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Revision 1.426 by root, Sat Feb 23 23:06:40 2013 UTC vs.
Revision 1.458 by root, Fri Dec 20 20:51:46 2019 UTC

1=encoding utf-8
2
1=head1 NAME 3=head1 NAME
2 4
3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C 5libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C
4 6
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 7=head1 SYNOPSIS
103details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the 105details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the
104watcher. 106watcher.
105 107
106=head2 FEATURES 108=head2 FEATURES
107 109
108Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the 110Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific aio and C<epoll>
109BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms 111interfaces, the BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port
110for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface 112mechanisms for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify>
111(for C<ev_stat>), Linux eventfd/signalfd (for faster and cleaner 113interface (for C<ev_stat>), Linux eventfd/signalfd (for faster and cleaner
112inter-thread wakeup (C<ev_async>)/signal handling (C<ev_signal>)) relative 114inter-thread wakeup (C<ev_async>)/signal handling (C<ev_signal>)) relative
113timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers with customised rescheduling 115timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers with customised rescheduling
114(C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals (C<ev_signal>), process status 116(C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals (C<ev_signal>), process status
115change events (C<ev_child>), and event watchers dealing with the event 117change events (C<ev_child>), and event watchers dealing with the event
116loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>, C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and 118loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>, C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and
157When libev detects a usage error such as a negative timer interval, then 159When libev detects a usage error such as a negative timer interval, then
158it will print a diagnostic message and abort (via the C<assert> mechanism, 160it will print a diagnostic message and abort (via the C<assert> mechanism,
159so C<NDEBUG> will disable this checking): these are programming errors in 161so C<NDEBUG> will disable this checking): these are programming errors in
160the libev caller and need to be fixed there. 162the libev caller and need to be fixed there.
161 163
164Via the C<EV_FREQUENT> macro you can compile in and/or enable extensive
165consistency checking code inside libev that can be used to check for
166internal inconsistencies, suually caused by application bugs.
167
162Libev also has a few internal error-checking C<assert>ions, and also has 168Libev also has a few internal error-checking C<assert>ions. These do not
163extensive consistency checking code. These do not trigger under normal
164circumstances, as they indicate either a bug in libev or worse. 169trigger under normal circumstances, as they indicate either a bug in libev
170or worse.
165 171
166 172
167=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 173=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
168 174
169These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 175These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
263 269
264You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 270You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
265free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 271free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
266or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 272or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
267 273
274Example: The following is the C<realloc> function that libev itself uses
275which should work with C<realloc> and C<free> functions of all kinds and
276is probably a good basis for your own implementation.
277
278 static void *
279 ev_realloc_emul (void *ptr, long size) EV_NOEXCEPT
280 {
281 if (size)
282 return realloc (ptr, size);
283
284 free (ptr);
285 return 0;
286 }
287
268Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 288Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
269retries (example requires a standards-compliant C<realloc>). 289retries.
270 290
271 static void * 291 static void *
272 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size) 292 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
273 { 293 {
294 if (!size)
295 {
296 free (ptr);
297 return 0;
298 }
299
274 for (;;) 300 for (;;)
275 { 301 {
276 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size); 302 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size);
277 303
278 if (newptr) 304 if (newptr)
396 422
397If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid 423If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid
398or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable 424or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
399C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 425C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
400override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 426override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
401useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 427useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, to work
402around bugs. 428around bugs, or to make libev threadsafe (accessing environment variables
429cannot be done in a threadsafe way, but usually it works if no other
430thread modifies them).
403 431
404=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK> 432=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
405 433
406Instead of calling C<ev_loop_fork> manually after a fork, you can also 434Instead of calling C<ev_loop_fork> manually after a fork, you can also
407make libev check for a fork in each iteration by enabling this flag. 435make libev check for a fork in each iteration by enabling this flag.
408 436
409This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 437This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
410and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop 438and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
411iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 439iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
412GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence 440GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn
413without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has 441sequence without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux
414C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). 442system also has C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). (Update: glibc
443versions 2.25 apparently removed the C<getpid> optimisation again).
