_KQUEUE 4703=item EV_USE_KQUEUE
4584 4704
4585If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style 4705If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style
4586C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime, 4706C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,
4617different cpus (or different cpu cores). This reduces dependencies 4737different cpus (or different cpu cores). This reduces dependencies
4618and makes libev faster. 4738and makes libev faster.
4619 4739
4620=item EV_NO_THREADS 4740=item EV_NO_THREADS
4621 4741
4622If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that it will never be called 4742If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that it will never be called from
4623from different threads, which is a stronger assumption than C<EV_NO_SMP>, 4743different threads (that includes signal handlers), which is a stronger
4624above. This reduces dependencies and makes libev faster. 4744assumption than C<EV_NO_SMP>, above. This reduces dependencies and makes
4745libev faster.
4625 4746
4626=item EV_ATOMIC_T 4747=item EV_ATOMIC_T
4627 4748
4628Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose 4749Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
4629access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No 4750access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No
4862in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not 4983in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
4863called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be 4984called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
4864called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the 4985called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
4865verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down 4986verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
4866libev considerably. 4987libev considerably.
4988
4989Verification errors are reported via C's C<assert> mechanism, so if you
4990disable that (e.g. by defining C<NDEBUG>) then no errors will be reported.
4867 4991
4868The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it 4992The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
4869will be C<0>. 4993will be C<0>.
4870 4994
4871=item EV_COMMON 4995=item EV_COMMON
5288structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also 5412structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
5289assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher 5413assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
5290callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev 5414callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
5291calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally. 5415calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
5292 5416
5417=item null pointers and integer zero are represented by 0 bytes
5418
5419Libev uses C<memset> to initialise structs and arrays to C<0> bytes, and
5420relies on this setting pointers and integers to null.
5421
5293=item pointer accesses must be thread-atomic 5422=item pointer accesses must be thread-atomic
5294 5423
5295Accessing a pointer value must be atomic, it must both be readable and 5424Accessing a pointer value must be atomic, it must both be readable and
5296writable in one piece - this is the case on all current architectures. 5425writable in one piece - this is the case on all current architectures.
5297 5426
5425=over 4 5554=over 4
5426 5555
5427=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism 5556=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
5428 5557
5429The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by 5558The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
5430C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L</PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L</EMBEDDING> 5559C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L</"PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS"> in the L</EMBEDDING>
5431section. 5560section.
5432 5561
5433=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed 5562=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed
5434 5563
5435These calls can be replaced easily by their C<ev_loop_xxx> counterparts: 5564These calls can be replaced easily by their C<ev_loop_xxx> counterparts:

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