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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
82 84
83=head1 WHAT TO READ WHEN IN A HURRY 85=head1 WHAT TO READ WHEN IN A HURRY
84 86
85This manual tries to be very detailed, but unfortunately, this also makes 87This manual tries to be very detailed, but unfortunately, this also makes
86it very long. If you just want to know the basics of libev, I suggest 88it very long. If you just want to know the basics of libev, I suggest
87reading L<ANATOMY OF A WATCHER>, then the L<EXAMPLE PROGRAM> above and 89reading L</ANATOMY OF A WATCHER>, then the L</EXAMPLE PROGRAM> above and
88look up the missing functions in L<GLOBAL FUNCTIONS> and the C<ev_io> and 90look up the missing functions in L</GLOBAL FUNCTIONS> and the C<ev_io> and
89C<ev_timer> sections in L<WATCHER TYPES>. 91C<ev_timer> sections in L</WATCHER TYPES>.
90 92
91=head1 ABOUT LIBEV 93=head1 ABOUT LIBEV
92 94
93Libev 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
94file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage 96file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
174=item ev_tstamp ev_time () 176=item ev_tstamp ev_time ()
175 177
176Returns 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
177C<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
178you actually want to know. Also interesting is the combination of 180you actually want to know. Also interesting is the combination of
179C<ev_update_now> and C<ev_now>. 181C<ev_now_update> and C<ev_now>.
180 182
181=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 183=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
182 184
183Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 185Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked
184either 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
185this 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 >>).
186 194
187=item int ev_version_major () 195=item int ev_version_major ()
188 196
189=item int ev_version_minor () 197=item int ev_version_minor ()
190 198
241the 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 ()
242& ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for recommended ones. 250& ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for recommended ones.
243 251
244See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 252See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
245 253
246=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 254=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size) throw ())
247 255
248Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 256Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
249semantics 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
250used 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
251when 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
277 } 285 }
278 286
279 ... 287 ...
280 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 288 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
281 289
282=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)) 290=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg) throw ())
283 291
284Set 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
285as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 293as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
286indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 294indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
287callback 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
390 398
391If 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
392or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable 400or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
393C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 401C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
394override 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
395useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 403useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, to work
396around 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).
397 407
398=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK> 408=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
399 409
400Instead 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
401make 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.
435example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks. 445example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks.
436 446
437=item C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK> 447=item C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK>
438 448
439When this flag is specified, then libev will avoid to modify the signal 449When this flag is specified, then libev will avoid to modify the signal
440mask. Specifically, this means you ahve to make sure signals are unblocked 450mask. Specifically, this means you have to make sure signals are unblocked
441when you want to receive them. 451when you want to receive them.
442 452
443This behaviour is useful when you want to do your own signal handling, or 453This behaviour is useful when you want to do your own signal handling, or
444want to handle signals only in specific threads and want to avoid libev 454want to handle signals only in specific threads and want to avoid libev
445unblocking the signals. 455unblocking the signals.
456
457It's also required by POSIX in a threaded program, as libev calls
458C<sigprocmask>, whose behaviour is officially unspecified.
446 459
447This flag's behaviour will become the default in future versions of libev. 460This flag's behaviour will become the default in future versions of libev.
448 461
449=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 462=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
450 463
480=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 493=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
481 494
482Use 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
483kernels). 496kernels).
484 497
485For 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
486but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 499it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like
487like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), 500O(total_fds) where total_fds is the total number of fds (or the highest
488epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). 501fd), epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
489 502
490The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned 503The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
491of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently 504of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
492dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file 505dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
493descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup, 506descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup,
4960.1ms) and so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program 5090.1ms) and so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program
497forks then I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll 510forks then I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll
498set, which can take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) 511set, which can take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor)
499and is of course hard to detect. 512and is of course hard to detect.
500 513
501Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but 514Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work,
502of 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
503I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot 516totally I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so
504even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially 517one cannot even remove them from the set) than registered in the set
505on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by 518(especially on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious
506employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the 519notifications by employing an additional generation counter and comparing
507events 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
508not 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
509perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...). 525perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...).
510 526
511Epoll is truly the train wreck analog among event poll mechanisms. 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...