415 444
416The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and 445The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
417forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this 446forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking, although you still
418flag. 447have to ignore C<SIGPIPE>) when you use this flag.
419 448
420This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> 449This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
421environment variable. 450environment variable.
422 451
423=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY> 452=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY>
451unblocking the signals. 480unblocking the signals.
452 481
453It's also required by POSIX in a threaded program, as libev calls 482It's also required by POSIX in a threaded program, as libev calls
454C<sigprocmask>, whose behaviour is officially unspecified. 483C<sigprocmask>, whose behaviour is officially unspecified.
455 484
456This flag's behaviour will become the default in future versions of libev. 485=item C<EVFLAG_NOTIMERFD>
486
487When this flag is specified, the libev will avoid using a C<timerfd> to
488detect time jumps. It will still be able to detect time jumps, but takes
489longer and has a lower accuracy in doing so, but saves a file descriptor
490per loop.
491
492The current implementation only tries to use a C<timerfd> when the first
493C<ev_periodic> watcher is started and falls back on other methods if it
494cannot be created, but this behaviour might change in the future.
457 495
458=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 496=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
459 497
460This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 498This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
461libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 499libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
486This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and 524This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and
487C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>. 525C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>.
488 526
489=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 527=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
490 528
491Use the linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9 529Use the Linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9
492kernels). 530kernels).
493 531
494For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, but 532For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, but
495it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like 533it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like
496O(total_fds) where total_fds is the total number of fds (or the highest 534O(total_fds) where total_fds is the total number of fds (or the highest
542All this means that, in practice, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> can be as fast or 580All this means that, in practice, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> can be as fast or
543faster than epoll for maybe up to a hundred file descriptors, depending on 581faster than epoll for maybe up to a hundred file descriptors, depending on
544the usage. So sad. 582the usage. So sad.
545 583
546While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in 584While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
547all kernel versions tested so far. 585a lot of kernel revisions, but probably(!) works in current versions.
548 586
549This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as 587This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
550C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 588C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
551 589
590=item C<EVBACKEND_LINUXAIO> (value 64, Linux)
591
592Use the Linux-specific Linux AIO (I<not> C<< aio(7) >> but C<<
593io_submit(2) >>) event interface available in post-4.18 kernels (but libev
594only tries to use it in 4.19+).
595
596This is another Linux train wreck of an event interface.
597
598If this backend works for you (as of this writing, it was very
599experimental), it is the best event interface available on Linux and might
600be well worth enabling it - if it isn't available in your kernel this will
601be detected and this backend will be skipped.
602
603This backend can batch oneshot requests and supports a user-space ring
604buffer to receive events. It also doesn't suffer from most of the design
605problems of epoll (such as not being able to remove event sources from
606the epoll set), and generally sounds too good to be true. Because, this
607being the Linux kernel, of course it suffers from a whole new set of
608limitations, forcing you to fall back to epoll, inheriting all its design
609issues.
610
611For one, it is not easily embeddable (but probably could be done using
612an event fd at some extra overhead). It also is subject to a system wide
613limit that can be configured in F</proc/sys/fs/aio-max-nr>. If no AIO
614requests are left, this backend will be skipped during initialisation, and
615will switch to epoll when the loop is active.
616
617Most problematic in practice, however, is that not all file descriptors
618work with it. For example, in Linux 5.1, TCP sockets, pipes, event fds,
619files, F</dev/null> and many others are supported, but ttys do not work
620properly (a known bug that the kernel developers don't care about, see
621L<https://lore.kernel.org/patchwork/patch/1047453/>), so this is not
622(yet?) a generic event polling interface.
623
624Overall, it seems the Linux developers just don't want it to have a
625generic event handling mechanism other than C<select> or C<poll>.
626
627To work around all these problem, the current version of libev uses its
628epoll backend as a fallback for file descriptor types that do not work. Or
629falls back completely to epoll if the kernel acts up.
