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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
58 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 60 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
59 61
60 // now wait for events to arrive 62 // now wait for events to arrive
61 ev_run (loop, 0); 63 ev_run (loop, 0);
62 64
63 // unloop was called, so exit 65 // break was called, so exit
64 return 0; 66 return 0;
65 } 67 }
66 68
67=head1 ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT 69=head1 ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
68 70
77on event-based programming, nor will it introduce event-based programming 79on event-based programming, nor will it introduce event-based programming
78with libev. 80with libev.
79 81
80Familiarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed 82Familiarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed
81throughout this document. 83throughout this document.
84
85=head1 WHAT TO READ WHEN IN A HURRY
86
87This manual tries to be very detailed, but unfortunately, this also makes
88it very long. If you just want to know the basics of libev, I suggest
89reading L</ANATOMY OF A WATCHER>, then the L</EXAMPLE PROGRAM> above and
90look up the missing functions in L</GLOBAL FUNCTIONS> and the C<ev_io> and
91C<ev_timer> sections in L</WATCHER TYPES>.
82 92
83=head1 ABOUT LIBEV 93=head1 ABOUT LIBEV
84 94
85Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 95Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
86file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage 96file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
166=item ev_tstamp ev_time () 176=item ev_tstamp ev_time ()
167 177
168Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 178Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
169C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp 179C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
170you actually want to know. Also interesting is the combination of 180you actually want to know. Also interesting is the combination of
171C<ev_update_now> and C<ev_now>. 181C<ev_now_update> and C<ev_now>.
172 182
173=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 183=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
174 184
175Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 185Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked
176either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 186until either it is interrupted or the given time interval has
187passed (approximately - it might return a bit earlier even if not
188interrupted). Returns immediately if C<< interval <= 0 >>.
189
177this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>. 190Basically this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>.
191
192The range of the C<interval> is limited - libev only guarantees to work
193with sleep times of up to one day (C<< interval <= 86400 >>).
178 194
179=item int ev_version_major () 195=item int ev_version_major ()
180 196
181=item int ev_version_minor () 197=item int ev_version_minor ()
182 198
233the current system, you would need to look at C<ev_embeddable_backends () 249the current system, you would need to look at C<ev_embeddable_backends ()
234& ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for recommended ones. 250& ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for recommended ones.
235 251
236See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 252See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
237 253
238=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT] 254=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size) throw ())
239 255
240Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 256Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
241semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is 257semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
242used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero 258used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
243when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort 259when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
269 } 285 }
270 286
271 ... 287 ...
272 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 288 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
273 289
274=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); [NOT REENTRANT] 290=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg) throw ())
275 291
276Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such 292Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
277as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 293as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
278indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 294indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
279callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no 295callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
291 } 307 }
292 308
293 ... 309 ...
294 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error); 310 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error);
295 311
312=item ev_feed_signal (int signum)
313
314This function can be used to "simulate" a signal receive. It is completely
315safe to call this function at any time, from any context, including signal
316handlers or random threads.
317
318Its main use is to customise signal handling in your process, especially
319in the presence of threads. For example, you could block signals
320by default in all threads (and specifying C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK> when
321creating any loops), and in one thread, use C<sigwait> or any other
322mechanism to wait for signals, then "deliver" them to libev by calling
323C<ev_feed_signal>.
324
296=back 325=back
297 326
298=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING EVENT LOOPS 327=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING EVENT LOOPS
299 328
300An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> is 329An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> is
301I<not> optional in this case unless libev 3 compatibility is disabled, as 330I<not> optional in this case unless libev 3 compatibility is disabled, as
302libev 3 had an C<ev_loop> function colliding with the struct name). 331libev 3 had an C<ev_loop> function colliding with the struct name).
303 332
304The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which 333The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
305supports signals and child events, and dynamically created event loops 334supports child process events, and dynamically created event loops which
306which do not. 335do not.
307 336
308=over 4 337=over 4
309 338
310=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 339=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
311 340
347=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags) 376=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
348 377
349This will create and initialise a new event loop object. If the loop 378This will create and initialise a new event loop object. If the loop
350could not be initialised, returns false. 379could not be initialised, returns false.
351 380
352Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and one common way to use 381This function is thread-safe, and one common way to use libev with
353libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the 382threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the default
354default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread. 383loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
355 384
356The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 385The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
357backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). 386backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
358 387
359The following flags are supported: 388The following flags are supported:
369 398
370If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid 399If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid
371or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable 400or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
372C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 401C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
373override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 402override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
374useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 403useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, to work
375around bugs. 404around bugs, or to make libev threadsafe (accessing environment variables
405cannot be done in a threadsafe way, but usually it works if no other
406thread modifies them).
376 407
377=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK> 408=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
378 409
379Instead of calling C<ev_loop_fork> manually after a fork, you can also 410Instead of calling C<ev_loop_fork> manually after a fork, you can also
380make libev check for a fork in each iteration by enabling this flag. 411make libev check for a fork in each iteration by enabling this flag.
394environment variable. 425environment variable.
395 426
396=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY> 427=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY>
397 428
398When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the 429When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the
399I<inotify> API for it's C<ev_stat> watchers. Apart from debugging and 430I<inotify> API for its C<ev_stat> watchers. Apart from debugging and
400testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as 431testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as
401otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle. 432otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle.
402 433
403=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD> 434=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD>
404 435
405When this flag is specified, then libev will attempt to use the 436When this flag is specified, then libev will attempt to use the
406I<signalfd> API for it's C<ev_signal> (and C<ev_child>) watchers. This API 437I<signalfd> API for its C<ev_signal> (and C<ev_child>) watchers. This API
407delivers signals synchronously, which makes it both faster and might make 438delivers signals synchronously, which makes it both faster and might make
408it possible to get the queued signal data. It can also simplify signal 439it possible to get the queued signal data. It can also simplify signal
409handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your 440handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your
410threads that are not interested in handling them. 441threads that are not interested in handling them.
411 442
412Signalfd will not be used by default as this changes your signal mask, and 443Signalfd will not be used by default as this changes your signal mask, and
413there are a lot of shoddy libraries and programs (glib's threadpool for 444there are a lot of shoddy libraries and programs (glib's threadpool for
414example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks. 445example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks.
446
447=item C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK>
448
449When this flag is specified, then libev will avoid to modify the signal
450mask. Specifically, this means you have to make sure signals are unblocked
451when you want to receive them.
452
453This behaviour is useful when you want to do your own signal handling, or
454want to handle signals only in specific threads and want to avoid libev
455unblocking the signals.
456
457It's also required by POSIX in a threaded program, as libev calls
458C<sigprocmask>, whose behaviour is officially unspecified.
459
460This flag's behaviour will become the default in future versions of libev.
415 461
416=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 462=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
417 463
418This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 464This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
419libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 465libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
447=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 493=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
448 494
449Use the linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9 495Use the linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9
450kernels). 496kernels).
451 497
452For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 498For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, but
453but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 499it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like
454like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), 500O(total_fds) where total_fds is the total number of fds (or the highest
455epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). 501fd), epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
456 502
457The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned 503The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
458of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently 504of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
459dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file 505dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
460descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup and 506descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup,
507returning before the timeout value, resulting in additional iterations
508(and only giving 5ms accuracy while select on the same platform gives
461so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program forks then 5090.1ms) and so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program
462I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll set, which can 510forks then I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll
463take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) and is of course 511set, which can take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor)
464hard to detect. 512and is of course hard to detect.
465 513
466Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but 514Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work,
467of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally 515but of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for
468I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot 516totally I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so
469even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially 517one cannot even remove them from the set) than registered in the set
470on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by 518(especially on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious
471employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the 519notifications by employing an additional generation counter and comparing
472events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. Last 520that against the events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set
521when required. Epoll also erroneously rounds down timeouts, but gives you
522no way to know when and by how much, so sometimes you have to busy-wait
523because epoll returns immediately despite a nonzero timeout. And last
473not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work 524not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work
474perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...). 525perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...).
526
527Epoll is truly the train wreck among event poll mechanisms, a frankenpoll,
528cobbled together in a hurry, no thought to design or interaction with
529others. Oh, the pain, will it ever stop...
475 530
476While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 531While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
477will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such 532will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
478incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different 533incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different
479I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed 534I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
516 571
517It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 572It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
518kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 573kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
519course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 574course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
520cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to 575cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
521two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad (but 576two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad (you
522sane, unlike epoll) and it drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect 577might have to leak fd's on fork, but it's more sane than epoll) and it
523cases 578drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
524 579
525This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 580This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
526 581
527While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work 582While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
528everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken 583everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
545=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 600=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
546 601
547This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 602This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
548it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 603it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
549 604
550Please note that Solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
551notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
552blocking when no data (or space) is available.
553
554While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active 605While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
555file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 606file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
556descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend 607descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
557might perform better. 608might perform better.
558 609
559On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness 610On the positive side, this backend actually performed fully to
560notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification
561in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat among the 611specification in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat
562OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed hacks). 612among the OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed
613hacks).
614
615On the negative side, the interface is I<bizarre> - so bizarre that
616even sun itself gets it wrong in their code examples: The event polling
617function sometimes returns events to the caller even though an error
618occurred, but with no indication whether it has done so or not (yes, it's
619even documented that way) - deadly for edge-triggered interfaces where you
620absolutely have to know whether an event occurred or not because you have
621to re-arm the watcher.
622
623Fortunately libev seems to be able to work around these idiocies.
563 624
564This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as 625This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
565C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 626C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
566 627
567=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 628=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
568 629
569Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 630Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
570with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 631with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
571C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 632C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
572 633
573It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 634It is definitely not recommended to use this flag, use whatever
635C<ev_recommended_backends ()> returns, or simply do not specify a backend
636at all.
637
638=item C<EVBACKEND_MASK>
639
640Not a backend at all, but a mask to select all backend bits from a
641C<flags> value, in case you want to mask out any backends from a flags
642value (e.g. when modifying the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> environment variable).
574 643
575=back 644=back
576 645
577If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value, 646If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value,
578then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed 647then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed
607This function is normally used on loop objects allocated by 676This function is normally used on loop objects allocated by
608C<ev_loop_new>, but it can also be used on the default loop returned by 677C<ev_loop_new>, but it can also be used on the default loop returned by
609C<ev_default_loop>, in which case it is not thread-safe. 678C<ev_default_loop>, in which case it is not thread-safe.
610 679
611Note that it is not advisable to call this function on the default loop 680Note that it is not advisable to call this function on the default loop
612except in the rare occasion where you really need to free it's resources. 681except in the rare occasion where you really need to free its resources.
613If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use C<ev_loop_new> 682If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use C<ev_loop_new>
614and C<ev_loop_destroy>. 683and C<ev_loop_destroy>.