512 530
513While 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
514will 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
515incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different 533incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different
516I<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
553 571
554It 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
555kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 573kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
556course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 574course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
557cause 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
558two 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
559sane, 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
560cases 578drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
561 579
562This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 580This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
563 581
564While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work 582While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
565everywhere, 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
594among the OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed 612among the OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed
595hacks). 613hacks).
596 614
597On the negative side, the interface is I<bizarre> - so bizarre that 615On the negative side, the interface is I<bizarre> - so bizarre that
598even sun itself gets it wrong in their code examples: The event polling 616even sun itself gets it wrong in their code examples: The event polling
599function sometimes returning events to the caller even though an error 617function sometimes returns events to the caller even though an error
600occurred, but with no indication whether it has done so or not (yes, it's 618occurred, but with no indication whether it has done so or not (yes, it's
601even documented that way) - deadly for edge-triggered interfaces where 619even documented that way) - deadly for edge-triggered interfaces where you
602you absolutely have to know whether an event occurred or not because you 620absolutely have to know whether an event occurred or not because you have
603have to re-arm the watcher. 621to re-arm the watcher.
604 622
605Fortunately libev seems to be able to work around these idiocies. 623Fortunately libev seems to be able to work around these idiocies.
606 624
607This 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
608C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 626C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
670reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the 688reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
671name, 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
672the 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
673child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>. 691child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>.
674 692
675Again, 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
676a 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
677because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things 695because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things
678during fork. 696during fork.
679 697
680On 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
750 768
751This 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
752very 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
753the current time is a good idea. 771the current time is a good idea.
754 772
755See 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.
756 774
757=item ev_suspend (loop) 775=item ev_suspend (loop)
758 776
759=item ev_resume (loop) 777=item ev_resume (loop)
760 778
778without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>. 796without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>.
779 797
780Calling 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
781event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>). 799event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>).
782 800
783=item ev_run (loop, int flags) 801=item bool ev_run (loop, int flags)
784 802
785Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 803Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
786after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start 804after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start
787handling 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
788the watcher callbacks, an then repeat the whole process indefinitely: This 806the watcher callbacks, and then repeat the whole process indefinitely: This
789is why event loops are called I<loops>. 807is why event loops are called I<loops>.
790 808
791If 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
792until 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
793called. 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").
794 816
795Please note that an explicit C<ev_break> is usually better than 817Please note that an explicit C<ev_break> is usually better than
796relying 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
797finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program 819finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
798that 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
799of 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
800beauty. 822beauty.
801 823
802This function is also I<mostly> exception-safe - you can break out of 824This function is I<mostly> exception-safe - you can break out of a
803a C<ev_run> call by calling C<longjmp> in a callback, throwing a C++ 825C<ev_run> call by calling C<longjmp> in a callback, throwing a C++
804exception and so on. This does not decrement the C<ev_depth> value, nor 826exception and so on. This does not decrement the C<ev_depth> value, nor
805will it clear any outstanding C<EVBREAK_ONE> breaks. 827will it clear any outstanding C<EVBREAK_ONE> breaks.
806 828
807A 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
808those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not wait and 830those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not wait and
820This 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
821with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your 843with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
822own 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
823usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 845usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
824 846
825Here 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):
826 850
827 - Increment loop depth. 851 - Increment loop depth.
828 - Reset the ev_break status. 852 - Reset the ev_break status.
829 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 853 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
830 LOOP: 854 LOOP:
863anymore. 887anymore.
864 888
865 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 889 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
866 ... 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..)
867 ev_run (my_loop, 0); 891 ev_run (my_loop, 0);
868 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah! 892 ... jobs done or somebody called break. yeah!
869 893
870=item ev_break (loop, how) 894=item ev_break (loop, how)
871 895
872Can 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
873has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 897has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
936overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once. 960overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
937 961
938By 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
939time 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,
940at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and 964at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
941C<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
942introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. The 966introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. The
943sleep 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
944once per this interval, on average. 968once per this interval, on average (as long as the host time resolution is
969good enough).
945 970
946Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev 971Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
947to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 972to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
948latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called 973latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
949later). 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
995invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.). 1020invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.).
996 1021
997If 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
998callback. 1023callback.