630
631This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
632C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
633
552=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 634=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
553 635
554Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 636Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time this backend was
555was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably 637implemented, it was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't
556with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course 638work reliably with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin,
557it's completely useless). Unlike epoll, however, whose brokenness 639where of course it's completely useless). Unlike epoll, however, whose
558is by design, these kqueue bugs can (and eventually will) be fixed 640brokenness is by design, these kqueue bugs can be (and mostly have been)
559without API changes to existing programs. For this reason it's not being 641fixed without API changes to existing programs. For this reason it's not
560"auto-detected" unless you explicitly specify it in the flags (i.e. using 642being "auto-detected" on all platforms unless you explicitly specify it
561C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough) 643in the flags (i.e. using C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a
562system like NetBSD. 644known-to-be-good (-enough) system like NetBSD.
563 645
564You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it 646You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
565only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on 647only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
566the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 648the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
567 649
568It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 650It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
569kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 651kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
570course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 652course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
571cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to 653cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
572two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad (you 654two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad (you
573might have to leak fd's on fork, but it's more sane than epoll) and it 655might have to leak fds on fork, but it's more sane than epoll) and it
574drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases. 656drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
575 657
576This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 658This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
577 659
578While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work 660While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
653Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is 735Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
654used if available. 736used if available.
655 737
656 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_loop_new (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE); 738 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_loop_new (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
657 739
740Example: Similarly, on linux, you mgiht want to take advantage of the
741linux aio backend if possible, but fall back to something else if that
742isn't available.
743
744 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_loop_new (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_LINUXAIO);
745
658=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 746=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
659 747
660Destroys an event loop object (frees all memory and kernel state 748Destroys an event loop object (frees all memory and kernel state
661etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 749etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
662sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 750sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
678If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use C<ev_loop_new> 766If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use C<ev_loop_new>
679and C<ev_loop_destroy>. 767and C<ev_loop_destroy>.
680 768
681=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 769=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
682 770
683This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations to 771This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations
684reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the 772to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite
685name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in 773the name, you can call it anytime you are allowed to start or stop
686the child process. You I<must> call it (or use C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>) in the 774watchers (except inside an C<ev_prepare> callback), but it makes most
775sense after forking, in the child process. You I<must> call it (or use
687child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>. 776C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>) in the child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>.
688 777
778In addition, if you want to reuse a loop (via this function or
779C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>), you I<also> have to ignore C<SIGPIPE>.
780
689Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after 781Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after
690a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is 782a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is
691because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things 783because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things
692during fork. 784during fork.
693 785
694On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child 786On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
1452 1544
1453Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small 1545Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small
1454integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation 1546integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation
1455between watchers in some way, all else being equal. 1547between watchers in some way, all else being equal.
1456 1548
1457In libev, Watcher priorities can be set using C<ev_set_priority>. See its 1549In libev, watcher priorities can be set using C<ev_set_priority>. See its
1458description for the more technical details such as the actual priority 1550description for the more technical details such as the actual priority
1459range. 1551range.
1460 1552
1461There are two common ways how these these priorities are being interpreted 1553There are two common ways how these these priorities are being interpreted
1462by event loops: 1554by event loops:
1601 1693
1602But really, best use non-blocking mode. 1694But really, best use non-blocking mode.
1603 1695
1604=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors 1696=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1605 1697
1606Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file 1698Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll, linuxaio) need to be told about closing
1607descriptor (either due to calling C<close> explicitly or any other means, 1699a file descriptor (either due to calling C<close> explicitly or any other
1608such as C<dup2>). The reason is that you register interest in some file 1700means, such as C<dup2>). The reason is that you register interest in some
1609descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop 1701file descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently
1610this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is 1702drop this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then
1611registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in 1703is registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is,
1612fact, a different file descriptor. 1704in fact, a different file descriptor.
1613 1705
1614To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows 1706To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows
1615the following policy: Each time C<ev_io_set> is being called, libev 1707the following policy: Each time C<ev_io_set> is being called, libev
1616will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise 1708will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise
1617it is assumed that the file descriptor stays the same. That means that 1709it is assumed that the file descriptor stays the same. That means that
1666when you rarely read from a file instead of from a socket, and want to 1758when you rarely read from a file instead of from a socket, and want to
1667reuse the same code path. 1759reuse the same code path.