615 684
616=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 685=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
617 686
619reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the 688reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
620name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in 689name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in
621the child process. You I<must> call it (or use C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>) in the 690the child process. You I<must> call it (or use C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>) in the
622child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>. 691child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>.
623 692
624Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after 693Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after
625a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is 694a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is
626because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things 695because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things
627during fork. 696during fork.
628 697
629On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child 698On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
665prepare and check phases. 734prepare and check phases.
666 735
667=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop) 736=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop)
668 737
669Returns the number of times C<ev_run> was entered minus the number of 738Returns the number of times C<ev_run> was entered minus the number of
670times C<ev_run> was exited, in other words, the recursion depth. 739times C<ev_run> was exited normally, in other words, the recursion depth.
671 740
672Outside C<ev_run>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is 741Outside C<ev_run>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is
673C<1>, unless C<ev_run> was invoked recursively (or from another thread), 742C<1>, unless C<ev_run> was invoked recursively (or from another thread),
674in which case it is higher. 743in which case it is higher.
675 744
676Leaving C<ev_run> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread 745Leaving C<ev_run> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread,
677etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this as a hint to avoid such 746throwing an exception etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this
678ungentleman-like behaviour unless it's really convenient. 747as a hint to avoid such ungentleman-like behaviour unless it's really
748convenient, in which case it is fully supported.
679 749
680=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 750=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
681 751
682Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 752Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
683use. 753use.
698 768
699This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a 769This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
700very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of 770very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
701the current time is a good idea. 771the current time is a good idea.
702 772
703See also L<The special problem of time updates> in the C<ev_timer> section. 773See also L</The special problem of time updates> in the C<ev_timer> section.
704 774
705=item ev_suspend (loop) 775=item ev_suspend (loop)
706 776
707=item ev_resume (loop) 777=item ev_resume (loop)
708 778
726without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>. 796without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>.
727 797
728Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the 798Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the
729event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>). 799event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>).
730 800
731=item ev_run (loop, int flags) 801=item bool ev_run (loop, int flags)
732 802
733Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 803Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
734after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start 804after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start
735handling events. It will ask the operating system for any new events, call 805handling events. It will ask the operating system for any new events, call
736the watcher callbacks, an then repeat the whole process indefinitely: This 806the watcher callbacks, and then repeat the whole process indefinitely: This
737is why event loops are called I<loops>. 807is why event loops are called I<loops>.
738 808
739If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will keep handling events 809If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will keep handling events
740until either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_break> was 810until either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_break> was
741called. 811called.
812
813The return value is false if there are no more active watchers (which
814usually means "all jobs done" or "deadlock"), and true in all other cases
815(which usually means " you should call C<ev_run> again").
742 816
743Please note that an explicit C<ev_break> is usually better than 817Please note that an explicit C<ev_break> is usually better than
744relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 818relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
745finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program 819finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
746that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue 820that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
747of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of 821of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
748beauty. 822beauty.
749 823
824This function is I<mostly> exception-safe - you can break out of a
825C<ev_run> call by calling C<longjmp> in a callback, throwing a C++
826exception and so on. This does not decrement the C<ev_depth> value, nor
827will it clear any outstanding C<EVBREAK_ONE> breaks.
828
750A flags value of C<EVRUN_NOWAIT> will look for new events, will handle 829A flags value of C<EVRUN_NOWAIT> will look for new events, will handle
751those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not wait and 830those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not wait and
752block your process in case there are no events and will return after one 831block your process in case there are no events and will return after one
753iteration of the loop. This is sometimes useful to poll and handle new 832iteration of the loop. This is sometimes useful to poll and handle new
754events while doing lengthy calculations, to keep the program responsive. 833events while doing lengthy calculations, to keep the program responsive.
763This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction 842This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
764with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your 843with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
765own C<ev_run>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 844own C<ev_run>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
766usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 845usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
767 846
768Here are the gory details of what C<ev_run> does: 847Here are the gory details of what C<ev_run> does (this is for your
848understanding, not a guarantee that things will work exactly like this in
849future versions):
769 850
770 - Increment loop depth. 851 - Increment loop depth.
771 - Reset the ev_break status. 852 - Reset the ev_break status.
772 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 853 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
773 LOOP: 854 LOOP:
806anymore. 887anymore.
807 888
808 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 889 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
809 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 890 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
810 ev_run (my_loop, 0); 891 ev_run (my_loop, 0);
811 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah! 892 ... jobs done or somebody called break. yeah!
812 893
813=item ev_break (loop, how) 894=item ev_break (loop, how)
814 895
815Can be used to make a call to C<ev_run> return early (but only after it 896Can be used to make a call to C<ev_run> return early (but only after it
816has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 897has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
817C<EVBREAK_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_run> call return, or 898C<EVBREAK_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_run> call return, or
818C<EVBREAK_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_run> calls return. 899C<EVBREAK_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_run> calls return.
819 900
820This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_run> again. 901This "break state" will be cleared on the next call to C<ev_run>.
821 902
822It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls. ##TODO## 903It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls, too, in
904which case it will have no effect.
823 905
824=item ev_ref (loop) 906=item ev_ref (loop)
825 907
826=item ev_unref (loop) 908=item ev_unref (loop)
827 909
848running when nothing else is active. 930running when nothing else is active.
849 931
850 ev_signal exitsig; 932 ev_signal exitsig;
851 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 933 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
852 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 934 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
853 evf_unref (loop); 935 ev_unref (loop);
854 936
855Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 937Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
856 938
857 ev_ref (loop); 939 ev_ref (loop);
858 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 940 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
878overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once. 960overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
879 961
880By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more 962By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
881time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration, 963time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
882at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and 964at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
883C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will 965C<ev_timer>) will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
884introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. The 966introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. The
885sleep time ensures that libev will not poll for I/O events more often then 967sleep time ensures that libev will not poll for I/O events more often then
886once per this interval, on average. 968once per this interval, on average (as long as the host time resolution is
969good enough).
887 970
888Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev 971Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
889to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 972to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
890latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called 973latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
891later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null 974later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null
937invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.). 1020invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.).
938 1021
939If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new 1022If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new
940callback. 1023callback.
941 1024
942=item ev_set_loop_release_cb (loop, void (*release)(EV_P), void (*acquire)(EV_P)) 1025=item ev_set_loop_release_cb (loop, void (*release)(EV_P) throw (), void (*acquire)(EV_P) throw ())
943 1026
944Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This 1027Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This
945can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around 1028can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around
946each call to a libev function. 1029each call to a libev function.
947 1030
948However, C<ev_run> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible 1031However, C<ev_run> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible
949to wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the event 1032to wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the event
950loop via C<ev_break> and C<av_async_send>, another way is to set these 1033loop via C<ev_break> and C<ev_async_send>, another way is to set these
951I<release> and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop. 1034I<release> and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop.
952 1035
953When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is 1036When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is
954suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just 1037suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just
955afterwards. 1038afterwards.
970See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this 1053See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this
971document. 1054document.
972 1055
973=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data) 1056=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data)
974 1057
975=item ev_userdata (loop) 1058=item void *ev_userdata (loop)
976 1059
977Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When 1060Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When
978C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns 1061C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns
979C<0.> 1062C<0>.
980 1063
981These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop, 1064These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop,
982and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and 1065and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and
983C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for 1066C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for
984any other purpose as well. 1067any other purpose as well.
1095 1178
1096=item C<EV_PREPARE> 1179=item C<EV_PREPARE>
1097 1180
1098=item C<EV_CHECK> 1181=item C<EV_CHECK>
1099 1182
1100All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_run> starts 1183All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_run> starts to
1101to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after 1184gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are queued (not invoked)
1102C<ev_run> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any 1185just after C<ev_run> has gathered them, but before it queues any callbacks
1186for any received events. That means C<ev_prepare> watchers are the last
1187watchers invoked before the event loop sleeps or polls for new events, and
1188C<ev_check> watchers will be invoked before any other watchers of the same
1189or lower priority within an event loop iteration.
1190
1103received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 1191Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as many watchers as
1104many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account 1192they want, and all of them will be taken into account (for example, a
1105(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep 1193C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep C<ev_run> from
1106C<ev_run> from blocking). 1194blocking).
1107 1195
1108=item C<EV_EMBED> 1196=item C<EV_EMBED>
1109 1197
1110The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention. 1198The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
1111 1199
1146programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another 1234programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another
1147thing, so beware. 1235thing, so beware.
1148 1236
1149=back 1237=back
1150 1238
1239=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
1240
1241=over 4
1242
1243=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1244
1245This macro initialises the generic portion of a watcher. The contents
1246of the watcher object can be arbitrary (so C<malloc> will do). Only
1247the generic parts of the watcher are initialised, you I<need> to call
1248the type-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> macro afterwards to initialise the
1249type-specific parts. For each type there is also a C<ev_TYPE_init> macro
1250which rolls both calls into one.
1251
1252You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped
1253(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
1254
1255The callback is always of type C<void (*)(struct ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,
1256int revents)>.
1257
1258Example: Initialise an C<ev_io> watcher in two steps.
1259
1260 ev_io w;
1261 ev_init (&w, my_cb);
1262 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1263
1264=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *watcher, [args])
1265
1266This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
1267call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
1268call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this
1269macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a
1270difference to the C<ev_init> macro).
1271
1272Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
1273(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
1274
1275See C<ev_init>, above, for an example.
1276
1277=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
1278
1279This convenience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro
1280calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise
1281a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
1282
1283Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
1284
1285 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1286
1287=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1288
1289Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
1290events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
1291
1292Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
1293whole section.
1294
1295 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
1296
1297=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1298
1299Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
1300the watcher was active or not).
1301
1302It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
1303non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending - but
1304calling C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor
1305pending. If you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is
1306therefore a good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function.
1307
1308=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1309
1310Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started
1311and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify
1312it.
1313
1314=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1315
1316Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding
1317events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher
1318is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but
1319C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
1320make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
1321it).
1322
1323=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1324
1325Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
1326
1327=item ev_set_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1328
1329Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
1330(modulo threads).
1331
1332=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, int priority)
1333
1334=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1335
1336Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
1337integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
1338(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
1339before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
1340from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
1341
1342If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
1343you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
1344
1345You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
1346pending.
1347
1348Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
1349fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
1350or might not have been clamped to the valid range.
1351
1352The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
1353always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
1354
1355See L</WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS>, below, for a more thorough treatment of
1356priorities.
1357
1358=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1359
1360Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
1361C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
1362can deal with that fact, as both are simply passed through to the
1363callback.
1364
1365=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1366
1367If the watcher is pending, this function clears its pending status and
1368returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
1369watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
1370
1371Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
1372callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
1373
1374=item ev_feed_event (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1375
1376Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
1377had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
1378initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). Obviously you must
1379not free the watcher as long as it has pending events.
1380
1381Stopping the watcher, letting libev invoke it, or calling
1382C<ev_clear_pending> will clear the pending event, even if the watcher was
1383not started in the first place.