999 1024
1000=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 ())
1001 1026
1002Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This 1027Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This
1003can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around 1028can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around
1004each call to a libev function. 1029each call to a libev function.
1005 1030
1006However, 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
1007to 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
1008loop 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
1009I<release> and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop. 1034I<release> and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop.
1010 1035
1011When 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
1012suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just 1037suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just
1013afterwards. 1038afterwards.
1153 1178
1154=item C<EV_PREPARE> 1179=item C<EV_PREPARE>
1155 1180
1156=item C<EV_CHECK> 1181=item C<EV_CHECK>
1157 1182
1158All 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
1159to 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)
1160C<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
1161received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 1191Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as many watchers as
1162many 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
1163(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
1164C<ev_run> from blocking). 1194blocking).
1165 1195
1166=item C<EV_EMBED> 1196=item C<EV_EMBED>
1167 1197
1168The 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.
1169 1199
1292 1322
1293=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1323=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1294 1324
1295Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 1325Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
1296 1326
1297=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 1327=item ev_set_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1298 1328
1299Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 1329Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
1300(modulo threads). 1330(modulo threads).
1301 1331
1302=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, int priority) 1332=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, int priority)
1320or might not have been clamped to the valid range. 1350or might not have been clamped to the valid range.
1321 1351
1322The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is 1352The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
1323always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :). 1353always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
1324 1354
1325See L<WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS>, below, for a more thorough treatment of 1355See L</WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS>, below, for a more thorough treatment of
1326priorities. 1356priorities.
1327 1357
1328=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents) 1358=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1329 1359
1330Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither 1360Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
1355See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related 1385See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
1356functions that do not need a watcher. 1386functions that do not need a watcher.
1357 1387
1358=back 1388=back
1359 1389
1360=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1390See also the L</ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER> and L</BUILDING YOUR
1361 1391OWN COMPOSITE WATCHERS> idioms.
1362Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
1363and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
1364to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
1365don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data
1366member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
1367data:
1368
1369 struct my_io
1370 {
1371 ev_io io;
1372 int otherfd;
1373 void *somedata;
1374 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
1375 };
1376
1377 ...
1378 struct my_io w;
1379 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
1380
1381And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
1382can cast it back to your own type:
1383
1384 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
1385 {
1386 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
1387 ...
1388 }
1389
1390More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
1391instead have been omitted.
1392
1393Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
1394embedded watchers:
1395
1396 struct my_biggy
1397 {
1398 int some_data;
1399 ev_timer t1;
1400 ev_timer t2;
1401 }
1402
1403In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
1404complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct
1405in the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies), or you need to use
1406some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for real
1407programmers):
1408
1409 #include <stddef.h>
1410
1411 static void
1412 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1413 {
1414 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1415 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
1416 }
1417
1418 static void
1419 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1420 {
1421 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1422 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1423 }
1424 1392
1425=head2 WATCHER STATES 1393=head2 WATCHER STATES
1426 1394
1427There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual - 1395There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual -
1428active, 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
1429transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these 1397transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these
1430rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing". 1398rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing".
1431 1399
1432=over 4 1400=over 4
1433 1401
1434=item initialiased 1402=item initialised
1435 1403
1436Before 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
1437initialised. 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
1438C<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.
1439 1407
1440In 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
1441in 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.
1442 1412
1443=item started/running/active 1413=item started/running/active
1444 1414
1445Once 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
1446property 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
1474latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless 1444latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless
1475of 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
1476freeing it is often a good idea. 1446freeing it is often a good idea.
1477 1447
1478While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the 1448While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the
1479initialised 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
1480you wish. 1450you wish (but when you trash the memory block, you need to C<ev_TYPE_init>
1451it again).
1481 1452
1482=back 1453=back
1483 1454
1484=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS 1455=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS
1485 1456
1614In 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
1615fd 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
1616descriptors 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
1617required if you know what you are doing). 1588required if you know what you are doing).
1618 1589
1619If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a
1620known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
1621C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). The same applies to file
1622descriptors for which non-blocking operation makes no sense (such as
1623files) - libev doesn't guarantee any specific behaviour in that case.
