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Revision 1.426 by root, Sat Feb 23 23:06:40 2013 UTC

58 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 58 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
59 59
60 // now wait for events to arrive 60 // now wait for events to arrive
61 ev_run (loop, 0); 61 ev_run (loop, 0);
62 62
63 // unloop was called, so exit 63 // break was called, so exit
64 return 0; 64 return 0;
65 } 65 }
66 66
67=head1 ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT 67=head1 ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
68 68
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
174=item ev_tstamp ev_time () 174=item ev_tstamp ev_time ()
175 175
176Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 176Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
177C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp 177C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
178you actually want to know. Also interesting is the combination of 178you actually want to know. Also interesting is the combination of
179C<ev_update_now> and C<ev_now>. 179C<ev_now_update> and C<ev_now>.
180 180
181=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 181=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
182 182
183Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 183Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked
184either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 184until either it is interrupted or the given time interval has
185passed (approximately - it might return a bit earlier even if not
186interrupted). Returns immediately if C<< interval <= 0 >>.
187
185this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>. 188Basically this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>.
189
190The range of the C<interval> is limited - libev only guarantees to work
191with sleep times of up to one day (C<< interval <= 86400 >>).
186 192
187=item int ev_version_major () 193=item int ev_version_major ()
188 194
189=item int ev_version_minor () 195=item int ev_version_minor ()
190 196
241the current system, you would need to look at C<ev_embeddable_backends () 247the current system, you would need to look at C<ev_embeddable_backends ()
242& ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for recommended ones. 248& ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for recommended ones.
243 249
244See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 250See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
245 251
246=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 252=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size) throw ())
247 253
248Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 254Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
249semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is 255semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
250used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero 256used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
251when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort 257when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
277 } 283 }
278 284
279 ... 285 ...
280 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 286 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
281 287
282=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)) 288=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg) throw ())
283 289
284Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such 290Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
285as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 291as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
286indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 292indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
287callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no 293callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
435example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks. 441example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks.
436 442
437=item C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK> 443=item C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK>
438 444
439When this flag is specified, then libev will avoid to modify the signal 445When this flag is specified, then libev will avoid to modify the signal
440mask. Specifically, this means you ahve to make sure signals are unblocked 446mask. Specifically, this means you have to make sure signals are unblocked
441when you want to receive them. 447when you want to receive them.
442 448
443This behaviour is useful when you want to do your own signal handling, or 449This behaviour is useful when you want to do your own signal handling, or
444want to handle signals only in specific threads and want to avoid libev 450want to handle signals only in specific threads and want to avoid libev
445unblocking the signals. 451unblocking the signals.
452
453It's also required by POSIX in a threaded program, as libev calls
454C<sigprocmask>, whose behaviour is officially unspecified.
446 455
447This flag's behaviour will become the default in future versions of libev. 456This flag's behaviour will become the default in future versions of libev.
448 457
449=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 458=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
450 459
480=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 489=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
481 490
482Use the linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9 491Use the linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9
483kernels). 492kernels).
484 493
485For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 494For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, but
486but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 495it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like
487like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), 496O(total_fds) where total_fds is the total number of fds (or the highest
488epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). 497fd), epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
489 498
490The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned 499The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
491of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently 500of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
492dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file 501dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
493descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup, 502descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup,
4960.1ms) and so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program 5050.1ms) and so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program
497forks then I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll 506forks then I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll
498set, which can take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) 507set, which can take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor)
499and is of course hard to detect. 508and is of course hard to detect.
500 509
501Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but 510Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work,
502of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally 511but of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for
503I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot 512totally I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so
504even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially 513one cannot even remove them from the set) than registered in the set
505on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by 514(especially on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious
506employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the 515notifications by employing an additional generation counter and comparing
507events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. Last 516that against the events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set
517when required. Epoll also erroneously rounds down timeouts, but gives you
518no way to know when and by how much, so sometimes you have to busy-wait
519because epoll returns immediately despite a nonzero timeout. And last
508not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work 520not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work
509perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...). 521perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...).
510 522
511Epoll is truly the train wreck analog among event poll mechanisms, 523Epoll is truly the train wreck among event poll mechanisms, a frankenpoll,
512a frankenpoll, cobbled together in a hurry, no thought to design or 524cobbled together in a hurry, no thought to design or interaction with
513interaction with others. 525others. Oh, the pain, will it ever stop...
514 526
515While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 527While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
516will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such 528will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
517incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different 529incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different
518I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed 530I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
555 567
556It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 568It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
557kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 569kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
558course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 570course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
559cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to 571cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
560two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad (but 572two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad (you
561sane, unlike epoll) and it drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect 573might have to leak fd's on fork, but it's more sane than epoll) and it
562cases 574drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
563 575
564This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 576This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
565 577
566While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work 578While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
567everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken 579everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
596among the OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed 608among the OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed
597hacks). 609hacks).
598 610
599On the negative side, the interface is I<bizarre> - so bizarre that 611On the negative side, the interface is I<bizarre> - so bizarre that
600even sun itself gets it wrong in their code examples: The event polling 612even sun itself gets it wrong in their code examples: The event polling
601function sometimes returning events to the caller even though an error 613function sometimes returns events to the caller even though an error
602occurred, but with no indication whether it has done so or not (yes, it's 614occurred, but with no indication whether it has done so or not (yes, it's
603even documented that way) - deadly for edge-triggered interfaces where 615even documented that way) - deadly for edge-triggered interfaces where you
604you absolutely have to know whether an event occurred or not because you 616absolutely have to know whether an event occurred or not because you have
605have to re-arm the watcher. 617to re-arm the watcher.
606 618
607Fortunately libev seems to be able to work around these idiocies. 619Fortunately libev seems to be able to work around these idiocies.
608 620
609This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as 621This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
610C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 622C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
752 764
753This 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
754very 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
755the current time is a good idea. 767the current time is a good idea.
756 768
757See 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.
758 770
759=item ev_suspend (loop) 771=item ev_suspend (loop)
760 772
761=item ev_resume (loop) 773=item ev_resume (loop)
762 774
780without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>. 792without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>.
781 793
782Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the 794Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the
783event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>). 795event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>).
784 796
785=item ev_run (loop, int flags) 797=item bool ev_run (loop, int flags)
786 798
787Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 799Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
788after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start 800after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start
789handling events. It will ask the operating system for any new events, call 801handling events. It will ask the operating system for any new events, call
790the watcher callbacks, an then repeat the whole process indefinitely: This 802the watcher callbacks, and then repeat the whole process indefinitely: This
791is why event loops are called I<loops>. 803is why event loops are called I<loops>.
792 804
793If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will keep handling events 805If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will keep handling events
794until either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_break> was 806until either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_break> was
795called. 807called.
808
809The return value is false if there are no more active watchers (which
810usually means "all jobs done" or "deadlock"), and true in all other cases
811(which usually means " you should call C<ev_run> again").
796 812
797Please note that an explicit C<ev_break> is usually better than 813Please note that an explicit C<ev_break> is usually better than
798relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 814relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
799finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program 815finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
800that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue 816that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
801of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of 817of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
802beauty. 818beauty.
803 819
804This function is also I<mostly> exception-safe - you can break out of 820This function is I<mostly> exception-safe - you can break out of a
805a C<ev_run> call by calling C<longjmp> in a callback, throwing a C++ 821C<ev_run> call by calling C<longjmp> in a callback, throwing a C++
806exception and so on. This does not decrement the C<ev_depth> value, nor 822exception and so on. This does not decrement the C<ev_depth> value, nor
807will it clear any outstanding C<EVBREAK_ONE> breaks. 823will it clear any outstanding C<EVBREAK_ONE> breaks.