1668 1760
1669=head3 The special problem of fork 1761=head3 The special problem of fork
1670 1762
1671Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit 1763Some backends (epoll, kqueue, linuxaio, iouring) do not support C<fork ()>
1672useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about 1764at all or exhibit useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs
1673it in the child if you want to continue to use it in the child. 1765to be told about it in the child if you want to continue to use it in the
1766child.
1674 1767
1675To support fork in your child processes, you have to call C<ev_loop_fork 1768To support fork in your child processes, you have to call C<ev_loop_fork
1676()> after a fork in the child, enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to 1769()> after a fork in the child, enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to
1677C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 1770C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1678 1771
2024 2117
2025The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 2118The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
2026time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 2119time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
2027of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If 2120of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If
2028you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the 2121you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the
2029timeout on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this: 2122timeout on the current time, use something like the following to adjust
2123for it:
2030 2124
2031 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 2125 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + (ev_time () - ev_now ()), 0.);
2032 2126
2033If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an 2127If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
2034update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update 2128update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
2035()>. 2129()>, although that will push the event time of all outstanding events
2130further into the future.
2036 2131
2037=head3 The special problem of unsynchronised clocks 2132=head3 The special problem of unsynchronised clocks
2038 2133
2039Modern systems have a variety of clocks - libev itself uses the normal 2134Modern systems have a variety of clocks - libev itself uses the normal
2040"wall clock" clock and, if available, the monotonic clock (to avoid time 2135"wall clock" clock and, if available, the monotonic clock (to avoid time
2103 2198
2104=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 2199=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
2105 2200
2106=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 2201=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
2107 2202
2108Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat> 2203Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds (fractional and
2109is C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped once the timeout is 2204negative values are supported). If C<repeat> is C<0.>, then it will
2110reached. If it is positive, then the timer will automatically be 2205automatically be stopped once the timeout is reached. If it is positive,
2111configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds later, again, and again, 2206then the timer will automatically be configured to trigger again C<repeat>
2112until stopped manually. 2207seconds later, again, and again, until stopped manually.
2113 2208
2114The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if 2209The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if
2115you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally 2210you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally
2116trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot 2211trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot
2117keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to 2212keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to
2199Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 2294Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
2200(and unfortunately a bit complex). 2295(and unfortunately a bit complex).
2201 2296
2202Unlike C<ev_timer>, periodic watchers are not based on real time (or 2297Unlike C<ev_timer>, periodic watchers are not based on real time (or
2203relative time, the physical time that passes) but on wall clock time 2298relative time, the physical time that passes) but on wall clock time
2204(absolute time, the thing you can read on your calender or clock). The 2299(absolute time, the thing you can read on your calendar or clock). The
2205difference is that wall clock time can run faster or slower than real 2300difference is that wall clock time can run faster or slower than real
2206time, and time jumps are not uncommon (e.g. when you adjust your 2301time, and time jumps are not uncommon (e.g. when you adjust your
2207wrist-watch). 2302wrist-watch).
2208 2303
2209You can tell a periodic watcher to trigger after some specific point 2304You can tell a periodic watcher to trigger after some specific point
2214C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger roughly 10 seconds after starting 2309C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger roughly 10 seconds after starting
2215it, as it uses a relative timeout). 2310it, as it uses a relative timeout).
2216 2311
2217C<ev_periodic> watchers can also be used to implement vastly more complex 2312C<ev_periodic> watchers can also be used to implement vastly more complex
2218timers, such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or 2313timers, such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or
2219other complicated rules. This cannot be done with C<ev_timer> watchers, as 2314other complicated rules. This cannot easily be done with C<ev_timer>
2220those cannot react to time jumps. 2315watchers, as those cannot react to time jumps.
2221 2316
2222As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the 2317As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
2223point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple 2318point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple
2224timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with 2319timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with
2225earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values 2320earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values
2311 2406
2312NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is higher than or 2407NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is higher than or
2313equal to the passed C<now> value >>. 2408equal to the passed C<now> value >>.