1384
1385See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
1386functions that do not need a watcher.
1387
1388=back
1389
1390See also the L</ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER> and L</BUILDING YOUR
1391OWN COMPOSITE WATCHERS> idioms.
1392
1151=head2 WATCHER STATES 1393=head2 WATCHER STATES
1152 1394
1153There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual - 1395There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual -
1154active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to 1396active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to
1155transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these 1397transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these
1156rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing". 1398rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing".
1157 1399
1158=over 4 1400=over 4
1159 1401
1160=item initialiased 1402=item initialised
1161 1403
1162Before a watcher can be registered with the event looop it has to be 1404Before a watcher can be registered with the event loop it has to be
1163initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to 1405initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to
1164C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function. 1406C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function.
1165 1407
1166In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for use 1408In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for
1167in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at will. 1409use in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at
1410will - as long as you either keep the memory contents intact, or call
1411C<ev_TYPE_init> again.
1168 1412
1169=item started/running/active 1413=item started/running/active
1170 1414
1171Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes 1415Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes
1172property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in 1416property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in
1200latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless 1444latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless
1201of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before 1445of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before
1202freeing it is often a good idea. 1446freeing it is often a good idea.
1203 1447
1204While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the 1448While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the
1205initialised state, that is it can be reused, moved, modified in any way 1449initialised state, that is, it can be reused, moved, modified in any way
1206you wish. 1450you wish (but when you trash the memory block, you need to C<ev_TYPE_init>
1451it again).
1207 1452
1208=back 1453=back
1209
1210=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
1211
1212=over 4
1213
1214=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1215
1216This macro initialises the generic portion of a watcher. The contents
1217of the watcher object can be arbitrary (so C<malloc> will do). Only
1218the generic parts of the watcher are initialised, you I<need> to call
1219the type-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> macro afterwards to initialise the
1220type-specific parts. For each type there is also a C<ev_TYPE_init> macro
1221which rolls both calls into one.
1222
1223You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped
1224(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
1225
1226The callback is always of type C<void (*)(struct ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,
1227int revents)>.
1228
1229Example: Initialise an C<ev_io> watcher in two steps.
1230
1231 ev_io w;
1232 ev_init (&w, my_cb);
1233 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1234
1235=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *watcher, [args])
1236
1237This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
1238call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
1239call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this
1240macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a
1241difference to the C<ev_init> macro).
1242
1243Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
1244(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
1245
1246See C<ev_init>, above, for an example.
1247
1248=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
1249
1250This convenience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro
1251calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise
1252a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
1253
1254Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
1255
1256 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1257
1258=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1259
1260Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
1261events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
1262
1263Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
1264whole section.
1265
1266 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
1267
1268=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1269
1270Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
1271the watcher was active or not).
1272
1273It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
1274non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending - but
1275calling C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor
1276pending. If you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is
1277therefore a good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function.
1278
1279=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1280
1281Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started
1282and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify
1283it.
1284
1285=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1286
1287Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding
1288events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher
1289is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but
1290C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
1291make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
1292it).
1293
1294=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1295
1296Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
1297
1298=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1299
1300Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
1301(modulo threads).
1302
1303=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, int priority)
1304
1305=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1306
1307Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
1308integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
1309(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
1310before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
1311from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
1312
1313If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
1314you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
1315
1316You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
1317pending.
1318
1319Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
1320fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
1321or might not have been clamped to the valid range.
1322
1323The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
1324always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
1325
1326See L<WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS>, below, for a more thorough treatment of
1327priorities.
1328
1329=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1330
1331Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
1332C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
1333can deal with that fact, as both are simply passed through to the
1334callback.
1335
1336=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1337
1338If the watcher is pending, this function clears its pending status and
1339returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
1340watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
1341
1342Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
1343callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
1344
1345=item ev_feed_event (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1346
1347Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
1348had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
1349initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). Obviously you must
1350not free the watcher as long as it has pending events.
1351
1352Stopping the watcher, letting libev invoke it, or calling
1353C<ev_clear_pending> will clear the pending event, even if the watcher was
1354not started in the first place.
1355
1356See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
1357functions that do not need a watcher.
1358
1359=back
1360
1361
1362=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
1363
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 1454
1427=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS 1455=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS
1428 1456
1429Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small 1457Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small
1430integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation 1458integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation
1557In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 1585In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
1558fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 1586fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
1559descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1587descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
1560required if you know what you are doing). 1588required if you know what you are doing).
1561 1589
1562If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a
1563known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
1564C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). The same applies to file
1565descriptors for which non-blocking operation makes no sense (such as
1566files) - libev doesn't guarantee any specific behaviour in that case.
1567
1568Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1590Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1569receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might 1591receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is, your callback might
1570be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1592be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
1571because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1593because there is no data. It is very easy to get into this situation even
1572lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into 1594with a relatively standard program structure. Thus it is best to always
1573this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1595use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning C<EAGAIN> is far
1574it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
1575C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 1596preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
1576 1597
1577If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should 1598If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should
1578not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately 1599not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately
1579re-test whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good 1600re-test whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good
1580interface such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already 1601interface such as poll (fortunately in the case of Xlib, it already does
1581does this on its own, so its quite safe to use). Some people additionally 1602this on its own, so its quite safe to use). Some people additionally
1582use C<SIGALRM> and an interval timer, just to be sure you won't block 1603use C<SIGALRM> and an interval timer, just to be sure you won't block
1583indefinitely. 1604indefinitely.
1584 1605
1585But really, best use non-blocking mode. 1606But really, best use non-blocking mode.
1586 1607
1614 1635
1615There is no workaround possible except not registering events 1636There is no workaround possible except not registering events
1616for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to 1637for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to
1617C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 1638C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1618 1639
1640=head3 The special problem of files
1641
1642Many people try to use C<select> (or libev) on file descriptors
1643representing files, and expect it to become ready when their program
1644doesn't block on disk accesses (which can take a long time on their own).
1645
1646However, this cannot ever work in the "expected" way - you get a readiness
1647notification as soon as the kernel knows whether and how much data is
1648there, and in the case of open files, that's always the case, so you
1649always get a readiness notification instantly, and your read (or possibly
1650write) will still block on the disk I/O.
1651
1652Another way to view it is that in the case of sockets, pipes, character
1653devices and so on, there is another party (the sender) that delivers data
1654on its own, but in the case of files, there is no such thing: the disk
1655will not send data on its own, simply because it doesn't know what you
1656wish to read - you would first have to request some data.
1657
1658Since files are typically not-so-well supported by advanced notification
1659mechanism, libev tries hard to emulate POSIX behaviour with respect
1660to files, even though you should not use it. The reason for this is
1661convenience: sometimes you want to watch STDIN or STDOUT, which is
1662usually a tty, often a pipe, but also sometimes files or special devices
1663(for example, C<epoll> on Linux works with F</dev/random> but not with
1664F</dev/urandom>), and even though the file might better be served with
1665asynchronous I/O instead of with non-blocking I/O, it is still useful when
1666it "just works" instead of freezing.
1667
1668So avoid file descriptors pointing to files when you know it (e.g. use
1669libeio), but use them when it is convenient, e.g. for STDIN/STDOUT, or
1670when you rarely read from a file instead of from a socket, and want to
1671reuse the same code path.
1672
1619=head3 The special problem of fork 1673=head3 The special problem of fork
1620 1674
1621Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit 1675Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit
1622useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about 1676useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about
1623it in the child. 1677it in the child if you want to continue to use it in the child.
1624 1678
1625To support fork in your programs, you either have to call 1679To support fork in your child processes, you have to call C<ev_loop_fork
1626C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child, 1680()> after a fork in the child, enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to
1627enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or 1681C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1628C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1629 1682
1630=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE 1683=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1631 1684
1632While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about C<SIGPIPE>: 1685While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about C<SIGPIPE>:
1633when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets 1686when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets
1731detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1784detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1732monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1785monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1733 1786
1734The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has 1787The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1735passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this 1788passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this
1736might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the 1789might introduce a small delay, see "the special problem of being too
1790early", below). If multiple timers become ready during the same loop
1737same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked 1791iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked before
1738before ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is 1792ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is no
1739no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively). 1793longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1740 1794
1741=head3 Be smart about timeouts 1795=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1742 1796
1743Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error 1797Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1744recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs, 1798recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1819 1873
1820In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone, 1874In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone,
1821but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only 1875but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only
1822within the callback: 1876within the callback:
1823 1877
1878 ev_tstamp timeout = 60.;
1824 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity 1879 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity
1880 ev_timer timer;
1825 1881
1826 static void 1882 static void
1827 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1883 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1828 { 1884 {
1829 ev_tstamp now = ev_now (EV_A); 1885 // calculate when the timeout would happen
1830 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.; 1886 ev_tstamp after = last_activity - ev_now (EV_A) + timeout;
1831 1887
1832 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out 1888 // if negative, it means we the timeout already occurred
1833 if (timeout < now) 1889 if (after < 0.)
1834 { 1890 {
1835 // timeout occurred, take action 1891 // timeout occurred, take action
1836 } 1892 }
1837 else 1893 else
1838 { 1894 {
1839 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm 1895 // callback was invoked, but there was some recent
1840 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is 1896 // activity. simply restart the timer to time out
1841 // guaranteed to be in the future, so "again" is positive: 1897 // after "after" seconds, which is the earliest time
1842 w->repeat = timeout - now; 1898 // the timeout can occur.
1899 ev_timer_set (w, after, 0.);
1843 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ w); 1900 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ w);
1844 } 1901 }
1845 } 1902 }
1846 1903
1847To summarise the callback: first calculate the real timeout (defined 1904To summarise the callback: first calculate in how many seconds the
1848as "60 seconds after the last activity"), then check if that time has 1905timeout will occur (by calculating the absolute time when it would occur,
1849been reached, which means something I<did>, in fact, time out. Otherwise 1906C<last_activity + timeout>, and subtracting the current time, C<ev_now
1850the callback was invoked too early (C<timeout> is in the future), so 1907(EV_A)> from that).
1851re-schedule the timer to fire at that future time, to see if maybe we have
1852a timeout then.
1853 1908
1854Note how C<ev_timer_again> is used, taking advantage of the 1909If this value is negative, then we are already past the timeout, i.e. we
1855C<ev_timer_again> optimisation when the timer is already running. 1910timed out, and need to do whatever is needed in this case.
1911
1912Otherwise, we now the earliest time at which the timeout would trigger,
1913and simply start the timer with this timeout value.
1914
1915In other words, each time the callback is invoked it will check whether
1916the timeout occurred. If not, it will simply reschedule itself to check
1917again at the earliest time it could time out. Rinse. Repeat.
1856 1918
1857This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds 1919This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds
1858minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to 1920minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to
1859libev to change the timeout. 1921libev to change the timeout.