808 824
809A flags value of C<EVRUN_NOWAIT> will look for new events, will handle 825A flags value of C<EVRUN_NOWAIT> will look for new events, will handle
810those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not wait and 826those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not wait and
822This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction 838This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
823with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your 839with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
824own C<ev_run>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 840own C<ev_run>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
825usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 841usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
826 842
827Here are the gory details of what C<ev_run> does: 843Here are the gory details of what C<ev_run> does (this is for your
844understanding, not a guarantee that things will work exactly like this in
845future versions):
828 846
829 - Increment loop depth. 847 - Increment loop depth.
830 - Reset the ev_break status. 848 - Reset the ev_break status.
831 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 849 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
832 LOOP: 850 LOOP:
865anymore. 883anymore.
866 884
867 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 885 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
868 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 886 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
869 ev_run (my_loop, 0); 887 ev_run (my_loop, 0);
870 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah! 888 ... jobs done or somebody called break. yeah!
871 889
872=item ev_break (loop, how) 890=item ev_break (loop, how)
873 891
874Can be used to make a call to C<ev_run> return early (but only after it 892Can be used to make a call to C<ev_run> return early (but only after it
875has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 893has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
938overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once. 956overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
939 957
940By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more 958By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
941time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration, 959time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
942at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and 960at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
943C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will 961C<ev_timer>) will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
944introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. The 962introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. The
945sleep time ensures that libev will not poll for I/O events more often then 963sleep time ensures that libev will not poll for I/O events more often then
946once per this interval, on average. 964once per this interval, on average (as long as the host time resolution is
965good enough).
947 966
948Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev 967Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
949to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 968to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
950latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called 969latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
951later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null 970later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null
997invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.). 1016invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.).
998 1017
999If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new 1018If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new
1000callback. 1019callback.
1001 1020
1002=item ev_set_loop_release_cb (loop, void (*release)(EV_P), void (*acquire)(EV_P)) 1021=item ev_set_loop_release_cb (loop, void (*release)(EV_P) throw (), void (*acquire)(EV_P) throw ())
1003 1022
1004Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This 1023Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This
1005can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around 1024can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around
1006each call to a libev function. 1025each call to a libev function.
1007 1026
1008However, C<ev_run> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible 1027However, C<ev_run> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible
1009to wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the event 1028to wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the event
1010loop via C<ev_break> and C<av_async_send>, another way is to set these 1029loop via C<ev_break> and C<ev_async_send>, another way is to set these
1011I<release> and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop. 1030I<release> and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop.
1012 1031
1013When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is 1032When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is
1014suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just 1033suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just
1015afterwards. 1034afterwards.
1155 1174
1156=item C<EV_PREPARE> 1175=item C<EV_PREPARE>
1157 1176
1158=item C<EV_CHECK> 1177=item C<EV_CHECK>
1159 1178
1160All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_run> starts 1179All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_run> starts to
1161to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after 1180gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are queued (not invoked)
1162C<ev_run> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any 1181just after C<ev_run> has gathered them, but before it queues any callbacks
1182for any received events. That means C<ev_prepare> watchers are the last
1183watchers invoked before the event loop sleeps or polls for new events, and
1184C<ev_check> watchers will be invoked before any other watchers of the same
1185or lower priority within an event loop iteration.
1186
1163received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 1187Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as many watchers as
1164many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account 1188they want, and all of them will be taken into account (for example, a
1165(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep 1189C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep C<ev_run> from
1166C<ev_run> from blocking). 1190blocking).
1167 1191
1168=item C<EV_EMBED> 1192=item C<EV_EMBED>
1169 1193
1170The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention. 1194The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
1171 1195
1294 1318
1295=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1319=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1296 1320
1297Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 1321Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
1298 1322
1299=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 1323=item ev_set_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1300 1324
1301Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 1325Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
1302(modulo threads). 1326(modulo threads).
1303 1327
1304=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, int priority) 1328=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, int priority)
1322or might not have been clamped to the valid range. 1346or might not have been clamped to the valid range.
1323 1347
1324The 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
1325always 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 :).
1326 1350
1327See L<WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS>, below, for a more thorough treatment of 1351See L</WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS>, below, for a more thorough treatment of
1328priorities. 1352priorities.
1329 1353
1330=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents) 1354=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1331 1355
1332Invoke 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
1357See 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
1358functions that do not need a watcher. 1382functions that do not need a watcher.
1359 1383
1360=back 1384=back
1361 1385
1362=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1386See also the L</ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER> and L</BUILDING YOUR
1363 1387OWN COMPOSITE WATCHERS> idioms.
1364Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
1365and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
1366to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
1367don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data
1368member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
1369data:
1370
1371 struct my_io
1372 {
1373 ev_io io;
1374 int otherfd;
1375 void *somedata;
1376 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
1377 };
1378
1379 ...
1380 struct my_io w;
1381 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
1382
1383And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
1384can cast it back to your own type:
1385
1386 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
1387 {
1388 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
1389 ...
1390 }
1391
1392More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
1393instead have been omitted.
1394
1395Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
1396embedded watchers:
1397
1398 struct my_biggy
1399 {
1400 int some_data;
1401 ev_timer t1;
1402 ev_timer t2;
1403 }
1404
1405In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
1406complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct
1407in the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies), or you need to use
1408some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for real
1409programmers):
1410
1411 #include <stddef.h>
1412
1413 static void
1414 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1415 {
1416 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1417 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
1418 }
1419
1420 static void
1421 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1422 {
1423 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1424 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1425 }
1426 1388
1427=head2 WATCHER STATES 1389=head2 WATCHER STATES
1428 1390
1429There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual - 1391There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual -
1430active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to 1392active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to
1431transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these 1393transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these
1432rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing". 1394rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing".
1433 1395
1434=over 4 1396=over 4
1435 1397
1436=item initialiased 1398=item initialised
1437 1399
1438Before a watcher can be registered with the event looop it has to be 1400Before a watcher can be registered with the event loop it has to be
1439initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to 1401initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to
1440C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function. 1402C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function.
1441 1403
1442In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for use 1404In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for
1443in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at will. 1405use in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at
1406will - as long as you either keep the memory contents intact, or call
1407C<ev_TYPE_init> again.
1444 1408
1445=item started/running/active 1409=item started/running/active
1446 1410
1447Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes 1411Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes
1448property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in 1412property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in
1476latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless 1440latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless
1477of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before 1441of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before
1478freeing it is often a good idea. 1442freeing it is often a good idea.
1479 1443
1480While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the 1444While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the
1481initialised state, that is it can be reused, moved, modified in any way 1445initialised state, that is, it can be reused, moved, modified in any way
1482you wish. 1446you wish (but when you trash the memory block, you need to C<ev_TYPE_init>
1447it again).
1483 1448
1484=back 1449=back
1485 1450
1486=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS 1451=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS
1487 1452
1680always get a readiness notification instantly, and your read (or possibly 1645always get a readiness notification instantly, and your read (or possibly
1681write) will still block on the disk I/O. 1646write) will still block on the disk I/O.
1682 1647
1683Another way to view it is that in the case of sockets, pipes, character 1648Another way to view it is that in the case of sockets, pipes, character
1684devices and so on, there is another party (the sender) that delivers data 1649devices and so on, there is another party (the sender) that delivers data
1685on it's own, but in the case of files, there is no such thing: the disk 1650on its own, but in the case of files, there is no such thing: the disk
1686will not send data on it's own, simply because it doesn't know what you 1651will not send data on its own, simply because it doesn't know what you
1687wish to read - you would first have to request some data. 1652wish to read - you would first have to request some data.