2314 2409
2315This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that 2410This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that
2316triggers on "next midnight, local time". To do this, you would calculate the 2411triggers on "next midnight, local time". To do this, you would calculate
2317next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How 2412the next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for
2318you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main 2413this. Here is a (completely untested, no error checking) example on how to
2319reason I omitted it as an example). 2414do this:
2415
2416 #include <time.h>
2417
2418 static ev_tstamp
2419 my_rescheduler (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
2420 {
2421 time_t tnow = (time_t)now;
2422 struct tm tm;
2423 localtime_r (&tnow, &tm);
2424
2425 tm.tm_sec = tm.tm_min = tm.tm_hour = 0; // midnight current day
2426 ++tm.tm_mday; // midnight next day
2427
2428 return mktime (&tm);
2429 }
2430
2431Note: this code might run into trouble on days that have more then two
2432midnights (beginning and end).
2320 2433
2321=back 2434=back
2322 2435
2323=item ev_periodic_again (loop, ev_periodic *) 2436=item ev_periodic_again (loop, ev_periodic *)
2324 2437
2389 2502
2390 ev_periodic hourly_tick; 2503 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
2391 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 2504 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
2392 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 2505 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
2393 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 2506 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
2394 2507
2395 2508
2396=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 2509=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
2397 2510
2398Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 2511Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
2399signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 2512signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
2409only within the same loop, i.e. you can watch for C<SIGINT> in your 2522only within the same loop, i.e. you can watch for C<SIGINT> in your
2410default loop and for C<SIGIO> in another loop, but you cannot watch for 2523default loop and for C<SIGIO> in another loop, but you cannot watch for
2411C<SIGINT> in both the default loop and another loop at the same time. At 2524C<SIGINT> in both the default loop and another loop at the same time. At
2412the moment, C<SIGCHLD> is permanently tied to the default loop. 2525the moment, C<SIGCHLD> is permanently tied to the default loop.
2413 2526
2414When the first watcher gets started will libev actually register something 2527Only after the first watcher for a signal is started will libev actually
2415with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as 2528register something with the kernel. It thus coexists with your own signal
2416you don't register any with libev for the same signal). 2529handlers as long as you don't register any with libev for the same signal.
2417 2530
2418If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with 2531If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
2419C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should 2532C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should
2420not be unduly interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting 2533not be unduly interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting
2421interrupted by signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher 2534interrupted by signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher
2903 3016
2904Prepare and check watchers are often (but not always) used in pairs: 3017Prepare and check watchers are often (but not always) used in pairs:
2905prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 3018prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
2906afterwards. 3019afterwards.
2907 3020
2908You I<must not> call C<ev_run> or similar functions that enter 3021You I<must not> call C<ev_run> (or similar functions that enter the
2909the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 3022current event loop) or C<ev_loop_fork> from either C<ev_prepare> or
2910watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The 3023C<ev_check> watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine,
2911rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in 3024however. The rationale behind this is that you do not need to check
2912those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking, 3025for recursion in those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be
2913C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be 3026C<ev_prepare>, blocking, C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each
2914called in pairs bracketing the blocking call. 3027kind they will always be called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.
2915 3028
2916Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and 3029Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and
2917their use is somewhat advanced. They could be used, for example, to track 3030their use is somewhat advanced. They could be used, for example, to track
2918variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a 3031variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a
2919coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if 3032coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if
3209used). 3322used).
3210 3323
3211 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 3324 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
3212 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 3325 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
3213 ev_embed embed; 3326 ev_embed embed;
3214 3327
3215 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 3328 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
3216 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 3329 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
3217 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 3330 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
3218 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 3331 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
3219 : 0; 3332 : 0;
3233C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 3346C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
3234 3347
3235 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 3348 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
3236 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 3349 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
3237 ev_embed embed; 3350 ev_embed embed;
3238 3351
3239 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 3352 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
3240 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 3353 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
3241 { 3354 {
3242 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 3355 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
3243 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed); 3356 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
3259and calls it in the wrong process, the fork handlers will be invoked, too, 3372and calls it in the wrong process, the fork handlers will be invoked, too,
3260of course. 3373of course.