1860 1922
1861To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity> 1923To start the machinery, simply initialise the watcher and set
1862to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the 1924C<last_activity> to the current time (meaning there was some activity just
1863callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer: 1925now), then call the callback, which will "do the right thing" and start
1926the timer:
1864 1927
1928 last_activity = ev_now (EV_A);
1865 ev_init (timer, callback); 1929 ev_init (&timer, callback);
1866 last_activity = ev_now (loop); 1930 callback (EV_A_ &timer, 0);
1867 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMER);
1868 1931
1869And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in 1932When there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1870C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all: 1933C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1871 1934
1935 if (activity detected)
1872 last_activity = ev_now (loop); 1936 last_activity = ev_now (EV_A);
1937
1938When your timeout value changes, then the timeout can be changed by simply
1939providing a new value, stopping the timer and calling the callback, which
1940will again do the right thing (for example, time out immediately :).
1941
1942 timeout = new_value;
1943 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &timer);
1944 callback (EV_A_ &timer, 0);
1873 1945
1874This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the 1946This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1875time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient. 1947time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1876
1877Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1878callback :) - just change the timeout and invoke the callback, which will
1879fix things for you.
1880 1948
1881=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts. 1949=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts.
1882 1950
1883If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all 1951If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all
1884employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can 1952employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can
1911Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is 1979Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is
1912rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays 1980rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays
1913off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually 1981off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually
1914overkill :) 1982overkill :)
1915 1983
1984=head3 The special problem of being too early
1985
1986If you ask a timer to call your callback after three seconds, then
1987you expect it to be invoked after three seconds - but of course, this
1988cannot be guaranteed to infinite precision. Less obviously, it cannot be
1989guaranteed to any precision by libev - imagine somebody suspending the
1990process with a STOP signal for a few hours for example.
1991
1992So, libev tries to invoke your callback as soon as possible I<after> the
1993delay has occurred, but cannot guarantee this.
1994
1995A less obvious failure mode is calling your callback too early: many event
1996loops compare timestamps with a "elapsed delay >= requested delay", but
1997this can cause your callback to be invoked much earlier than you would
1998expect.
1999
2000To see why, imagine a system with a clock that only offers full second
2001resolution (think windows if you can't come up with a broken enough OS
2002yourself). If you schedule a one-second timer at the time 500.9, then the
2003event loop will schedule your timeout to elapse at a system time of 500
2004(500.9 truncated to the resolution) + 1, or 501.
2005
2006If an event library looks at the timeout 0.1s later, it will see "501 >=
2007501" and invoke the callback 0.1s after it was started, even though a
2008one-second delay was requested - this is being "too early", despite best
2009intentions.
2010
2011This is the reason why libev will never invoke the callback if the elapsed
2012delay equals the requested delay, but only when the elapsed delay is
2013larger than the requested delay. In the example above, libev would only invoke
2014the callback at system time 502, or 1.1s after the timer was started.
2015
2016So, while libev cannot guarantee that your callback will be invoked
2017exactly when requested, it I<can> and I<does> guarantee that the requested
2018delay has actually elapsed, or in other words, it always errs on the "too
2019late" side of things.
2020
1916=head3 The special problem of time updates 2021=head3 The special problem of time updates
1917 2022
1918Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at 2023Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes
1919least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current 2024at least one system call): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1920time only before and after C<ev_run> collects new events, which causes a 2025time only before and after C<ev_run> collects new events, which causes a
1921growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling 2026growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1922lots of events in one iteration. 2027lots of events in one iteration.
1923 2028
1924The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 2029The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1930 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 2035 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
1931 2036
1932If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an 2037If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
1933update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update 2038update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
1934()>. 2039()>.
2040
2041=head3 The special problem of unsynchronised clocks
2042
2043Modern systems have a variety of clocks - libev itself uses the normal
2044"wall clock" clock and, if available, the monotonic clock (to avoid time
2045jumps).
2046
2047Neither of these clocks is synchronised with each other or any other clock
2048on the system, so C<ev_time ()> might return a considerably different time
2049than C<gettimeofday ()> or C<time ()>. On a GNU/Linux system, for example,
2050a call to C<gettimeofday> might return a second count that is one higher
2051than a directly following call to C<time>.
2052
2053The moral of this is to only compare libev-related timestamps with
2054C<ev_time ()> and C<ev_now ()>, at least if you want better precision than
2055a second or so.
2056
2057One more problem arises due to this lack of synchronisation: if libev uses
2058the system monotonic clock and you compare timestamps from C<ev_time>
2059or C<ev_now> from when you started your timer and when your callback is
2060invoked, you will find that sometimes the callback is a bit "early".
2061
2062This is because C<ev_timer>s work in real time, not wall clock time, so
2063libev makes sure your callback is not invoked before the delay happened,
2064I<measured according to the real time>, not the system clock.
2065
2066If your timeouts are based on a physical timescale (e.g. "time out this
2067connection after 100 seconds") then this shouldn't bother you as it is
2068exactly the right behaviour.
2069
2070If you want to compare wall clock/system timestamps to your timers, then
2071you need to use C<ev_periodic>s, as these are based on the wall clock
2072time, where your comparisons will always generate correct results.
1935 2073
1936=head3 The special problems of suspended animation 2074=head3 The special problems of suspended animation
1937 2075
1938When you leave the server world it is quite customary to hit machines that 2076When you leave the server world it is quite customary to hit machines that
1939can suspend/hibernate - what happens to the clocks during such a suspend? 2077can suspend/hibernate - what happens to the clocks during such a suspend?
1983keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to 2121keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to
1984do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 2122do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
1985 2123
1986=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *) 2124=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
1987 2125
1988This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 2126This will act as if the timer timed out, and restarts it again if it is
1989repeating. The exact semantics are: 2127repeating. It basically works like calling C<ev_timer_stop>, updating the
2128timeout to the C<repeat> value and calling C<ev_timer_start>.
1990 2129
2130The exact semantics are as in the following rules, all of which will be
2131applied to the watcher:
2132
2133=over 4
2134
1991If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 2135=item If the timer is pending, the pending status is always cleared.
1992 2136
1993If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 2137=item If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed
2138out, without invoking it).
1994 2139
1995If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 2140=item If the timer is repeating, make the C<repeat> value the new timeout
1996C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 2141and start the timer, if necessary.
1997 2142
2143=back
2144
1998This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a 2145This sounds a bit complicated, see L</Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a
1999usage example. 2146usage example.
2000 2147
2001=item ev_tstamp ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *) 2148=item ev_tstamp ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *)
2002 2149
2003Returns the remaining time until a timer fires. If the timer is active, 2150Returns the remaining time until a timer fires. If the timer is active,
2123 2270
2124Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 2271Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
2125C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 2272C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
2126time where C<time = offset (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 2273time where C<time = offset (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
2127 2274
2128For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<offset> value is near 2275The C<interval> I<MUST> be positive, and for numerical stability, the
2129C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for 2276interval value should be higher than C<1/8192> (which is around 100
2130this value, and in fact is often specified as zero. 2277microseconds) and C<offset> should be higher than C<0> and should have
2278at most a similar magnitude as the current time (say, within a factor of
2279ten). Typical values for offset are, in fact, C<0> or something between
2280C<0> and C<interval>, which is also the recommended range.
2131 2281
2132Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU 2282Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
2133speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability 2283speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
2134will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one 2284will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
2135millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough). 2285millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
2243 2393
2244 ev_periodic hourly_tick; 2394 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
2245 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 2395 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
2246 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 2396 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
2247 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 2397 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
2248 2398
2249 2399
2250=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 2400=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
2251 2401
2252Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 2402Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
2253signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 2403signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
2254will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 2404will try its best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
2255normal event processing, like any other event. 2405normal event processing, like any other event.
2256 2406
2257If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use 2407If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use
2258C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing 2408C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing
2259the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to 2409the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to
2263only within the same loop, i.e. you can watch for C<SIGINT> in your 2413only within the same loop, i.e. you can watch for C<SIGINT> in your
2264default loop and for C<SIGIO> in another loop, but you cannot watch for 2414default loop and for C<SIGIO> in another loop, but you cannot watch for
2265C<SIGINT> in both the default loop and another loop at the same time. At 2415C<SIGINT> in both the default loop and another loop at the same time. At
2266the moment, C<SIGCHLD> is permanently tied to the default loop. 2416the moment, C<SIGCHLD> is permanently tied to the default loop.
2267 2417
2268When the first watcher gets started will libev actually register something 2418Only after the first watcher for a signal is started will libev actually
2269with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as 2419register something with the kernel. It thus coexists with your own signal
2270you don't register any with libev for the same signal). 2420handlers as long as you don't register any with libev for the same signal.
2271 2421
2272If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with 2422If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
2273C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should 2423C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should
2274not be unduly interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting 2424not be unduly interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting
2275interrupted by signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher 2425interrupted by signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher
2278=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create 2428=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create
2279 2429
2280Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition 2430Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition
2281(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after 2431(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after
2282stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal, 2432stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal,
2283and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler. 2433and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler (but
2434see C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK>).
2284 2435
2285While this does not matter for the signal disposition (libev never 2436While this does not matter for the signal disposition (libev never
2286sets signals to C<SIG_IGN>, so handlers will be reset to C<SIG_DFL> on 2437sets signals to C<SIG_IGN>, so handlers will be reset to C<SIG_DFL> on
2287C<execve>), this matters for the signal mask: many programs do not expect 2438C<execve>), this matters for the signal mask: many programs do not expect
2288certain signals to be blocked. 2439certain signals to be blocked.
2301I<has> to modify the signal mask, at least temporarily. 2452I<has> to modify the signal mask, at least temporarily.
2302 2453
2303So I can't stress this enough: I<If you do not reset your signal mask when 2454So I can't stress this enough: I<If you do not reset your signal mask when
2304you expect it to be empty, you have a race condition in your code>. This 2455you expect it to be empty, you have a race condition in your code>. This
2305is not a libev-specific thing, this is true for most event libraries. 2456is not a libev-specific thing, this is true for most event libraries.
2457
2458=head3 The special problem of threads signal handling
2459
2460POSIX threads has problematic signal handling semantics, specifically,
2461a lot of functionality (sigfd, sigwait etc.) only really works if all
2462threads in a process block signals, which is hard to achieve.
2463
2464When you want to use sigwait (or mix libev signal handling with your own
2465for the same signals), you can tackle this problem by globally blocking
2466all signals before creating any threads (or creating them with a fully set
2467sigprocmask) and also specifying the C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK> when creating
2468loops. Then designate one thread as "signal receiver thread" which handles
2469these signals. You can pass on any signals that libev might be interested
2470in by calling C<ev_feed_signal>.