1688 1653
1689Since files are typically not-so-well supported by advanced notification 1654Since files are typically not-so-well supported by advanced notification
1690mechanism, libev tries hard to emulate POSIX behaviour with respect 1655mechanism, libev tries hard to emulate POSIX behaviour with respect
1691to files, even though you should not use it. The reason for this is 1656to files, even though you should not use it. The reason for this is
1815detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1780detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1816monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1781monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1817 1782
1818The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has 1783The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1819passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this 1784passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this
1820might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the 1785might introduce a small delay, see "the special problem of being too
1786early", below). If multiple timers become ready during the same loop
1821same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked 1787iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked before
1822before ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is 1788ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is no
1823no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively). 1789longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1824 1790
1825=head3 Be smart about timeouts 1791=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1826 1792
1827Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error 1793Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1828recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs, 1794recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1903 1869
1904In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone, 1870In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone,
1905but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only 1871but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only
1906within the callback: 1872within the callback:
1907 1873
1874 ev_tstamp timeout = 60.;
1908 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity 1875 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity
1876 ev_timer timer;
1909 1877
1910 static void 1878 static void
1911 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1879 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1912 { 1880 {
1913 ev_tstamp now = ev_now (EV_A); 1881 // calculate when the timeout would happen
1914 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.; 1882 ev_tstamp after = last_activity - ev_now (EV_A) + timeout;
1915 1883
1916 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out 1884 // if negative, it means we the timeout already occurred
1917 if (timeout < now) 1885 if (after < 0.)
1918 { 1886 {
1919 // timeout occurred, take action 1887 // timeout occurred, take action
1920 } 1888 }
1921 else 1889 else
1922 { 1890 {
1923 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm 1891 // callback was invoked, but there was some recent
1924 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is 1892 // activity. simply restart the timer to time out
1925 // guaranteed to be in the future, so "again" is positive: 1893 // after "after" seconds, which is the earliest time
1926 w->repeat = timeout - now; 1894 // the timeout can occur.
1895 ev_timer_set (w, after, 0.);
1927 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ w); 1896 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ w);
1928 } 1897 }
1929 } 1898 }
1930 1899
1931To summarise the callback: first calculate the real timeout (defined 1900To summarise the callback: first calculate in how many seconds the
1932as "60 seconds after the last activity"), then check if that time has 1901timeout will occur (by calculating the absolute time when it would occur,
1933been reached, which means something I<did>, in fact, time out. Otherwise 1902C<last_activity + timeout>, and subtracting the current time, C<ev_now
1934the callback was invoked too early (C<timeout> is in the future), so 1903(EV_A)> from that).
1935re-schedule the timer to fire at that future time, to see if maybe we have
1936a timeout then.
1937 1904
1938Note how C<ev_timer_again> is used, taking advantage of the 1905If this value is negative, then we are already past the timeout, i.e. we
1939C<ev_timer_again> optimisation when the timer is already running. 1906timed out, and need to do whatever is needed in this case.
1907
1908Otherwise, we now the earliest time at which the timeout would trigger,
1909and simply start the timer with this timeout value.
1910
1911In other words, each time the callback is invoked it will check whether
1912the timeout occurred. If not, it will simply reschedule itself to check
1913again at the earliest time it could time out. Rinse. Repeat.
1940 1914
1941This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds 1915This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds
1942minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to 1916minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to
1943libev to change the timeout. 1917libev to change the timeout.
1944 1918
1945To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity> 1919To start the machinery, simply initialise the watcher and set
1946to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the 1920C<last_activity> to the current time (meaning there was some activity just
1947callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer: 1921now), then call the callback, which will "do the right thing" and start
1922the timer:
1948 1923
1924 last_activity = ev_now (EV_A);
1949 ev_init (timer, callback); 1925 ev_init (&timer, callback);
1950 last_activity = ev_now (loop); 1926 callback (EV_A_ &timer, 0);
1951 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMER);
1952 1927
1953And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in 1928When there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1954C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all: 1929C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1955 1930
1931 if (activity detected)
1956 last_activity = ev_now (loop); 1932 last_activity = ev_now (EV_A);
1933
1934When your timeout value changes, then the timeout can be changed by simply
1935providing a new value, stopping the timer and calling the callback, which
1936will again do the right thing (for example, time out immediately :).
1937
1938 timeout = new_value;
1939 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &timer);
1940 callback (EV_A_ &timer, 0);
1957 1941
1958This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the 1942This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1959time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient. 1943time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1960
1961Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1962callback :) - just change the timeout and invoke the callback, which will
1963fix things for you.
1964 1944
1965=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts. 1945=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts.
1966 1946
1967If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all 1947If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all
1968employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can 1948employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can
1995Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is 1975Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is
1996rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays 1976rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays
1997off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually 1977off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually
1998overkill :) 1978overkill :)
1999 1979
1980=head3 The special problem of being too early
1981
1982If you ask a timer to call your callback after three seconds, then
1983you expect it to be invoked after three seconds - but of course, this
1984cannot be guaranteed to infinite precision. Less obviously, it cannot be
1985guaranteed to any precision by libev - imagine somebody suspending the
1986process with a STOP signal for a few hours for example.
1987
1988So, libev tries to invoke your callback as soon as possible I<after> the
1989delay has occurred, but cannot guarantee this.
1990
1991A less obvious failure mode is calling your callback too early: many event
1992loops compare timestamps with a "elapsed delay >= requested delay", but
1993this can cause your callback to be invoked much earlier than you would
1994expect.
1995
1996To see why, imagine a system with a clock that only offers full second
1997resolution (think windows if you can't come up with a broken enough OS
1998yourself). If you schedule a one-second timer at the time 500.9, then the
1999event loop will schedule your timeout to elapse at a system time of 500
2000(500.9 truncated to the resolution) + 1, or 501.
2001
2002If an event library looks at the timeout 0.1s later, it will see "501 >=
2003501" and invoke the callback 0.1s after it was started, even though a
2004one-second delay was requested - this is being "too early", despite best
2005intentions.
2006
2007This is the reason why libev will never invoke the callback if the elapsed
2008delay equals the requested delay, but only when the elapsed delay is
2009larger than the requested delay. In the example above, libev would only invoke
2010the callback at system time 502, or 1.1s after the timer was started.
2011
2012So, while libev cannot guarantee that your callback will be invoked
2013exactly when requested, it I<can> and I<does> guarantee that the requested
2014delay has actually elapsed, or in other words, it always errs on the "too
2015late" side of things.
2016
2000=head3 The special problem of time updates 2017=head3 The special problem of time updates
2001 2018
2002Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at 2019Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes
2003least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current 2020at least one system call): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
2004time only before and after C<ev_run> collects new events, which causes a 2021time only before and after C<ev_run> collects new events, which causes a
2005growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling 2022growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
2006lots of events in one iteration. 2023lots of events in one iteration.
2007 2024
2008The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 2025The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
2014 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 2031 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
2015 2032
2016If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an 2033If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
2017update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update 2034update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
2018()>. 2035()>.
2036
2037=head3 The special problem of unsynchronised clocks
2038
2039Modern systems have a variety of clocks - libev itself uses the normal
2040"wall clock" clock and, if available, the monotonic clock (to avoid time
2041jumps).
2042
2043Neither of these clocks is synchronised with each other or any other clock
2044on the system, so C<ev_time ()> might return a considerably different time
2045than C<gettimeofday ()> or C<time ()>. On a GNU/Linux system, for example,
2046a call to C<gettimeofday> might return a second count that is one higher
2047than a directly following call to C<time>.
2048
2049The moral of this is to only compare libev-related timestamps with
2050C<ev_time ()> and C<ev_now ()>, at least if you want better precision than
2051a second or so.
2052
2053One more problem arises due to this lack of synchronisation: if libev uses
2054the system monotonic clock and you compare timestamps from C<ev_time>
2055or C<ev_now> from when you started your timer and when your callback is
2056invoked, you will find that sometimes the callback is a bit "early".
2057
2058This is because C<ev_timer>s work in real time, not wall clock time, so
2059libev makes sure your callback is not invoked before the delay happened,
2060I<measured according to the real time>, not the system clock.