3261 3374
3262=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible? 3375=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible?
3263 3376
3264Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to set 3377Most uses of C<fork ()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to set
3265up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This 3378up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This
3266sequence should be handled by libev without any problems. 3379sequence should be handled by libev without any problems.
3267 3380
3268This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling 3381This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling
3269in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the 3382in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the
3507 3620
3508There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now. 3621There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now.
3509 3622
3510=over 4 3623=over 4
3511 3624
3512=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback) 3625=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback, arg)
3513 3626
3514This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your 3627This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your
3515callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stops both 3628callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stops both
3516watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd 3629watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd
3517or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 3630or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
3893To embed libev, see L</EMBEDDING>, but in short, it's easiest to create two 4006To 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: 4007files, F<my_ev.h> and F<my_ev.c> that include the respective libev files:
3895 4008
3896 // my_ev.h 4009 // my_ev.h
3897 #define EV_CB_DECLARE(type) struct my_coro *cb; 4010 #define EV_CB_DECLARE(type) struct my_coro *cb;
3898 #define EV_CB_INVOKE(watcher) switch_to ((watcher)->cb); 4011 #define EV_CB_INVOKE(watcher) switch_to ((watcher)->cb)
3899 #include "../libev/ev.h" 4012 #include "../libev/ev.h"
3900 4013
3901 // my_ev.c 4014 // my_ev.c
3902 #define EV_H "my_ev.h" 4015 #define EV_H "my_ev.h"
3903 #include "../libev/ev.c" 4016 #include "../libev/ev.c"
3949The normal C API should work fine when used from C++: both ev.h and the 4062The 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 4063libev sources can be compiled as C++. Therefore, code that uses the C API
3951will work fine. 4064will work fine.
3952 4065
3953Proper exception specifications might have to be added to callbacks passed 4066Proper exception specifications might have to be added to callbacks passed
3954to libev: exceptions may be thrown only from watcher callbacks, all 4067to libev: exceptions may be thrown only from watcher callbacks, all other
3955other callbacks (allocator, syserr, loop acquire/release and periodic 4068callbacks (allocator, syserr, loop acquire/release and periodic reschedule
3956reschedule callbacks) must not throw exceptions, and might need a C<throw 4069callbacks) must not throw exceptions, and might need a C<noexcept>
3957()> specification. If you have code that needs to be compiled as both C 4070specification. If you have code that needs to be compiled as both C and
3958and C++ you can use the C<EV_THROW> macro for this: 4071C++ you can use the C<EV_NOEXCEPT> macro for this:
3959 4072
3960 static void 4073 static void
3961 fatal_error (const char *msg) EV_THROW 4074 fatal_error (const char *msg) EV_NOEXCEPT
3962 { 4075 {
3963 perror (msg); 4076 perror (msg);
3964 abort (); 4077 abort ();
3965 } 4078 }
3966 4079
3980Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 4093Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
3981you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change 4094you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
3982the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 4095the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
3983 4096
3984To use it, 4097To use it,
3985 4098
3986 #include <ev++.h> 4099 #include <ev++.h>
3987 4100
3988This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many 4101This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
3989of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are 4102of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
3990put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding 4103put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
4093 void operator() (ev::io &w, int revents) 4206 void operator() (ev::io &w, int revents)
4094 { 4207 {
4095 ... 4208 ...
4096 } 4209 }
4097 } 4210 }
4098 4211
4099 myfunctor f; 4212 myfunctor f;
4100 4213
4101 ev::io w; 4214 ev::io w;
4102 w.set (&f); 4215 w.set (&f);
4103 4216
4376 ev_vars.h 4489 ev_vars.h
4377 ev_wrap.h 4490 ev_wrap.h
4378 4491
4379 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 4492 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
4380 4493
4381 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default) 4494 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled
4382 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 4495 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled
4383 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 4496 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled
4497 ev_linuxaio.c only when the linux aio backend is enabled
4498 ev_iouring.c only when the linux io_uring backend is enabled
4384 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 4499 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled
4385 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 4500 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled
4386 4501
4387F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need 4502F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
4388to compile this single file. 4503to compile this single file.