2306 2471
2307=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2472=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2308 2473
2309=over 4 2474=over 4
2310 2475
2445 2610
2446=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 2611=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
2447 2612
2448This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 2613This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
2449C<stat> on that path in regular intervals (or when the OS says it changed) 2614C<stat> on that path in regular intervals (or when the OS says it changed)
2450and sees if it changed compared to the last time, invoking the callback if 2615and sees if it changed compared to the last time, invoking the callback
2451it did. 2616if it did. Starting the watcher C<stat>'s the file, so only changes that
2617happen after the watcher has been started will be reported.
2452 2618
2453The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 2619The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
2454not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does not 2620not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does not
2455exist" (or more correctly "path cannot be stat'ed") is signified by the 2621exist" (or more correctly "path cannot be stat'ed") is signified by the
2456C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is otherwise always forced to be at 2622C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is otherwise always forced to be at
2686Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 2852Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
2687effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do 2853effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do
2688"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 2854"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
2689event loop has handled all outstanding events. 2855event loop has handled all outstanding events.
2690 2856
2857=head3 Abusing an C<ev_idle> watcher for its side-effect
2858
2859As long as there is at least one active idle watcher, libev will never
2860sleep unnecessarily. Or in other words, it will loop as fast as possible.
2861For this to work, the idle watcher doesn't need to be invoked at all - the
2862lowest priority will do.
2863
2864This mode of operation can be useful together with an C<ev_check> watcher,
2865to do something on each event loop iteration - for example to balance load
2866between different connections.
2867
2868See L</Abusing an ev_check watcher for its side-effect> for a longer
2869example.
2870
2691=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2871=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2692 2872
2693=over 4 2873=over 4
2694 2874
2695=item ev_idle_init (ev_idle *, callback) 2875=item ev_idle_init (ev_idle *, callback)
2706callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 2886callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
2707 2887
2708 static void 2888 static void
2709 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents) 2889 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents)
2710 { 2890 {
2891 // stop the watcher
2892 ev_idle_stop (loop, w);
2893
2894 // now we can free it
2711 free (w); 2895 free (w);
2896
2712 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 2897 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
2713 // no longer anything immediate to do. 2898 // no longer anything immediate to do.
2714 } 2899 }
2715 2900
2716 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle)); 2901 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle));
2718 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_watcher); 2903 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_watcher);
2719 2904
2720 2905
2721=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 2906=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
2722 2907
2723Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs: 2908Prepare and check watchers are often (but not always) used in pairs:
2724prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2909prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
2725afterwards. 2910afterwards.
2726 2911
2727You I<must not> call C<ev_run> or similar functions that enter 2912You I<must not> call C<ev_run> or similar functions that enter
2728the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 2913the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
2756with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 2941with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine
2757of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event 2942of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
2758loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 2943loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
2759low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 2944low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
2760 2945
2761It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) 2946When used for this purpose, it is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers
2762priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers 2947highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) priority, to ensure that they are being run before
2763after the poll (this doesn't matter for C<ev_prepare> watchers). 2948any other watchers after the poll (this doesn't matter for C<ev_prepare>
2949watchers).
2764 2950
2765Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, too) should not 2951Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, too) should not
2766activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully supports this, they 2952activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully supports this, they
2767might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers did their job. As 2953might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers did their job. As
2768C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other (non-libev) event 2954C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other (non-libev) event
2769loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their 2955loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
2770C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with 2956C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
2771others). 2957others).
2958
2959=head3 Abusing an C<ev_check> watcher for its side-effect
2960
2961C<ev_check> (and less often also C<ev_prepare>) watchers can also be
2962useful because they are called once per event loop iteration. For
2963example, if you want to handle a large number of connections fairly, you
2964normally only do a bit of work for each active connection, and if there
2965is more work to do, you wait for the next event loop iteration, so other
2966connections have a chance of making progress.
2967
2968Using an C<ev_check> watcher is almost enough: it will be called on the
2969next event loop iteration. However, that isn't as soon as possible -
2970without external events, your C<ev_check> watcher will not be invoked.
2971
2972This is where C<ev_idle> watchers come in handy - all you need is a
2973single global idle watcher that is active as long as you have one active
2974C<ev_check> watcher. The C<ev_idle> watcher makes sure the event loop
2975will not sleep, and the C<ev_check> watcher makes sure a callback gets
2976invoked. Neither watcher alone can do that.
2772 2977
2773=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2978=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2774 2979
2775=over 4 2980=over 4
2776 2981
2977 3182
2978=over 4 3183=over 4
2979 3184
2980=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 3185=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
2981 3186
2982=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 3187=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
2983 3188
2984Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 3189Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
2985embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be 3190embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
2986invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback 3191invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
2987to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done, 3192to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
3008used). 3213used).
3009 3214
3010 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 3215 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
3011 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 3216 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
3012 ev_embed embed; 3217 ev_embed embed;
3013 3218
3014 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 3219 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
3015 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 3220 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
3016 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 3221 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
3017 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 3222 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
3018 : 0; 3223 : 0;
3032C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 3237C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
3033 3238
3034 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 3239 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
3035 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 3240 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
3036 ev_embed embed; 3241 ev_embed embed;
3037 3242
3038 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 3243 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
3039 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 3244 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
3040 { 3245 {
3041 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 3246 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
3042 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed); 3247 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
3050 3255
3051=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 3256=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
3052 3257
3053Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 3258Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
3054whoever is a good citizen cared to tell libev about it by calling 3259whoever is a good citizen cared to tell libev about it by calling
3055C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork>). The invocation is done before the 3260C<ev_loop_fork>). The invocation is done before the event loop blocks next
3056event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 3261and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, and only in the child
3057and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling 3262after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling C<ev_default_fork> cheats
3058C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 3263and calls it in the wrong process, the fork handlers will be invoked, too,
3059handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 3264of course.
3060 3265
3061=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible? 3266=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible?
3062 3267
3063Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to set 3268Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to set
3064up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This 3269up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This
3145 atexit (program_exits); 3350 atexit (program_exits);
3146 3351
3147 3352
3148=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop 3353=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop
3149 3354
3150In general, you cannot use an C<ev_run> from multiple threads or other 3355In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other
3151asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event 3356asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
3152loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads). 3357loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
3153 3358
3154Sometimes, however, you need to wake up an event loop you do not control, 3359Sometimes, however, you need to wake up an event loop you do not control,
3155for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what C<ev_async> 3360for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what C<ev_async>
3157it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe. 3362it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe.
3158 3363
3159This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals, 3364This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
3160too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed 3365too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
3161(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of 3366(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
3162C<ev_async_sent> calls). 3367C<ev_async_send> calls). In fact, you could use signal watchers as a kind
3163 3368of "global async watchers" by using a watcher on an otherwise unused
3164Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not 3369signal, and C<ev_feed_signal> to signal this watcher from another thread,
3165just the default loop. 3370even without knowing which loop owns the signal.
3166 3371
3167=head3 Queueing 3372=head3 Queueing
3168 3373
3169C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason 3374C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
3170is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a 3375is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
3262trust me. 3467trust me.
3263 3468
3264=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *) 3469=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
3265 3470
3266Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds 3471Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
3267an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike 3472an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop, and instantly
3473returns.
3474
3268C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or 3475Unlike C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads,
3269similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding 3476signal or similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the
3270section below on what exactly this means). 3477embedding section below on what exactly this means).
3271 3478
3272Note that, as with other watchers in libev, multiple events might get 3479Note that, as with other watchers in libev, multiple events might get
3273compressed into a single callback invocation (another way to look at this 3480compressed into a single callback invocation (another way to look at
3274is that C<ev_async> watchers are level-triggered, set on C<ev_async_send>, 3481this is that C<ev_async> watchers are level-triggered: they are set on
3275reset when the event loop detects that). 3482C<ev_async_send>, reset when the event loop detects that).
3276 3483
3277This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per event loop 3484This call incurs the overhead of at most one extra system call per event
3278iteration, so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to 3485loop iteration, if the event loop is blocked, and no syscall at all if
3279repeated calls to C<ev_async_send> for the same event loop. 3486the event loop (or your program) is processing events. That means that
3487repeated calls are basically free (there is no need to avoid calls for
3488performance reasons) and that the overhead becomes smaller (typically
3489zero) under load.
3280 3490
3281=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *) 3491=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
3282 3492
3283Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the 3493Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
3284watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the 3494watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
3339 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 3549 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
3340 3550
3341=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents) 3551=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents)
3342 3552
3343Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 3553Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
3344the given events it. 3554the given events.
3345 3555
3346=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum) 3556=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum)
3347 3557
3348Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default 3558Feed an event as if the given signal occurred. See also C<ev_feed_signal>,
3349loop!). 3559which is async-safe.
3350 3560
3351=back 3561=back
3562
3563
3564=head1 COMMON OR USEFUL IDIOMS (OR BOTH)
3565
3566This section explains some common idioms that are not immediately
3567obvious. Note that examples are sprinkled over the whole manual, and this
3568section only contains stuff that wouldn't fit anywhere else.
3569
3570=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
3571
3572Each watcher has, by default, a C<void *data> member that you can read
3573or modify at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
3574to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
3575don't want to allocate memory separately and store a pointer to it in that
3576data member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
3577data:
3578
3579 struct my_io
3580 {
3581 ev_io io;
3582 int otherfd;
3583 void *somedata;
3584 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
3585 };
3586
3587 ...
3588 struct my_io w;
3589 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
3590
3591And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
3592can cast it back to your own type:
3593
3594 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
3595 {
3596 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
3597 ...
3598 }
3599
3600More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback
3601function type instead have been omitted.
3602
3603=head2 BUILDING YOUR OWN COMPOSITE WATCHERS
3604
3605Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
3606embedded watchers, in effect creating your own watcher that combines
3607multiple libev event sources into one "super-watcher":
3608
3609 struct my_biggy
3610 {
3611 int some_data;
3612 ev_timer t1;
3613 ev_timer t2;
3614 }
3615
3616In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
3617complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct in
3618the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies or C++ coders), or you need
3619to use some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for
3620real programmers):
3621
3622 #include <stddef.h>
3623
3624 static void
3625 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
3626 {
3627 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
3628 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
3629 }
3630
3631 static void
3632 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
3633 {
3634 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
3635 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
3636 }
3637
3638=head2 AVOIDING FINISHING BEFORE RETURNING
3639
3640Often you have structures like this in event-based programs:
3641
3642 callback ()
3643 {
3644 free (request);
3645 }
3646
3647 request = start_new_request (..., callback);
3648
3649The intent is to start some "lengthy" operation. The C<request> could be
3650used to cancel the operation, or do other things with it.
3651
3652It's not uncommon to have code paths in C<start_new_request> that
3653immediately invoke the callback, for example, to report errors. Or you add
3654some caching layer that finds that it can skip the lengthy aspects of the
3655operation and simply invoke the callback with the result.
3656
3657The problem here is that this will happen I<before> C<start_new_request>
3658has returned, so C<request> is not set.