2061
2062If your timeouts are based on a physical timescale (e.g. "time out this
2063connection after 100 seconds") then this shouldn't bother you as it is
2064exactly the right behaviour.
2065
2066If you want to compare wall clock/system timestamps to your timers, then
2067you need to use C<ev_periodic>s, as these are based on the wall clock
2068time, where your comparisons will always generate correct results.
2019 2069
2020=head3 The special problems of suspended animation 2070=head3 The special problems of suspended animation
2021 2071
2022When you leave the server world it is quite customary to hit machines that 2072When you leave the server world it is quite customary to hit machines that
2023can suspend/hibernate - what happens to the clocks during such a suspend? 2073can suspend/hibernate - what happens to the clocks during such a suspend?
2067keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to 2117keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to
2068do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 2118do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
2069 2119
2070=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *) 2120=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
2071 2121
2072This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 2122This will act as if the timer timed out, and restarts it again if it is
2073repeating. The exact semantics are: 2123repeating. It basically works like calling C<ev_timer_stop>, updating the
2124timeout to the C<repeat> value and calling C<ev_timer_start>.
2074 2125
2126The exact semantics are as in the following rules, all of which will be
2127applied to the watcher:
2128
2129=over 4
2130
2075If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 2131=item If the timer is pending, the pending status is always cleared.
2076 2132
2077If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 2133=item If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed
2134out, without invoking it).
2078 2135
2079If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 2136=item If the timer is repeating, make the C<repeat> value the new timeout
2080C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 2137and start the timer, if necessary.
2081 2138
2139=back
2140
2082This 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
2083usage example. 2142usage example.
2084 2143
2085=item ev_tstamp ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *) 2144=item ev_tstamp ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *)
2086 2145
2087Returns 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,
2207 2266
2208Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 2267Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
2209C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 2268C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
2210time where C<time = offset (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 2269time where C<time = offset (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
2211 2270
2212For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<offset> value is near 2271The C<interval> I<MUST> be positive, and for numerical stability, the
2213C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for 2272interval value should be higher than C<1/8192> (which is around 100
2214this value, and in fact is often specified as zero. 2273microseconds) and C<offset> should be higher than C<0> and should have
2274at most a similar magnitude as the current time (say, within a factor of
2275ten). Typical values for offset are, in fact, C<0> or something between
2276C<0> and C<interval>, which is also the recommended range.
2215 2277
2216Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU 2278Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
2217speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability 2279speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
2218will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one 2280will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
2219millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough). 2281millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
2362=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create 2424=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create
2363 2425
2364Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition 2426Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition
2365(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after 2427(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after
2366stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal, 2428stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal,
2367and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler. 2429and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler (but
2430see C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK>).
2368 2431
2369While this does not matter for the signal disposition (libev never 2432While this does not matter for the signal disposition (libev never
2370sets signals to C<SIG_IGN>, so handlers will be reset to C<SIG_DFL> on 2433sets signals to C<SIG_IGN>, so handlers will be reset to C<SIG_DFL> on
2371C<execve>), this matters for the signal mask: many programs do not expect 2434C<execve>), this matters for the signal mask: many programs do not expect
2372certain signals to be blocked. 2435certain signals to be blocked.
2543 2606
2544=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 2607=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
2545 2608
2546This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 2609This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
2547C<stat> on that path in regular intervals (or when the OS says it changed) 2610C<stat> on that path in regular intervals (or when the OS says it changed)
2548and sees if it changed compared to the last time, invoking the callback if 2611and sees if it changed compared to the last time, invoking the callback
2549it did. 2612if it did. Starting the watcher C<stat>'s the file, so only changes that
2613happen after the watcher has been started will be reported.
2550 2614
2551The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 2615The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
2552not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does not 2616not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does not
2553exist" (or more correctly "path cannot be stat'ed") is signified by the 2617exist" (or more correctly "path cannot be stat'ed") is signified by the
2554C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is otherwise always forced to be at 2618C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is otherwise always forced to be at
2784Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 2848Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
2785effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do 2849effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do
2786"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 2850"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
2787event loop has handled all outstanding events. 2851event loop has handled all outstanding events.
2788 2852
2853=head3 Abusing an C<ev_idle> watcher for its side-effect
2854
2855As long as there is at least one active idle watcher, libev will never
2856sleep unnecessarily. Or in other words, it will loop as fast as possible.
2857For this to work, the idle watcher doesn't need to be invoked at all - the
2858lowest priority will do.
2859
2860This mode of operation can be useful together with an C<ev_check> watcher,
2861to do something on each event loop iteration - for example to balance load
2862between different connections.
2863
2864See L</Abusing an ev_check watcher for its side-effect> for a longer
2865example.
2866
2789=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2867=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2790 2868
2791=over 4 2869=over 4
2792 2870
2793=item ev_idle_init (ev_idle *, callback) 2871=item ev_idle_init (ev_idle *, callback)
2804callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 2882callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
2805 2883
2806 static void 2884 static void
2807 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents) 2885 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents)
2808 { 2886 {
2887 // stop the watcher
2888 ev_idle_stop (loop, w);
2889
2890 // now we can free it
2809 free (w); 2891 free (w);
2892
2810 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 2893 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
2811 // no longer anything immediate to do. 2894 // no longer anything immediate to do.
2812 } 2895 }
2813 2896
2814 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle)); 2897 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle));
2816 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_watcher); 2899 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_watcher);
2817 2900
2818 2901
2819=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 2902=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
2820 2903
2821Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs: 2904Prepare and check watchers are often (but not always) used in pairs:
2822prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2905prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
2823afterwards. 2906afterwards.
2824 2907
2825You I<must not> call C<ev_run> or similar functions that enter 2908You I<must not> call C<ev_run> or similar functions that enter
2826the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 2909the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
2854with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 2937with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine
2855of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event 2938of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
2856loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 2939loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
2857low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 2940low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
2858 2941
2859It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) 2942When used for this purpose, it is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers
2860priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers 2943highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) priority, to ensure that they are being run before
2861after the poll (this doesn't matter for C<ev_prepare> watchers). 2944any other watchers after the poll (this doesn't matter for C<ev_prepare>
2945watchers).
2862 2946
2863Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, too) should not 2947Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, too) should not
2864activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully supports this, they 2948activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully supports this, they
2865might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers did their job. As 2949might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers did their job. As
2866C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other (non-libev) event 2950C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other (non-libev) event
2867loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their 2951loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
2868C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with 2952C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
2869others). 2953others).
2954
2955=head3 Abusing an C<ev_check> watcher for its side-effect
2956
2957C<ev_check> (and less often also C<ev_prepare>) watchers can also be
2958useful because they are called once per event loop iteration. For
2959example, if you want to handle a large number of connections fairly, you
2960normally only do a bit of work for each active connection, and if there
2961is more work to do, you wait for the next event loop iteration, so other
2962connections have a chance of making progress.
2963
2964Using an C<ev_check> watcher is almost enough: it will be called on the
2965next event loop iteration. However, that isn't as soon as possible -
2966without external events, your C<ev_check> watcher will not be invoked.
2967
2968This is where C<ev_idle> watchers come in handy - all you need is a
2969single global idle watcher that is active as long as you have one active
2970C<ev_check> watcher. The C<ev_idle> watcher makes sure the event loop
2971will not sleep, and the C<ev_check> watcher makes sure a callback gets
2972invoked. Neither watcher alone can do that.