4389 4504
4390=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 4505=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
4509available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This will improve 4624available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This will improve
4510C<ev_signal> and C<ev_async> performance and reduce resource consumption. 4625C<ev_signal> and C<ev_async> performance and reduce resource consumption.
4511If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 4626If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc
45122.7 or newer, otherwise disabled. 46272.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
4513 4628
4629=item EV_USE_SIGNALFD
4630
4631If defined to be C<1>, then libev will assume that C<signalfd ()> is
4632available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This enables
4633the use of EVFLAG_SIGNALFD for faster and simpler signal handling. If
4634undefined, it will be enabled if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc
46352.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
4636
4637=item EV_USE_TIMERFD
4638
4639If defined to be C<1>, then libev will assume that C<timerfd ()> is
4640available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This allows
4641libev to detect time jumps accurately. If undefined, it will be enabled
4642if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.8 or newer and define
4643C<TFD_TIMER_CANCEL_ON_SET>, otherwise disabled.
4644
4645=item EV_USE_EVENTFD
4646
4647If defined to be C<1>, then libev will assume that C<eventfd ()> is
4648available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This will improve
4649C<ev_signal> and C<ev_async> performance and reduce resource consumption.
4650If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc
46512.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
4652
4514=item EV_USE_SELECT 4653=item EV_USE_SELECT
4515 4654
4516If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 4655If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
4517C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at auto-detection will be done: if no 4656C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at auto-detection will be done: if no
4518other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend 4657other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
4578If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux 4717If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux
4579C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime, 4718C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
4580otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred 4719otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
4581backend for GNU/Linux systems. If undefined, it will be enabled if the 4720backend for GNU/Linux systems. If undefined, it will be enabled if the
4582headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled. 4721headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
4722
4723=item EV_USE_LINUXAIO
4724
4725If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux aio
4726backend (C<EV_USE_EPOLL> must also be enabled). If undefined, it will be
4727enabled on linux, otherwise disabled.
4728
4729=item EV_USE_IOURING
4730
4731If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux
4732io_uring backend (C<EV_USE_EPOLL> must also be enabled). Due to it's
4733current limitations it has to be requested explicitly. If undefined, it
4734will be enabled on linux, otherwise disabled.
4583 4735
4584=item EV_USE_KQUEUE 4736=item EV_USE_KQUEUE
4585 4737
4586If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style 4738If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style
4587C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime, 4739C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,
4865called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be 5017called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
4866called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the 5018called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
4867verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down 5019verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
4868libev considerably. 5020libev considerably.
4869 5021
5022Verification errors are reported via C's C<assert> mechanism, so if you
5023disable that (e.g. by defining C<NDEBUG>) then no errors will be reported.
5024
4870The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it 5025The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
4871will be C<0>. 5026will be C<0>.
4872 5027
4873=item EV_COMMON 5028=item EV_COMMON
4874 5029
5290structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also 5445structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
5291assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher 5446assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
5292callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev 5447callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
5293calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally. 5448calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
5294 5449
5450=item null pointers and integer zero are represented by 0 bytes
5451
5452Libev uses C<memset> to initialise structs and arrays to C<0> bytes, and
5453relies on this setting pointers and integers to null.
5454
5295=item pointer accesses must be thread-atomic 5455=item pointer accesses must be thread-atomic
5296 5456
5297Accessing a pointer value must be atomic, it must both be readable and 5457Accessing a pointer value must be atomic, it must both be readable and
5298writable in one piece - this is the case on all current architectures. 5458writable in one piece - this is the case on all current architectures.
5299 5459
5427=over 4 5587=over 4
5428 5588
5429=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism 5589=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
5430 5590
5431The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by 5591The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
5432C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L</PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L</EMBEDDING> 5592C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L</"PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS"> in the L</EMBEDDING>
5433section. 5593section.
5434 5594
5435=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed 5595=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed
5436 5596
5437These calls can be replaced easily by their C<ev_loop_xxx> counterparts: 5597These calls can be replaced easily by their C<ev_loop_xxx> counterparts:

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