3659
3660Even if you pass the request by some safer means to the callback, you
3661might want to do something to the request after starting it, such as
3662canceling it, which probably isn't working so well when the callback has
3663already been invoked.
3664
3665A common way around all these issues is to make sure that
3666C<start_new_request> I<always> returns before the callback is invoked. If
3667C<start_new_request> immediately knows the result, it can artificially
3668delay invoking the callback by using a C<prepare> or C<idle> watcher for
3669example, or more sneakily, by reusing an existing (stopped) watcher and
3670pushing it into the pending queue:
3671
3672 ev_set_cb (watcher, callback);
3673 ev_feed_event (EV_A_ watcher, 0);
3674
3675This way, C<start_new_request> can safely return before the callback is
3676invoked, while not delaying callback invocation too much.
3677
3678=head2 MODEL/NESTED EVENT LOOP INVOCATIONS AND EXIT CONDITIONS
3679
3680Often (especially in GUI toolkits) there are places where you have
3681I<modal> interaction, which is most easily implemented by recursively
3682invoking C<ev_run>.
3683
3684This brings the problem of exiting - a callback might want to finish the
3685main C<ev_run> call, but not the nested one (e.g. user clicked "Quit", but
3686a modal "Are you sure?" dialog is still waiting), or just the nested one
3687and not the main one (e.g. user clocked "Ok" in a modal dialog), or some
3688other combination: In these cases, a simple C<ev_break> will not work.
3689
3690The solution is to maintain "break this loop" variable for each C<ev_run>
3691invocation, and use a loop around C<ev_run> until the condition is
3692triggered, using C<EVRUN_ONCE>:
3693
3694 // main loop
3695 int exit_main_loop = 0;
3696
3697 while (!exit_main_loop)
3698 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3699
3700 // in a modal watcher
3701 int exit_nested_loop = 0;
3702
3703 while (!exit_nested_loop)
3704 ev_run (EV_A_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3705
3706To exit from any of these loops, just set the corresponding exit variable:
3707
3708 // exit modal loop
3709 exit_nested_loop = 1;
3710
3711 // exit main program, after modal loop is finished
3712 exit_main_loop = 1;
3713
3714 // exit both
3715 exit_main_loop = exit_nested_loop = 1;
3716
3717=head2 THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE
3718
3719Here is a fictitious example of how to run an event loop in a different
3720thread from where callbacks are being invoked and watchers are
3721created/added/removed.
3722
3723For a real-world example, see the C<EV::Loop::Async> perl module,
3724which uses exactly this technique (which is suited for many high-level
3725languages).
3726
3727The example uses a pthread mutex to protect the loop data, a condition
3728variable to wait for callback invocations, an async watcher to notify the
3729event loop thread and an unspecified mechanism to wake up the main thread.
3730
3731First, you need to associate some data with the event loop:
3732
3733 typedef struct {
3734 mutex_t lock; /* global loop lock */
3735 ev_async async_w;
3736 thread_t tid;
3737 cond_t invoke_cv;
3738 } userdata;
3739
3740 void prepare_loop (EV_P)
3741 {
3742 // for simplicity, we use a static userdata struct.
3743 static userdata u;
3744
3745 ev_async_init (&u->async_w, async_cb);
3746 ev_async_start (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
3747
3748 pthread_mutex_init (&u->lock, 0);
3749 pthread_cond_init (&u->invoke_cv, 0);
3750
3751 // now associate this with the loop
3752 ev_set_userdata (EV_A_ u);
3753 ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (EV_A_ l_invoke);
3754 ev_set_loop_release_cb (EV_A_ l_release, l_acquire);
3755
3756 // then create the thread running ev_run
3757 pthread_create (&u->tid, 0, l_run, EV_A);
3758 }
3759
3760The callback for the C<ev_async> watcher does nothing: the watcher is used
3761solely to wake up the event loop so it takes notice of any new watchers
3762that might have been added:
3763
3764 static void
3765 async_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
3766 {
3767 // just used for the side effects
3768 }
3769
3770The C<l_release> and C<l_acquire> callbacks simply unlock/lock the mutex
3771protecting the loop data, respectively.
3772
3773 static void
3774 l_release (EV_P)
3775 {
3776 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3777 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
3778 }
3779
3780 static void
3781 l_acquire (EV_P)
3782 {
3783 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3784 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
3785 }
3786
3787The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
3788into C<ev_run>:
3789
3790 void *
3791 l_run (void *thr_arg)
3792 {
3793 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg;
3794
3795 l_acquire (EV_A);
3796 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0);
3797 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
3798 l_release (EV_A);
3799
3800 return 0;
3801 }
3802
3803Instead of invoking all pending watchers, the C<l_invoke> callback will
3804signal the main thread via some unspecified mechanism (signals? pipe
3805writes? C<Async::Interrupt>?) and then waits until all pending watchers
3806have been called (in a while loop because a) spurious wakeups are possible
3807and b) skipping inter-thread-communication when there are no pending
3808watchers is very beneficial):
3809
3810 static void
3811 l_invoke (EV_P)
3812 {
3813 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3814
3815 while (ev_pending_count (EV_A))
3816 {
3817 wake_up_other_thread_in_some_magic_or_not_so_magic_way ();
3818 pthread_cond_wait (&u->invoke_cv, &u->lock);
3819 }
3820 }
3821
3822Now, whenever the main thread gets told to invoke pending watchers, it
3823will grab the lock, call C<ev_invoke_pending> and then signal the loop
3824thread to continue:
3825
3826 static void
3827 real_invoke_pending (EV_P)
3828 {
3829 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3830
3831 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
3832 ev_invoke_pending (EV_A);
3833 pthread_cond_signal (&u->invoke_cv);
3834 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
3835 }
3836
3837Whenever you want to start/stop a watcher or do other modifications to an
3838event loop, you will now have to lock:
3839
3840 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
3841 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3842
3843 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
3844
3845 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
3846 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ &timeout_watcher);
3847 ev_async_send (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
3848 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
3849
3850Note that sending the C<ev_async> watcher is required because otherwise
3851an event loop currently blocking in the kernel will have no knowledge
3852about the newly added timer. By waking up the loop it will pick up any new
3853watchers in the next event loop iteration.
3854
3855=head2 THREADS, COROUTINES, CONTINUATIONS, QUEUES... INSTEAD OF CALLBACKS
3856
3857While the overhead of a callback that e.g. schedules a thread is small, it
3858is still an overhead. If you embed libev, and your main usage is with some
3859kind of threads or coroutines, you might want to customise libev so that
3860doesn't need callbacks anymore.
3861
3862Imagine you have coroutines that you can switch to using a function
3863C<switch_to (coro)>, that libev runs in a coroutine called C<libev_coro>
3864and that due to some magic, the currently active coroutine is stored in a
3865global called C<current_coro>. Then you can build your own "wait for libev
3866event" primitive by changing C<EV_CB_DECLARE> and C<EV_CB_INVOKE> (note
3867the differing C<;> conventions):
3868
3869 #define EV_CB_DECLARE(type) struct my_coro *cb;
3870 #define EV_CB_INVOKE(watcher) switch_to ((watcher)->cb)
3871
3872That means instead of having a C callback function, you store the
3873coroutine to switch to in each watcher, and instead of having libev call
3874your callback, you instead have it switch to that coroutine.
3875
3876A coroutine might now wait for an event with a function called
3877C<wait_for_event>. (the watcher needs to be started, as always, but it doesn't
3878matter when, or whether the watcher is active or not when this function is
3879called):
3880
3881 void
3882 wait_for_event (ev_watcher *w)
3883 {
3884 ev_set_cb (w, current_coro);
3885 switch_to (libev_coro);
3886 }
3887
3888That basically suspends the coroutine inside C<wait_for_event> and
3889continues the libev coroutine, which, when appropriate, switches back to
3890this or any other coroutine.
3891
3892You can do similar tricks if you have, say, threads with an event queue -
3893instead of storing a coroutine, you store the queue object and instead of
3894switching to a coroutine, you push the watcher onto the queue and notify
3895any waiters.
3896
3897To embed libev, see L</EMBEDDING>, but in short, it's easiest to create two
3898files, F<my_ev.h> and F<my_ev.c> that include the respective libev files:
3899
3900 // my_ev.h
3901 #define EV_CB_DECLARE(type) struct my_coro *cb;
3902 #define EV_CB_INVOKE(watcher) switch_to ((watcher)->cb);
3903 #include "../libev/ev.h"
3904
3905 // my_ev.c
3906 #define EV_H "my_ev.h"
3907 #include "../libev/ev.c"
3908
3909And then use F<my_ev.h> when you would normally use F<ev.h>, and compile
3910F<my_ev.c> into your project. When properly specifying include paths, you
3911can even use F<ev.h> as header file name directly.
3352 3912
3353 3913
3354=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION 3914=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION
3355 3915
3356Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot 3916Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot
3357emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints: 3917emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints:
3358 3918
3359=over 4 3919=over 4
3920
3921=item * Only the libevent-1.4.1-beta API is being emulated.
3922
3923This was the newest libevent version available when libev was implemented,
3924and is still mostly unchanged in 2010.
3360 3925
3361=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual. 3926=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual.
3362 3927
3363=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback, 3928=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback,
3364ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events. 3929ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events.
3370=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 3935=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
3371will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 3936will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
3372is an ev_pri field. 3937is an ev_pri field.
3373 3938
3374=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the 3939=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
3375first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals. 3940base that registered the signal gets the signals.
3376 3941
3377=item * Other members are not supported. 3942=item * Other members are not supported.
3378 3943
3379=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 3944=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
3380to use the libev header file and library. 3945to use the libev header file and library.
3381 3946
3382=back 3947=back
3383 3948
3384=head1 C++ SUPPORT 3949=head1 C++ SUPPORT
3950
3951=head2 C API
3952
3953The normal C API should work fine when used from C++: both ev.h and the
3954libev sources can be compiled as C++. Therefore, code that uses the C API
3955will work fine.
3956
3957Proper exception specifications might have to be added to callbacks passed
3958to libev: exceptions may be thrown only from watcher callbacks, all
3959other callbacks (allocator, syserr, loop acquire/release and periodic
3960reschedule callbacks) must not throw exceptions, and might need a C<throw
3961()> specification. If you have code that needs to be compiled as both C
3962and C++ you can use the C<EV_THROW> macro for this:
3963
3964 static void
3965 fatal_error (const char *msg) EV_THROW
3966 {
3967 perror (msg);
3968 abort ();
3969 }
3970
3971 ...
3972 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error);
3973
3974The only API functions that can currently throw exceptions are C<ev_run>,
3975C<ev_invoke>, C<ev_invoke_pending> and C<ev_loop_destroy> (the latter
3976because it runs cleanup watchers).
3977
3978Throwing exceptions in watcher callbacks is only supported if libev itself
3979is compiled with a C++ compiler or your C and C++ environments allow
3980throwing exceptions through C libraries (most do).