2870 2973
2871=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2974=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2872 2975
2873=over 4 2976=over 4
2874 2977
3075 3178
3076=over 4 3179=over 4
3077 3180
3078=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 3181=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
3079 3182
3080=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 3183=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
3081 3184
3082Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 3185Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
3083embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be 3186embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
3084invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback 3187invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
3085to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done, 3188to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
3148 3251
3149=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 3252=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
3150 3253
3151Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 3254Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
3152whoever is a good citizen cared to tell libev about it by calling 3255whoever is a good citizen cared to tell libev about it by calling
3153C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork>). The invocation is done before the 3256C<ev_loop_fork>). The invocation is done before the event loop blocks next
3154event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 3257and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, and only in the child
3155and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling 3258after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling C<ev_default_fork> cheats
3156C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 3259and calls it in the wrong process, the fork handlers will be invoked, too,
3157handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 3260of course.
3158 3261
3159=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible? 3262=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible?
3160 3263
3161Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to set 3264Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to set
3162up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This 3265up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This
3243 atexit (program_exits); 3346 atexit (program_exits);
3244 3347
3245 3348
3246=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop 3349=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop
3247 3350
3248In general, you cannot use an C<ev_run> from multiple threads or other 3351In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other
3249asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event 3352asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
3250loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads). 3353loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
3251 3354
3252Sometimes, however, you need to wake up an event loop you do not control, 3355Sometimes, however, you need to wake up an event loop you do not control,
3253for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what C<ev_async> 3356for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what C<ev_async>
3255it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe. 3358it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe.
3256 3359
3257This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals, 3360This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
3258too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed 3361too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
3259(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of 3362(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
3260C<ev_async_sent> calls). In fact, you could use signal watchers as a kind 3363C<ev_async_send> calls). In fact, you could use signal watchers as a kind
3261of "global async watchers" by using a watcher on an otherwise unused 3364of "global async watchers" by using a watcher on an otherwise unused
3262signal, and C<ev_feed_signal> to signal this watcher from another thread, 3365signal, and C<ev_feed_signal> to signal this watcher from another thread,
3263even without knowing which loop owns the signal. 3366even without knowing which loop owns the signal.
3264
3265Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not
3266just the default loop.
3267 3367
3268=head3 Queueing 3368=head3 Queueing
3269 3369
3270C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason 3370C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
3271is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a 3371is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
3363trust me. 3463trust me.
3364 3464
3365=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *) 3465=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
3366 3466
3367Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds 3467Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
3368an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike 3468an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop, and instantly
3469returns.
3470
3369C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or 3471Unlike C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads,
3370similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding 3472signal or similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the
3371section below on what exactly this means). 3473embedding section below on what exactly this means).
3372 3474
3373Note that, as with other watchers in libev, multiple events might get 3475Note that, as with other watchers in libev, multiple events might get
3374compressed into a single callback invocation (another way to look at this 3476compressed into a single callback invocation (another way to look at
3375is that C<ev_async> watchers are level-triggered, set on C<ev_async_send>, 3477this is that C<ev_async> watchers are level-triggered: they are set on
3376reset when the event loop detects that). 3478C<ev_async_send>, reset when the event loop detects that).
3377 3479
3378This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per event loop 3480This call incurs the overhead of at most one extra system call per event
3379iteration, so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to 3481loop iteration, if the event loop is blocked, and no syscall at all if
3380repeated calls to C<ev_async_send> for the same event loop. 3482the event loop (or your program) is processing events. That means that
3483repeated calls are basically free (there is no need to avoid calls for
3484performance reasons) and that the overhead becomes smaller (typically
3485zero) under load.
3381 3486
3382=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *) 3487=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
3383 3488
3384Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the 3489Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
3385watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the 3490watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
3440 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 3545 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
3441 3546
3442=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents) 3547=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents)
3443 3548
3444Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 3549Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
3445the given events it. 3550the given events.
3446 3551
3447=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum) 3552=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum)
3448 3553
3449Feed an event as if the given signal occurred. See also C<ev_feed_signal>, 3554Feed an event as if the given signal occurred. See also C<ev_feed_signal>,
3450which is async-safe. 3555which is async-safe.
3456 3561
3457This section explains some common idioms that are not immediately 3562This section explains some common idioms that are not immediately
3458obvious. Note that examples are sprinkled over the whole manual, and this 3563obvious. Note that examples are sprinkled over the whole manual, and this
3459section only contains stuff that wouldn't fit anywhere else. 3564section only contains stuff that wouldn't fit anywhere else.
3460 3565
3461=over 4 3566=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
3462 3567
3463=item Model/nested event loop invocations and exit conditions. 3568Each watcher has, by default, a C<void *data> member that you can read
3569or modify at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
3570to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
3571don't want to allocate memory separately and store a pointer to it in that
3572data member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
3573data:
3574
3575 struct my_io
3576 {
3577 ev_io io;
3578 int otherfd;
3579 void *somedata;
3580 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
3581 };
3582
3583 ...
3584 struct my_io w;
3585 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
3586
3587And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
3588can cast it back to your own type:
3589
3590 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
3591 {
3592 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
3593 ...
3594 }
3595
3596More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback
3597function type instead have been omitted.
3598
3599=head2 BUILDING YOUR OWN COMPOSITE WATCHERS
3600
3601Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
3602embedded watchers, in effect creating your own watcher that combines
3603multiple libev event sources into one "super-watcher":
3604
3605 struct my_biggy
3606 {
3607 int some_data;
3608 ev_timer t1;
3609 ev_timer t2;
3610 }
3611
3612In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
3613complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct in
3614the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies or C++ coders), or you need
3615to use some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for
3616real programmers):
3617
3618 #include <stddef.h>
3619
3620 static void
3621 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
3622 {
3623 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
3624 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
3625 }
3626
3627 static void
3628 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
3629 {
3630 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
3631 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
3632 }
3633
3634=head2 AVOIDING FINISHING BEFORE RETURNING
3635
3636Often you have structures like this in event-based programs:
3637
3638 callback ()
3639 {
3640 free (request);
3641 }
3642
3643 request = start_new_request (..., callback);
3644
3645The intent is to start some "lengthy" operation. The C<request> could be
3646used to cancel the operation, or do other things with it.
3647
3648It's not uncommon to have code paths in C<start_new_request> that
3649immediately invoke the callback, for example, to report errors. Or you add
3650some caching layer that finds that it can skip the lengthy aspects of the
3651operation and simply invoke the callback with the result.
3652
3653The problem here is that this will happen I<before> C<start_new_request>
3654has returned, so C<request> is not set.
3655
3656Even if you pass the request by some safer means to the callback, you
3657might want to do something to the request after starting it, such as
3658canceling it, which probably isn't working so well when the callback has
3659already been invoked.
3660
3661A common way around all these issues is to make sure that
3662C<start_new_request> I<always> returns before the callback is invoked. If
3663C<start_new_request> immediately knows the result, it can artificially
3664delay invoking the callback by using a C<prepare> or C<idle> watcher for
3665example, or more sneakily, by reusing an existing (stopped) watcher and
3666pushing it into the pending queue:
3667
3668 ev_set_cb (watcher, callback);
3669 ev_feed_event (EV_A_ watcher, 0);
3670
3671This way, C<start_new_request> can safely return before the callback is
3672invoked, while not delaying callback invocation too much.
3673
3674=head2 MODEL/NESTED EVENT LOOP INVOCATIONS AND EXIT CONDITIONS
3464 3675
3465Often (especially in GUI toolkits) there are places where you have 3676Often (especially in GUI toolkits) there are places where you have
3466I<modal> interaction, which is most easily implemented by recursively 3677I<modal> interaction, which is most easily implemented by recursively
3467invoking C<ev_run>. 3678invoking C<ev_run>.
3468 3679
3469This brings the problem of exiting - a callback might want to finish the 3680This brings the problem of exiting - a callback might want to finish the
3470main C<ev_run> call, but not the nested one (e.g. user clicked "Quit", but 3681main C<ev_run> call, but not the nested one (e.g. user clicked "Quit", but
3471a modal "Are you sure?" dialog is still waiting), or just the nested one 3682a modal "Are you sure?" dialog is still waiting), or just the nested one
3472and not the main one (e.g. user clocked "Ok" in a modal dialog), or some 3683and not the main one (e.g. user clocked "Ok" in a modal dialog), or some
3473other combination: In these cases, C<ev_break> will not work alone. 3684other combination: In these cases, a simple C<ev_break> will not work.