1624
1625Another 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
1626receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might 1591receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is, your callback might
1627be 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
1628because 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
1629lot 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
1630this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1595use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning C<EAGAIN> is far
1631it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
1632C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 1596preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
1633 1597
1634If 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
1635not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately 1599not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately
1636re-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
1637interface such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already 1601interface such as poll (fortunately in the case of Xlib, it already does
1638does 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
1639use 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
1640indefinitely. 1604indefinitely.
1641 1605
1642But really, best use non-blocking mode. 1606But really, best use non-blocking mode.
1643 1607
1671 1635
1672There is no workaround possible except not registering events 1636There is no workaround possible except not registering events
1673for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to 1637for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to
1674C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 1638C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1675 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
1676=head3 The special problem of fork 1673=head3 The special problem of fork
1677 1674
1678Some 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
1679useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about 1676useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about
1680it in the child. 1677it in the child if you want to continue to use it in the child.
1681 1678
1682To 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
1683C<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
1684enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or 1681C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1685C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1686 1682
1687=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE 1683=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1688 1684
1689While 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>:
1690when 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
1788detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1784detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1789monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1785monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1790 1786
1791The 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
1792passed (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
1793might 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
1794same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked 1791iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked before
1795before 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
1796no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively). 1793longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1797 1794
1798=head3 Be smart about timeouts 1795=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1799 1796
1800Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error 1797Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1801recovery. 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,
1876 1873
1877In 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,
1878but 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
1879within the callback: 1876within the callback:
1880 1877
1878 ev_tstamp timeout = 60.;
1881 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity 1879 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity
1880 ev_timer timer;
1882 1881
1883 static void 1882 static void
1884 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1883 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1885 { 1884 {
1886 ev_tstamp now = ev_now (EV_A); 1885 // calculate when the timeout would happen
1887 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.; 1886 ev_tstamp after = last_activity - ev_now (EV_A) + timeout;
1888 1887
1889 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out 1888 // if negative, it means we the timeout already occurred
1890 if (timeout < now) 1889 if (after < 0.)
1891 { 1890 {
1892 // timeout occurred, take action 1891 // timeout occurred, take action
1893 } 1892 }
1894 else 1893 else
1895 { 1894 {
1896 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm 1895 // callback was invoked, but there was some recent
1897 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is 1896 // activity. simply restart the timer to time out
1898 // guaranteed to be in the future, so "again" is positive: 1897 // after "after" seconds, which is the earliest time
1899 w->repeat = timeout - now; 1898 // the timeout can occur.
1899 ev_timer_set (w, after, 0.);
1900 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ w); 1900 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ w);
1901 } 1901 }
1902 } 1902 }
1903 1903
1904To summarise the callback: first calculate the real timeout (defined 1904To summarise the callback: first calculate in how many seconds the
1905as "60 seconds after the last activity"), then check if that time has 1905timeout will occur (by calculating the absolute time when it would occur,
1906been reached, which means something I<did>, in fact, time out. Otherwise 1906C<last_activity + timeout>, and subtracting the current time, C<ev_now
1907the callback was invoked too early (C<timeout> is in the future), so 1907(EV_A)> from that).
1908re-schedule the timer to fire at that future time, to see if maybe we have
1909a timeout then.
1910 1908
1911Note 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
1912C<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.
1913 1918
1914This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds 1919This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds
1915minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to 1920minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to
1916libev to change the timeout. 1921libev to change the timeout.
1917 1922
1918To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity> 1923To start the machinery, simply initialise the watcher and set
1919to 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
1920callback, 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:
1921 1927
1928 last_activity = ev_now (EV_A);
1922 ev_init (timer, callback); 1929 ev_init (&timer, callback);
1923 last_activity = ev_now (loop); 1930 callback (EV_A_ &timer, 0);
1924 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMER);
1925 1931
1926And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in 1932When there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1927C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all: 1933C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1928 1934
1935 if (activity detected)
1929 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);
1930 1945
1931This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the 1946This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1932time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient. 1947time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1933
1934Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1935callback :) - just change the timeout and invoke the callback, which will
1936fix things for you.
1937 1948
1938=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.