3981
3982=head2 C++ API
3385 3983
3386Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 3984Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
3387you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change 3985you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
3388the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 3986the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
3389 3987
3390To use it, 3988To use it,
3391 3989
3392 #include <ev++.h> 3990 #include <ev++.h>
3393 3991
3394This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many 3992This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
3395of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are 3993of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
3396put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding 3994put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
3399Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++ 3997Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
3400classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer 3998classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
3401that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if 3999that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
3402you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev). 4000you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
3403 4001
3404Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be 4002Currently, functions, static and non-static member functions and classes
3405used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only 4003with C<operator ()> can be used as callbacks. Other types should be easy
3406need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other 4004to add as long as they only need one additional pointer for context. If
3407types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing 4005you need support for other types of functors please contact the author
3408it). 4006(preferably after implementing it).
4007
4008For all this to work, your C++ compiler either has to use the same calling
4009conventions as your C compiler (for static member functions), or you have
4010to embed libev and compile libev itself as C++.
3409 4011
3410Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 4012Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
3411 4013
3412=over 4 4014=over 4
3413 4015
3423=item C<ev::io>, C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic>, C<ev::idle>, C<ev::sig> etc. 4025=item C<ev::io>, C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic>, C<ev::idle>, C<ev::sig> etc.
3424 4026
3425For each C<ev_TYPE> watcher in F<ev.h> there is a corresponding class of 4027For each C<ev_TYPE> watcher in F<ev.h> there is a corresponding class of
3426the same name in the C<ev> namespace, with the exception of C<ev_signal> 4028the same name in the C<ev> namespace, with the exception of C<ev_signal>
3427which is called C<ev::sig> to avoid clashes with the C<signal> macro 4029which is called C<ev::sig> to avoid clashes with the C<signal> macro
3428defines by many implementations. 4030defined by many implementations.
3429 4031
3430All of those classes have these methods: 4032All of those classes have these methods:
3431 4033
3432=over 4 4034=over 4
3433 4035
3495 void operator() (ev::io &w, int revents) 4097 void operator() (ev::io &w, int revents)
3496 { 4098 {
3497 ... 4099 ...
3498 } 4100 }
3499 } 4101 }
3500 4102
3501 myfunctor f; 4103 myfunctor f;
3502 4104
3503 ev::io w; 4105 ev::io w;
3504 w.set (&f); 4106 w.set (&f);
3505 4107
3523Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 4125Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
3524do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 4126do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
3525 4127
3526=item w->set ([arguments]) 4128=item w->set ([arguments])
3527 4129
3528Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Either this 4130Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set> (except for C<ev::embed> watchers>),
3529method or a suitable start method must be called at least once. Unlike the 4131with the same arguments. Either this method or a suitable start method
3530C counterpart, an active watcher gets automatically stopped and restarted 4132must be called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher
3531when reconfiguring it with this method. 4133gets automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
4134method.
4135
4136For C<ev::embed> watchers this method is called C<set_embed>, to avoid
4137clashing with the C<set (loop)> method.
3532 4138
3533=item w->start () 4139=item w->start ()
3534 4140
3535Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the 4141Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
3536constructor already stores the event loop. 4142constructor already stores the event loop.
3566watchers in the constructor. 4172watchers in the constructor.
3567 4173
3568 class myclass 4174 class myclass
3569 { 4175 {
3570 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 4176 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3571 ev::io2 io2 ; void io2_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 4177 ev::io io2 ; void io2_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3572 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 4178 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
3573 4179
3574 myclass (int fd) 4180 myclass (int fd)
3575 { 4181 {
3576 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 4182 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
3627L<http://hackage.haskell.org/cgi-bin/hackage-scripts/package/hlibev>. 4233L<http://hackage.haskell.org/cgi-bin/hackage-scripts/package/hlibev>.
3628 4234
3629=item D 4235=item D
3630 4236
3631Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to 4237Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
3632be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>. 4238be found at L<http://www.llucax.com.ar/proj/ev.d/index.html>.
3633 4239
3634=item Ocaml 4240=item Ocaml
3635 4241
3636Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at 4242Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
3637L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>. 4243L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
3640 4246
3641Brian Maher has written a partial interface to libev for lua (at the 4247Brian Maher has written a partial interface to libev for lua (at the
3642time of this writing, only C<ev_io> and C<ev_timer>), to be found at 4248time of this writing, only C<ev_io> and C<ev_timer>), to be found at
3643L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>. 4249L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>.
3644 4250
4251=item Javascript
4252
4253Node.js (L<http://nodejs.org>) uses libev as the underlying event library.
4254
4255=item Others
4256
4257There are others, and I stopped counting.
4258
3645=back 4259=back
3646 4260
3647 4261
3648=head1 MACRO MAGIC 4262=head1 MACRO MAGIC
3649 4263
3685suitable for use with C<EV_A>. 4299suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
3686 4300
3687=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 4301=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
3688 4302
3689Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 4303Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
3690loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 4304loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). The default loop
4305will be initialised if it isn't already initialised.
4306
4307For non-multiplicity builds, these macros do nothing, so you always have
4308to initialise the loop somewhere.
3691 4309
3692=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_> 4310=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_>
3693 4311
3694Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the 4312Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the
3695default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour 4313default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour
3840supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in 4458supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in
3841F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 4459F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
3842 4460
3843In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the 4461In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the
3844configuration, but has to be more conservative. 4462configuration, but has to be more conservative.
4463
4464=item EV_USE_FLOOR
4465
4466If defined to be C<1>, libev will use the C<floor ()> function for its
4467periodic reschedule calculations, otherwise libev will fall back on a
4468portable (slower) implementation. If you enable this, you usually have to
4469link against libm or something equivalent. Enabling this when the C<floor>
4470function is not available will fail, so the safe default is to not enable
4471this.
3845 4472
3846=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 4473=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
3847 4474
3848If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 4475If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
3849monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no 4476monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no
3934 4561
3935If programs implement their own fd to handle mapping on win32, then this 4562If programs implement their own fd to handle mapping on win32, then this
3936macro can be used to override the C<close> function, useful to unregister 4563macro can be used to override the C<close> function, useful to unregister
3937file descriptors again. Note that the replacement function has to close 4564file descriptors again. Note that the replacement function has to close
3938the underlying OS handle. 4565the underlying OS handle.
4566
4567=item EV_USE_WSASOCKET
4568
4569If defined to be C<1>, libev will use C<WSASocket> to create its internal
4570communication socket, which works better in some environments. Otherwise,
4571the normal C<socket> function will be used, which works better in other
4572environments.
3939 4573
3940=item EV_USE_POLL 4574=item EV_USE_POLL
3941 4575
3942If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2) 4576If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
3943backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 4577backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
3979If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 4613If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
3980interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will 4614interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
3981be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers 4615be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers
3982indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled. 4616indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
3983 4617
4618=item EV_NO_SMP
4619
4620If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that memory is always coherent
4621between threads, that is, threads can be used, but threads never run on
4622different cpus (or different cpu cores). This reduces dependencies
4623and makes libev faster.
4624
4625=item EV_NO_THREADS
4626
4627If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that it will never be called from
4628different threads (that includes signal handlers), which is a stronger
4629assumption than C<EV_NO_SMP>, above. This reduces dependencies and makes
4630libev faster.
4631
3984=item EV_ATOMIC_T 4632=item EV_ATOMIC_T
3985 4633
3986Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose 4634Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
3987access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such 4635access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No
3988type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type 4636such type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own
3989that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking" 4637type that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal
3990as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers. 4638handler "locking" as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async>
4639watchers.
3991 4640
3992In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 4641In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
3993(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms. 4642(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
3994 4643
3995=item EV_H (h) 4644=item EV_H (h)
4022will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 4671will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
4023additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 4672additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
4024for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 4673for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
4025argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 4674argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
4026 4675
4676Note that C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_> will no longer provide a
4677default loop when multiplicity is switched off - you always have to
4678initialise the loop manually in this case.
4679
4027=item EV_MINPRI 4680=item EV_MINPRI
4028 4681
4029=item EV_MAXPRI 4682=item EV_MAXPRI
4030 4683
4031The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to 4684The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
4067 #define EV_USE_POLL 1 4720 #define EV_USE_POLL 1
4068 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1 4721 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
4069 #define EV_ASYNC_ENABLE 1 4722 #define EV_ASYNC_ENABLE 1
4070 4723
4071The actual value is a bitset, it can be a combination of the following 4724The actual value is a bitset, it can be a combination of the following
4072values: 4725values (by default, all of these are enabled):
4073 4726
4074=over 4 4727=over 4
4075 4728
4076=item C<1> - faster/larger code 4729=item C<1> - faster/larger code
4077 4730
4081code size by roughly 30% on amd64). 4734code size by roughly 30% on amd64).
4082 4735
4083When optimising for size, use of compiler flags such as C<-Os> with 4736When optimising for size, use of compiler flags such as C<-Os> with
4084gcc is recommended, as well as C<-DNDEBUG>, as libev contains a number of 4737gcc is recommended, as well as C<-DNDEBUG>, as libev contains a number of
4085assertions. 4738assertions.
4739
4740The default is off when C<__OPTIMIZE_SIZE__> is defined by your compiler
4741(e.g. gcc with C<-Os>).
4086 4742
4087=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures 4743=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures
4088 4744
4089Replaces the small 2-heap for timer management by a faster 4-heap, larger 4745Replaces the small 2-heap for timer management by a faster 4-heap, larger
4090hash table sizes and so on. This will usually further increase code size 4746hash table sizes and so on. This will usually further increase code size
4091and can additionally have an effect on the size of data structures at 4747and can additionally have an effect on the size of data structures at
4092runtime. 4748runtime.
4093 4749
4750The default is off when C<__OPTIMIZE_SIZE__> is defined by your compiler
4751(e.g. gcc with C<-Os>).
4752
4094=item C<4> - full API configuration 4753=item C<4> - full API configuration
4095 4754
4096This enables priorities (sets C<EV_MAXPRI>=2 and C<EV_MINPRI>=-2), and 4755This enables priorities (sets C<EV_MAXPRI>=2 and C<EV_MINPRI>=-2), and
4097enables multiplicity (C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>=1). 4756enables multiplicity (C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>=1).
4098 4757
4128 4787
4129With an intelligent-enough linker (gcc+binutils are intelligent enough 4788With an intelligent-enough linker (gcc+binutils are intelligent enough
4130when you use C<-Wl,--gc-sections -ffunction-sections>) functions unused by 4789when you use C<-Wl,--gc-sections -ffunction-sections>) functions unused by
4131your program might be left out as well - a binary starting a timer and an 4790your program might be left out as well - a binary starting a timer and an
4132I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb. 4791I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb.