3474 3685
3475The solution is to maintain "break this loop" variable for each C<ev_run> 3686The solution is to maintain "break this loop" variable for each C<ev_run>
3476invocation, and use a loop around C<ev_run> until the condition is 3687invocation, and use a loop around C<ev_run> until the condition is
3477triggered, using C<EVRUN_ONCE>: 3688triggered, using C<EVRUN_ONCE>:
3478 3689
3480 int exit_main_loop = 0; 3691 int exit_main_loop = 0;
3481 3692
3482 while (!exit_main_loop) 3693 while (!exit_main_loop)
3483 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ EVRUN_ONCE); 3694 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3484 3695
3485 // in a model watcher 3696 // in a modal watcher
3486 int exit_nested_loop = 0; 3697 int exit_nested_loop = 0;
3487 3698
3488 while (!exit_nested_loop) 3699 while (!exit_nested_loop)
3489 ev_run (EV_A_ EVRUN_ONCE); 3700 ev_run (EV_A_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3490 3701
3497 exit_main_loop = 1; 3708 exit_main_loop = 1;
3498 3709
3499 // exit both 3710 // exit both
3500 exit_main_loop = exit_nested_loop = 1; 3711 exit_main_loop = exit_nested_loop = 1;
3501 3712
3502=item Thread locking example 3713=head2 THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE
3503 3714
3504Here is a fictitious example of how to run an event loop in a different 3715Here is a fictitious example of how to run an event loop in a different
3505thread than where callbacks are being invoked and watchers are 3716thread from where callbacks are being invoked and watchers are
3506created/added/removed. 3717created/added/removed.
3507 3718
3508For a real-world example, see the C<EV::Loop::Async> perl module, 3719For a real-world example, see the C<EV::Loop::Async> perl module,
3509which uses exactly this technique (which is suited for many high-level 3720which uses exactly this technique (which is suited for many high-level
3510languages). 3721languages).
3536 // now associate this with the loop 3747 // now associate this with the loop
3537 ev_set_userdata (EV_A_ u); 3748 ev_set_userdata (EV_A_ u);
3538 ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (EV_A_ l_invoke); 3749 ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (EV_A_ l_invoke);
3539 ev_set_loop_release_cb (EV_A_ l_release, l_acquire); 3750 ev_set_loop_release_cb (EV_A_ l_release, l_acquire);
3540 3751
3541 // then create the thread running ev_loop 3752 // then create the thread running ev_run
3542 pthread_create (&u->tid, 0, l_run, EV_A); 3753 pthread_create (&u->tid, 0, l_run, EV_A);
3543 } 3754 }
3544 3755
3545The callback for the C<ev_async> watcher does nothing: the watcher is used 3756The callback for the C<ev_async> watcher does nothing: the watcher is used
3546solely to wake up the event loop so it takes notice of any new watchers 3757solely to wake up the event loop so it takes notice of any new watchers
3635Note that sending the C<ev_async> watcher is required because otherwise 3846Note that sending the C<ev_async> watcher is required because otherwise
3636an event loop currently blocking in the kernel will have no knowledge 3847an event loop currently blocking in the kernel will have no knowledge
3637about the newly added timer. By waking up the loop it will pick up any new 3848about the newly added timer. By waking up the loop it will pick up any new
3638watchers in the next event loop iteration. 3849watchers in the next event loop iteration.
3639 3850
3640=back 3851=head2 THREADS, COROUTINES, CONTINUATIONS, QUEUES... INSTEAD OF CALLBACKS
3852
3853While the overhead of a callback that e.g. schedules a thread is small, it
3854is still an overhead. If you embed libev, and your main usage is with some
3855kind of threads or coroutines, you might want to customise libev so that
3856doesn't need callbacks anymore.
3857
3858Imagine you have coroutines that you can switch to using a function
3859C<switch_to (coro)>, that libev runs in a coroutine called C<libev_coro>
3860and that due to some magic, the currently active coroutine is stored in a
3861global called C<current_coro>. Then you can build your own "wait for libev
3862event" primitive by changing C<EV_CB_DECLARE> and C<EV_CB_INVOKE> (note
3863the differing C<;> conventions):
3864
3865 #define EV_CB_DECLARE(type) struct my_coro *cb;
3866 #define EV_CB_INVOKE(watcher) switch_to ((watcher)->cb)
3867
3868That means instead of having a C callback function, you store the
3869coroutine to switch to in each watcher, and instead of having libev call
3870your callback, you instead have it switch to that coroutine.
3871
3872A coroutine might now wait for an event with a function called
3873C<wait_for_event>. (the watcher needs to be started, as always, but it doesn't
3874matter when, or whether the watcher is active or not when this function is
3875called):
3876
3877 void
3878 wait_for_event (ev_watcher *w)
3879 {
3880 ev_set_cb (w, current_coro);
3881 switch_to (libev_coro);
3882 }
3883
3884That basically suspends the coroutine inside C<wait_for_event> and
3885continues the libev coroutine, which, when appropriate, switches back to
3886this or any other coroutine.
3887
3888You can do similar tricks if you have, say, threads with an event queue -
3889instead of storing a coroutine, you store the queue object and instead of
3890switching to a coroutine, you push the watcher onto the queue and notify
3891any waiters.
3892
3893To embed libev, see L</EMBEDDING>, but in short, it's easiest to create two
3894files, F<my_ev.h> and F<my_ev.c> that include the respective libev files:
3895
3896 // my_ev.h
3897 #define EV_CB_DECLARE(type) struct my_coro *cb;
3898 #define EV_CB_INVOKE(watcher) switch_to ((watcher)->cb);
3899 #include "../libev/ev.h"
3900
3901 // my_ev.c
3902 #define EV_H "my_ev.h"
3903 #include "../libev/ev.c"
3904
3905And then use F<my_ev.h> when you would normally use F<ev.h>, and compile
3906F<my_ev.c> into your project. When properly specifying include paths, you
3907can even use F<ev.h> as header file name directly.
3641 3908
3642 3909
3643=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION 3910=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION
3644 3911
3645Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot 3912Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot
3674to use the libev header file and library. 3941to use the libev header file and library.
3675 3942
3676=back 3943=back
3677 3944
3678=head1 C++ SUPPORT 3945=head1 C++ SUPPORT
3946
3947=head2 C API
3948
3949The normal C API should work fine when used from C++: both ev.h and the
3950libev sources can be compiled as C++. Therefore, code that uses the C API
3951will work fine.
3952
3953Proper exception specifications might have to be added to callbacks passed
3954to libev: exceptions may be thrown only from watcher callbacks, all
3955other callbacks (allocator, syserr, loop acquire/release and periodic
3956reschedule callbacks) must not throw exceptions, and might need a C<throw
3957()> specification. If you have code that needs to be compiled as both C
3958and C++ you can use the C<EV_THROW> macro for this:
3959
3960 static void
3961 fatal_error (const char *msg) EV_THROW
3962 {
3963 perror (msg);
3964 abort ();
3965 }
3966
3967 ...
3968 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error);
3969
3970The only API functions that can currently throw exceptions are C<ev_run>,
3971C<ev_invoke>, C<ev_invoke_pending> and C<ev_loop_destroy> (the latter
3972because it runs cleanup watchers).
3973
3974Throwing exceptions in watcher callbacks is only supported if libev itself
3975is compiled with a C++ compiler or your C and C++ environments allow
3976throwing exceptions through C libraries (most do).