1939 1950
1940If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all 1951If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all
1941employing 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
1968Method #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
1969rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays 1980rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays
1970off 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
1971overkill :) 1982overkill :)
1972 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
1973=head3 The special problem of time updates 2021=head3 The special problem of time updates
1974 2022
1975Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at 2023Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes
1976least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current 2024at least one system call): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1977time 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
1978growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling 2026growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1979lots of events in one iteration. 2027lots of events in one iteration.
1980 2028
1981The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 2029The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1987 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 2035 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
1988 2036
1989If 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
1990update 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
1991()>. 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.
1992 2073
1993=head3 The special problems of suspended animation 2074=head3 The special problems of suspended animation
1994 2075
1995When 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
1996can suspend/hibernate - what happens to the clocks during such a suspend? 2077can suspend/hibernate - what happens to the clocks during such a suspend?
2040keep 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
2041do 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.
2042 2123
2043=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *) 2124=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
2044 2125
2045This 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
2046repeating. 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>.
2047 2129
2130The exact semantics are as in the following rules, all of which will be
2131applied to the watcher:
2132
2133=over 4
2134
2048If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 2135=item If the timer is pending, the pending status is always cleared.
2049 2136
2050If 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).
2051 2139
2052If 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
2053C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 2141and start the timer, if necessary.
2054 2142
2143=back
2144
2055This 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
2056usage example. 2146usage example.
2057 2147
2058=item ev_tstamp ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *) 2148=item ev_tstamp ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *)
2059 2149
2060Returns 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,
2180 2270
2181Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 2271Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
2182C<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
2183time where C<time = offset (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 2273time where C<time = offset (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
2184 2274
2185For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<offset> value is near 2275The C<interval> I<MUST> be positive, and for numerical stability, the
2186C<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
2187this 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.
2188 2281
2189Note 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
2190speed 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
2191will 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
2192millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough). 2285millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
2300 2393
2301 ev_periodic hourly_tick; 2394 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
2302 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 2395 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
2303 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 2396 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
2304 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 2397 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
2305 2398
2306 2399
2307=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 2400=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
2308 2401
2309Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 2402Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
2310signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 2403signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
2320only 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
2321default 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
2322C<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
2323the moment, C<SIGCHLD> is permanently tied to the default loop. 2416the moment, C<SIGCHLD> is permanently tied to the default loop.
2324 2417
2325When the first watcher gets started will libev actually register something 2418Only after the first watcher for a signal is started will libev actually
2326with 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
2327you 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.
2328 2421
2329If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with 2422If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
2330C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should 2423C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should
2331not 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
2332interrupted 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
2335=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create 2428=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create
2336 2429
2337Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition 2430Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition
2338(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after 2431(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after
2339stopping 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,
2340and 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>).
2341 2435
2342While this does not matter for the signal disposition (libev never 2436While this does not matter for the signal disposition (libev never
2343sets 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
2344C<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
2345certain signals to be blocked. 2439certain signals to be blocked.
2516 2610
2517=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 2611=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
2518 2612
2519This 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
2520C<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)
2521and 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
2522it 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.
2523 2618
2524The 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
2525not 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
2526exist" (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
2527C<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
2757Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 2852Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
2758effect 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
2759"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 2854"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
2760event loop has handled all outstanding events. 2855event loop has handled all outstanding events.
2761 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
2762=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2871=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2763 2872
2764=over 4 2873=over 4
2765 2874
2766=item ev_idle_init (ev_idle *, callback) 2875=item ev_idle_init (ev_idle *, callback)
2777callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 2886callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
2778 2887
2779 static void 2888 static void
2780 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents) 2889 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents)
2781 { 2890 {
2891 // stop the watcher
2892 ev_idle_stop (loop, w);
2893
2894 // now we can free it
2782 free (w); 2895 free (w);
2896
2783 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 2897 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
2784 // no longer anything immediate to do. 2898 // no longer anything immediate to do.
2785 } 2899 }
2786 2900
2787 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle)); 2901 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle));
2789 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_watcher); 2903 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_watcher);
2790 2904
2791 2905
2792=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!
2793 2907
2794Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs: 2908Prepare and check watchers are often (but not always) used in pairs:
2795prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2909prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
2796afterwards. 2910afterwards.