4792
4793=item EV_API_STATIC
4794
4795If this symbol is defined (by default it is not), then all identifiers
4796will have static linkage. This means that libev will not export any
4797identifiers, and you cannot link against libev anymore. This can be useful
4798when you embed libev, only want to use libev functions in a single file,
4799and do not want its identifiers to be visible.
4800
4801To use this, define C<EV_API_STATIC> and include F<ev.c> in the file that
4802wants to use libev.
4803
4804This option only works when libev is compiled with a C compiler, as C++
4805doesn't support the required declaration syntax.
4133 4806
4134=item EV_AVOID_STDIO 4807=item EV_AVOID_STDIO
4135 4808
4136If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio 4809If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio
4137functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the code size 4810functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the code size
4281And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 4954And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
4282 4955
4283 #include "ev_cpp.h" 4956 #include "ev_cpp.h"
4284 #include "ev.c" 4957 #include "ev.c"
4285 4958
4286=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS OR LIBRARIES 4959=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS, LIBRARIES OR THE ENVIRONMENT
4287 4960
4288=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES 4961=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES
4289 4962
4290=head3 THREADS 4963=head3 THREADS
4291 4964
4342default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop 5015default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
4343watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal. 5016watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
4344 5017
4345=back 5018=back
4346 5019
4347=head4 THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE 5020See also L</THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE>.
4348
4349Here is a fictitious example of how to run an event loop in a different
4350thread than where callbacks are being invoked and watchers are
4351created/added/removed.
4352
4353For a real-world example, see the C<EV::Loop::Async> perl module,
4354which uses exactly this technique (which is suited for many high-level
4355languages).
4356
4357The example uses a pthread mutex to protect the loop data, a condition
4358variable to wait for callback invocations, an async watcher to notify the
4359event loop thread and an unspecified mechanism to wake up the main thread.
4360
4361First, you need to associate some data with the event loop:
4362
4363 typedef struct {
4364 mutex_t lock; /* global loop lock */
4365 ev_async async_w;
4366 thread_t tid;
4367 cond_t invoke_cv;
4368 } userdata;
4369
4370 void prepare_loop (EV_P)
4371 {
4372 // for simplicity, we use a static userdata struct.
4373 static userdata u;
4374
4375 ev_async_init (&u->async_w, async_cb);
4376 ev_async_start (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4377
4378 pthread_mutex_init (&u->lock, 0);
4379 pthread_cond_init (&u->invoke_cv, 0);
4380
4381 // now associate this with the loop
4382 ev_set_userdata (EV_A_ u);
4383 ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (EV_A_ l_invoke);
4384 ev_set_loop_release_cb (EV_A_ l_release, l_acquire);
4385
4386 // then create the thread running ev_loop
4387 pthread_create (&u->tid, 0, l_run, EV_A);
4388 }
4389
4390The callback for the C<ev_async> watcher does nothing: the watcher is used
4391solely to wake up the event loop so it takes notice of any new watchers
4392that might have been added:
4393
4394 static void
4395 async_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
4396 {
4397 // just used for the side effects
4398 }
4399
4400The C<l_release> and C<l_acquire> callbacks simply unlock/lock the mutex
4401protecting the loop data, respectively.
4402
4403 static void
4404 l_release (EV_P)
4405 {
4406 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4407 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4408 }
4409
4410 static void
4411 l_acquire (EV_P)
4412 {
4413 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4414 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4415 }
4416
4417The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
4418into C<ev_run>:
4419
4420 void *
4421 l_run (void *thr_arg)
4422 {
4423 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg;
4424
4425 l_acquire (EV_A);
4426 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0);
4427 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
4428 l_release (EV_A);
4429
4430 return 0;
4431 }
4432
4433Instead of invoking all pending watchers, the C<l_invoke> callback will
4434signal the main thread via some unspecified mechanism (signals? pipe
4435writes? C<Async::Interrupt>?) and then waits until all pending watchers
4436have been called (in a while loop because a) spurious wakeups are possible
4437and b) skipping inter-thread-communication when there are no pending
4438watchers is very beneficial):
4439
4440 static void
4441 l_invoke (EV_P)
4442 {
4443 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4444
4445 while (ev_pending_count (EV_A))
4446 {
4447 wake_up_other_thread_in_some_magic_or_not_so_magic_way ();
4448 pthread_cond_wait (&u->invoke_cv, &u->lock);
4449 }
4450 }
4451
4452Now, whenever the main thread gets told to invoke pending watchers, it
4453will grab the lock, call C<ev_invoke_pending> and then signal the loop
4454thread to continue:
4455
4456 static void
4457 real_invoke_pending (EV_P)
4458 {
4459 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4460
4461 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4462 ev_invoke_pending (EV_A);
4463 pthread_cond_signal (&u->invoke_cv);
4464 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4465 }
4466
4467Whenever you want to start/stop a watcher or do other modifications to an
4468event loop, you will now have to lock:
4469
4470 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
4471 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4472
4473 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
4474
4475 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4476 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ &timeout_watcher);
4477 ev_async_send (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4478 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4479
4480Note that sending the C<ev_async> watcher is required because otherwise
4481an event loop currently blocking in the kernel will have no knowledge
4482about the newly added timer. By waking up the loop it will pick up any new
4483watchers in the next event loop iteration.
4484 5021
4485=head3 COROUTINES 5022=head3 COROUTINES
4486 5023
4487Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 5024Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
4488libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different 5025libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
4653requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 5190requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
4654model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 5191model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
4655the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 5192the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
4656descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 5193descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
4657e.g. cygwin. Actually, it only applies to the microsofts own compilers, 5194e.g. cygwin. Actually, it only applies to the microsofts own compilers,
4658as every compielr comes with a slightly differently broken/incompatible 5195as every compiler comes with a slightly differently broken/incompatible
4659environment. 5196environment.
4660 5197
4661Lifting these limitations would basically require the full 5198Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
4662re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into this kind of thing, 5199re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into this kind of thing,
4663then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable way (note 5200then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable way (note
4757structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also 5294structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
4758assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher 5295assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
4759callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev 5296callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
4760calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally. 5297calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
4761 5298
5299=item pointer accesses must be thread-atomic
5300
5301Accessing a pointer value must be atomic, it must both be readable and
5302writable in one piece - this is the case on all current architectures.
5303
4762=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well 5304=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
4763 5305
4764The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as 5306The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
4765C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different 5307C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
4766threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is 5308threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
4774thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would 5316thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would
4775be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and 5317be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and
4776C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however. 5318C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however.
4777 5319
4778The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads 5320The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads
4779except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as 5321except the initial one, and run the signal handling loop in the initial
4780well. 5322thread as well.
4781 5323
4782=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes 5324=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
4783 5325
4784To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally 5326To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally
4785instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX 5327instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX
4791 5333
4792The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to 5334The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
4793have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is 5335have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is
4794good enough for at least into the year 4000 with millisecond accuracy 5336good enough for at least into the year 4000 with millisecond accuracy
4795(the design goal for libev). This requirement is overfulfilled by 5337(the design goal for libev). This requirement is overfulfilled by
4796implementations using IEEE 754, which is basically all existing ones. With 5338implementations using IEEE 754, which is basically all existing ones.
5339
4797IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least 2200. 5340With IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least the
5341year 2255 (and millisecond accuracy till the year 287396 - by then, libev
5342is either obsolete or somebody patched it to use C<long double> or
5343something like that, just kidding).
4798 5344
4799=back 5345=back
4800 5346
4801If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 5347If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
4802 5348
4864=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers) 5410=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
4865 5411
4866=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number) 5412=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
4867 5413
4868Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send> 5414Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
4869calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events 5415calls in the current loop iteration and the loop is currently
5416blocked. Checking for async and signal events involves iterating over all
4870involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers. 5417running async watchers or all signal numbers.
4871 5418
4872=back 5419=back
4873 5420
4874 5421
4875=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X 5422=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X
4876 5423
4877The major version 4 introduced some minor incompatible changes to the API. 5424The major version 4 introduced some incompatible changes to the API.
4878 5425
4879At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file tries to implement superficial 5426At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file provides compatibility definitions
4880compatibility, so most programs should still compile. Those might be 5427for all changes, so most programs should still compile. The compatibility
4881removed in later versions of libev, so better update early than late. 5428layer might be removed in later versions of libev, so better update to the
5429new API early than late.
4882 5430
4883=over 4 5431=over 4
5432
5433=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
5434
5435The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
5436C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L</"PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS"> in the L</EMBEDDING>
5437section.
4884 5438
4885=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed 5439=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed
4886 5440
4887These calls can be replaced easily by their C<ev_loop_xxx> counterparts: 5441These calls can be replaced easily by their C<ev_loop_xxx> counterparts:
4888 5442
4914ev_loop> anymore and C<EV_TIMER> now follows the same naming scheme 5468ev_loop> anymore and C<EV_TIMER> now follows the same naming scheme
4915as all other watcher types. Note that C<ev_loop_fork> is still called 5469as all other watcher types. Note that C<ev_loop_fork> is still called
4916C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the C<ev_fork> 5470C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the C<ev_fork>
4917typedef. 5471typedef.
4918 5472
4919=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
4920
4921The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
4922C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L<PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L<EMBEDDING>
4923section.
4924
4925=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES> 5473=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES>
4926 5474
4927The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different 5475The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different
4928mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile 5476mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile
4929and work, but the library code will of course be larger. 5477and work, but the library code will of course be larger.
4936=over 4 5484=over 4
4937 5485
4938=item active 5486=item active
4939 5487
4940A watcher is active as long as it has been started and not yet stopped. 5488A watcher is active as long as it has been started and not yet stopped.
4941See L<WATCHER STATES> for details. 5489See L</WATCHER STATES> for details.
4942 5490
4943=item application 5491=item application
4944 5492
4945In this document, an application is whatever is using libev. 5493In this document, an application is whatever is using libev.
4946 5494
4982watchers and events. 5530watchers and events.
4983 5531
4984=item pending 5532=item pending
4985 5533
4986A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been 5534A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been
4987detected. See L<WATCHER STATES> for details. 5535detected. See L</WATCHER STATES> for details.
4988 5536
4989=item real time 5537=item real time
4990 5538
4991The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :) 5539The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
4992 5540
4993=item wall-clock time 5541=item wall-clock time
4994 5542
4995The time and date as shown on clocks. Unlike real time, it can actually 5543The time and date as shown on clocks. Unlike real time, it can actually
4996be wrong and jump forwards and backwards, e.g. when the you adjust your 5544be wrong and jump forwards and backwards, e.g. when you adjust your
4997clock. 5545clock.
4998 5546
4999=item watcher 5547=item watcher
5000 5548
5001A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need 5549A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need
5003 5551
5004=back 5552=back
5005 5553
5006=head1 AUTHOR 5554=head1 AUTHOR
5007 5555
5008Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson. 5556Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael
5557Magnusson and Emanuele Giaquinta, and minor corrections by many others.
5009 5558

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