3977
3978=head2 C++ API
3679 3979
3680Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 3980Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
3681you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change 3981you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
3682the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 3982the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
3683 3983
3699with C<operator ()> can be used as callbacks. Other types should be easy 3999with C<operator ()> can be used as callbacks. Other types should be easy
3700to add as long as they only need one additional pointer for context. If 4000to add as long as they only need one additional pointer for context. If
3701you need support for other types of functors please contact the author 4001you need support for other types of functors please contact the author
3702(preferably after implementing it). 4002(preferably after implementing it).
3703 4003
4004For all this to work, your C++ compiler either has to use the same calling
4005conventions as your C compiler (for static member functions), or you have
4006to embed libev and compile libev itself as C++.
4007
3704Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 4008Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
3705 4009
3706=over 4 4010=over 4
3707 4011
3708=item C<ev::READ>, C<ev::WRITE> etc. 4012=item C<ev::READ>, C<ev::WRITE> etc.
3717=item C<ev::io>, C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic>, C<ev::idle>, C<ev::sig> etc. 4021=item C<ev::io>, C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic>, C<ev::idle>, C<ev::sig> etc.
3718 4022
3719For each C<ev_TYPE> watcher in F<ev.h> there is a corresponding class of 4023For each C<ev_TYPE> watcher in F<ev.h> there is a corresponding class of
3720the same name in the C<ev> namespace, with the exception of C<ev_signal> 4024the same name in the C<ev> namespace, with the exception of C<ev_signal>
3721which is called C<ev::sig> to avoid clashes with the C<signal> macro 4025which is called C<ev::sig> to avoid clashes with the C<signal> macro
3722defines by many implementations. 4026defined by many implementations.
3723 4027
3724All of those classes have these methods: 4028All of those classes have these methods:
3725 4029
3726=over 4 4030=over 4
3727 4031
3817Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 4121Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
3818do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 4122do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
3819 4123
3820=item w->set ([arguments]) 4124=item w->set ([arguments])
3821 4125
3822Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Either this 4126Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set> (except for C<ev::embed> watchers>),
3823method or a suitable start method must be called at least once. Unlike the 4127with the same arguments. Either this method or a suitable start method
3824C counterpart, an active watcher gets automatically stopped and restarted 4128must be called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher
3825when reconfiguring it with this method. 4129gets automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
4130method.
4131
4132For C<ev::embed> watchers this method is called C<set_embed>, to avoid
4133clashing with the C<set (loop)> method.
3826 4134
3827=item w->start () 4135=item w->start ()
3828 4136
3829Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the 4137Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
3830constructor already stores the event loop. 4138constructor already stores the event loop.
3860watchers in the constructor. 4168watchers in the constructor.
3861 4169
3862 class myclass 4170 class myclass
3863 { 4171 {
3864 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 4172 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3865 ev::io2 io2 ; void io2_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 4173 ev::io io2 ; void io2_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3866 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 4174 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
3867 4175
3868 myclass (int fd) 4176 myclass (int fd)
3869 { 4177 {
3870 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 4178 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
3921L<http://hackage.haskell.org/cgi-bin/hackage-scripts/package/hlibev>. 4229L<http://hackage.haskell.org/cgi-bin/hackage-scripts/package/hlibev>.
3922 4230
3923=item D 4231=item D
3924 4232
3925Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to 4233Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
3926be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>. 4234be found at L<http://www.llucax.com.ar/proj/ev.d/index.html>.
3927 4235
3928=item Ocaml 4236=item Ocaml
3929 4237
3930Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at 4238Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
3931L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>. 4239L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
3934 4242
3935Brian Maher has written a partial interface to libev for lua (at the 4243Brian Maher has written a partial interface to libev for lua (at the
3936time of this writing, only C<ev_io> and C<ev_timer>), to be found at 4244time of this writing, only C<ev_io> and C<ev_timer>), to be found at
3937L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>. 4245L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>.
3938 4246
4247=item Javascript
4248
4249Node.js (L<http://nodejs.org>) uses libev as the underlying event library.
4250
4251=item Others
4252
4253There are others, and I stopped counting.
4254
3939=back 4255=back
3940 4256
3941 4257
3942=head1 MACRO MAGIC 4258=head1 MACRO MAGIC
3943 4259
3979suitable for use with C<EV_A>. 4295suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
3980 4296
3981=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 4297=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
3982 4298
3983Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 4299Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
3984loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 4300loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). The default loop
4301will be initialised if it isn't already initialised.
4302
4303For non-multiplicity builds, these macros do nothing, so you always have
4304to initialise the loop somewhere.
3985 4305
3986=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_> 4306=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_>
3987 4307
3988Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the 4308Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the
3989default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour 4309default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour
4134supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in 4454supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in
4135F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 4455F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
4136 4456
4137In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the 4457In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the
4138configuration, but has to be more conservative. 4458configuration, but has to be more conservative.
4459
4460=item EV_USE_FLOOR
4461
4462If defined to be C<1>, libev will use the C<floor ()> function for its
4463periodic reschedule calculations, otherwise libev will fall back on a
4464portable (slower) implementation. If you enable this, you usually have to
4465link against libm or something equivalent. Enabling this when the C<floor>
4466function is not available will fail, so the safe default is to not enable
4467this.
4139 4468
4140=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 4469=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
4141 4470
4142If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 4471If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
4143monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no 4472monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no
4228 4557
4229If programs implement their own fd to handle mapping on win32, then this 4558If programs implement their own fd to handle mapping on win32, then this
4230macro can be used to override the C<close> function, useful to unregister 4559macro can be used to override the C<close> function, useful to unregister
4231file descriptors again. Note that the replacement function has to close 4560file descriptors again. Note that the replacement function has to close
4232the underlying OS handle. 4561the underlying OS handle.
4562
4563=item EV_USE_WSASOCKET
4564
4565If defined to be C<1>, libev will use C<WSASocket> to create its internal
4566communication socket, which works better in some environments. Otherwise,
4567the normal C<socket> function will be used, which works better in other
4568environments.
4233 4569
4234=item EV_USE_POLL 4570=item EV_USE_POLL
4235 4571
4236If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2) 4572If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
4237backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 4573backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
4273If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 4609If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
4274interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will 4610interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
4275be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers 4611be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers
4276indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled. 4612indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
4277 4613
4614=item EV_NO_SMP
4615
4616If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that memory is always coherent
4617between threads, that is, threads can be used, but threads never run on
4618different cpus (or different cpu cores). This reduces dependencies
4619and makes libev faster.
4620
4621=item EV_NO_THREADS
4622
4623If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that it will never be called from
4624different threads (that includes signal handlers), which is a stronger
4625assumption than C<EV_NO_SMP>, above. This reduces dependencies and makes
4626libev faster.
4627
4278=item EV_ATOMIC_T 4628=item EV_ATOMIC_T
4279 4629
4280Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose 4630Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
4281access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such 4631access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No
4282type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type 4632such type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own
4283that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking" 4633type that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal
4284as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers. 4634handler "locking" as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async>
4635watchers.
4285 4636
4286In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 4637In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
4287(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms. 4638(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
4288 4639
4289=item EV_H (h) 4640=item EV_H (h)
4316will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 4667will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
4317additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 4668additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
4318for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 4669for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
4319argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 4670argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
4320 4671
4672Note that C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_> will no longer provide a
4673default loop when multiplicity is switched off - you always have to
4674initialise the loop manually in this case.
4675
4321=item EV_MINPRI 4676=item EV_MINPRI
4322 4677
4323=item EV_MAXPRI 4678=item EV_MAXPRI
4324 4679
4325The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to 4680The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
4361 #define EV_USE_POLL 1 4716 #define EV_USE_POLL 1
4362 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1 4717 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
4363 #define EV_ASYNC_ENABLE 1 4718 #define EV_ASYNC_ENABLE 1
4364 4719
4365The actual value is a bitset, it can be a combination of the following 4720The actual value is a bitset, it can be a combination of the following
4366values: 4721values (by default, all of these are enabled):
4367 4722
4368=over 4 4723=over 4
4369 4724
4370=item C<1> - faster/larger code 4725=item C<1> - faster/larger code
4371 4726
4375code size by roughly 30% on amd64). 4730code size by roughly 30% on amd64).
4376 4731
4377When optimising for size, use of compiler flags such as C<-Os> with 4732When optimising for size, use of compiler flags such as C<-Os> with
4378gcc is recommended, as well as C<-DNDEBUG>, as libev contains a number of 4733gcc is recommended, as well as C<-DNDEBUG>, as libev contains a number of
4379assertions. 4734assertions.
4735
4736The default is off when C<__OPTIMIZE_SIZE__> is defined by your compiler
4737(e.g. gcc with C<-Os>).
4380 4738
4381=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures 4739=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures
4382 4740
4383Replaces the small 2-heap for timer management by a faster 4-heap, larger 4741Replaces the small 2-heap for timer management by a faster 4-heap, larger
4384hash table sizes and so on. This will usually further increase code size 4742hash table sizes and so on. This will usually further increase code size
4385and can additionally have an effect on the size of data structures at 4743and can additionally have an effect on the size of data structures at
4386runtime. 4744runtime.
4387 4745
4746The default is off when C<__OPTIMIZE_SIZE__> is defined by your compiler
4747(e.g. gcc with C<-Os>).
4748
4388=item C<4> - full API configuration 4749=item C<4> - full API configuration
4389 4750
4390This enables priorities (sets C<EV_MAXPRI>=2 and C<EV_MINPRI>=-2), and 4751This enables priorities (sets C<EV_MAXPRI>=2 and C<EV_MINPRI>=-2), and
4391enables multiplicity (C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>=1). 4752enables multiplicity (C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>=1).
4392 4753
4422 4783
4423With an intelligent-enough linker (gcc+binutils are intelligent enough 4784With an intelligent-enough linker (gcc+binutils are intelligent enough
4424when you use C<-Wl,--gc-sections -ffunction-sections>) functions unused by 4785when you use C<-Wl,--gc-sections -ffunction-sections>) functions unused by
4425your program might be left out as well - a binary starting a timer and an 4786your program might be left out as well - a binary starting a timer and an
4426I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb. 4787I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb.
4788
4789=item EV_API_STATIC
4790
4791If this symbol is defined (by default it is not), then all identifiers
4792will have static linkage. This means that libev will not export any
4793identifiers, and you cannot link against libev anymore. This can be useful
4794when you embed libev, only want to use libev functions in a single file,
4795and do not want its identifiers to be visible.
4796
4797To use this, define C<EV_API_STATIC> and include F<ev.c> in the file that
4798wants to use libev.
4799
4800This option only works when libev is compiled with a C compiler, as C++
4801doesn't support the required declaration syntax.
4427 4802
4428=item EV_AVOID_STDIO 4803=item EV_AVOID_STDIO
4429 4804
4430If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio 4805If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio
4431functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the code size 4806functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the code size
4575And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 4950And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
4576 4951
4577 #include "ev_cpp.h" 4952 #include "ev_cpp.h"
4578 #include "ev.c" 4953 #include "ev.c"
4579 4954
4580=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS OR LIBRARIES 4955=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS, LIBRARIES OR THE ENVIRONMENT
4581 4956
4582=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES 4957=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES
4583 4958
4584=head3 THREADS 4959=head3 THREADS
4585 4960
4636default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop 5011default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
4637watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal. 5012watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
4638 5013
4639=back 5014=back
4640 5015
4641See also L<Thread locking example>. 5016See also L</THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE>.
4642 5017
4643=head3 COROUTINES 5018=head3 COROUTINES
4644 5019
4645Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 5020Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
4646libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different 5021libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
4811requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 5186requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
4812model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 5187model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
4813the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 5188the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
4814descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 5189descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
4815e.g. cygwin. Actually, it only applies to the microsofts own compilers, 5190e.g. cygwin. Actually, it only applies to the microsofts own compilers,
4816as every compielr comes with a slightly differently broken/incompatible 5191as every compiler comes with a slightly differently broken/incompatible
4817environment. 5192environment.
4818 5193
4819Lifting these limitations would basically require the full 5194Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
4820re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into this kind of thing, 5195re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into this kind of thing,
4821then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable way (note 5196then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable way (note
4937thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would 5312thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would
4938be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and 5313be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and
4939C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however. 5314C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however.
4940 5315
4941The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads 5316The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads
4942except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as 5317except the initial one, and run the signal handling loop in the initial
4943well. 5318thread as well.
4944 5319
4945=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes 5320=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
4946 5321
4947To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally 5322To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally
4948instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX 5323instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX
4954 5329
4955The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to 5330The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
4956have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is 5331have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is
4957good enough for at least into the year 4000 with millisecond accuracy 5332good enough for at least into the year 4000 with millisecond accuracy
4958(the design goal for libev). This requirement is overfulfilled by 5333(the design goal for libev). This requirement is overfulfilled by
4959implementations using IEEE 754, which is basically all existing ones. With 5334implementations using IEEE 754, which is basically all existing ones.
5335
4960IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least 2200. 5336With IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least the
5337year 2255 (and millisecond accuracy till the year 287396 - by then, libev
5338is either obsolete or somebody patched it to use C<long double> or
5339something like that, just kidding).
4961 5340
4962=back 5341=back
4963 5342
4964If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 5343If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
4965 5344
5027=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers) 5406=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
5028 5407
5029=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number) 5408=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
5030 5409
5031Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send> 5410Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
5032calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events 5411calls in the current loop iteration and the loop is currently
5412blocked. Checking for async and signal events involves iterating over all
5033involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers. 5413running async watchers or all signal numbers.
5034 5414
5035=back 5415=back
5036 5416
5037 5417
5038=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X 5418=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X
5047=over 4 5427=over 4
5048 5428
5049=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism 5429=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
5050 5430
5051The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by 5431The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
5052C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L<PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L<EMBEDDING> 5432C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L</PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L</EMBEDDING>
5053section. 5433section.
5054 5434
5055=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed 5435=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed
5056 5436
5057These calls can be replaced easily by their C<ev_loop_xxx> counterparts: 5437These calls can be replaced easily by their C<ev_loop_xxx> counterparts:
5100=over 4 5480=over 4
5101 5481
5102=item active 5482=item active
5103 5483
5104A watcher is active as long as it has been started and not yet stopped. 5484A watcher is active as long as it has been started and not yet stopped.
5105See L<WATCHER STATES> for details. 5485See L</WATCHER STATES> for details.
5106 5486
5107=item application 5487=item application
5108 5488
5109In this document, an application is whatever is using libev. 5489In this document, an application is whatever is using libev.
5110 5490
5146watchers and events. 5526watchers and events.
5147 5527
5148=item pending 5528=item pending
5149 5529
5150A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been 5530A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been
5151detected. See L<WATCHER STATES> for details. 5531detected. See L</WATCHER STATES> for details.
5152 5532
5153=item real time 5533=item real time
5154 5534
5155The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :) 5535The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
5156 5536
5157=item wall-clock time 5537=item wall-clock time
5158 5538
5159The time and date as shown on clocks. Unlike real time, it can actually 5539The time and date as shown on clocks. Unlike real time, it can actually
5160be wrong and jump forwards and backwards, e.g. when the you adjust your 5540be wrong and jump forwards and backwards, e.g. when you adjust your
5161clock. 5541clock.
5162 5542
5163=item watcher 5543=item watcher
5164 5544
5165A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need 5545A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need
5168=back 5548=back
5169 5549
5170=head1 AUTHOR 5550=head1 AUTHOR
5171 5551
5172Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael 5552Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael
5173Magnusson and Emanuele Giaquinta. 5553Magnusson and Emanuele Giaquinta, and minor corrections by many others.
5174 5554

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