2797 2911
2798You 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
2799the 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>
2827with 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
2828of 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
2829loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 2943loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
2830low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 2944low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
2831 2945
2832It 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
2833priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers 2947highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) priority, to ensure that they are being run before
2834after 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).
2835 2950
2836Also, 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
2837activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully supports this, they 2952activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully supports this, they
2838might 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
2839C<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
2840loops 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
2841C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with 2956C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
2842others). 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.
2843 2977
2844=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2978=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2845 2979
2846=over 4 2980=over 4
2847 2981
3048 3182
3049=over 4 3183=over 4
3050 3184
3051=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)
3052 3186
3053=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 3187=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
3054 3188
3055Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 3189Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
3056embeddable. 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
3057invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback 3191invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
3058to 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,
3079used). 3213used).
3080 3214
3081 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 3215 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
3082 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 3216 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
3083 ev_embed embed; 3217 ev_embed embed;
3084 3218
3085 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 3219 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
3086 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 3220 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
3087 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 3221 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
3088 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 3222 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
3089 : 0; 3223 : 0;
3103C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 3237C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
3104 3238
3105 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 3239 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
3106 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 3240 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
3107 ev_embed embed; 3241 ev_embed embed;
3108 3242
3109 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 3243 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
3110 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 3244 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
3111 { 3245 {
3112 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 3246 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
3113 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed); 3247 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
3121 3255
3122=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
3123 3257
3124Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 3258Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
3125whoever 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
3126C<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
3127event 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
3128and 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
3129C<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,
3130handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 3264of course.
3131 3265
3132=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?
3133 3267
3134Most 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
3135up/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
3216 atexit (program_exits); 3350 atexit (program_exits);
3217 3351
3218 3352
3219=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop 3353=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop
3220 3354
3221In 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
3222asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event 3356asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
3223loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads). 3357loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
3224 3358
3225Sometimes, 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,
3226for 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>
3228it 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.
3229 3363
3230This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals, 3364This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
3231too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed 3365too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
3232(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
3233C<ev_async_sent> calls). In fact, you could use signal watchers as a kind 3367C<ev_async_send> calls). In fact, you could use signal watchers as a kind
3234of "global async watchers" by using a watcher on an otherwise unused 3368of "global async watchers" by using a watcher on an otherwise unused
3235signal, and C<ev_feed_signal> to signal this watcher from another thread, 3369signal, and C<ev_feed_signal> to signal this watcher from another thread,
3236even without knowing which loop owns the signal. 3370even without knowing which loop owns the signal.
3237
3238Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not
3239just the default loop.
3240 3371
3241=head3 Queueing 3372=head3 Queueing
3242 3373
3243C<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
3244is 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
3336trust me. 3467trust me.
3337 3468
3338=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *) 3469=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
3339 3470
3340Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds 3471Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
3341an 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
3342C<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,
3343similar 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
3344section below on what exactly this means). 3477embedding section below on what exactly this means).
3345 3478
3346Note that, as with other watchers in libev, multiple events might get 3479Note that, as with other watchers in libev, multiple events might get
3347compressed into a single callback invocation (another way to look at this 3480compressed into a single callback invocation (another way to look at
3348is 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
3349reset when the event loop detects that). 3482C<ev_async_send>, reset when the event loop detects that).
3350 3483
3351This 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
3352iteration, 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
3353repeated 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.
3354 3490
3355=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *) 3491=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
3356 3492
3357Returns 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
3358watcher 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
3413 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 3549 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
3414 3550
3415=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents) 3551=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents)
3416 3552
3417Feed 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
3418the given events it. 3554the given events.
3419 3555
3420=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum) 3556=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum)
3421 3557
3422Feed an event as if the given signal occurred. See also C<ev_feed_signal>, 3558Feed an event as if the given signal occurred. See also C<ev_feed_signal>,
3423which is async-safe. 3559which is async-safe.
3429 3565
3430This section explains some common idioms that are not immediately 3566This section explains some common idioms that are not immediately
3431obvious. Note that examples are sprinkled over the whole manual, and this 3567obvious. Note that examples are sprinkled over the whole manual, and this
3432section only contains stuff that wouldn't fit anywhere else. 3568section only contains stuff that wouldn't fit anywhere else.
3433 3569
3434=over 4 3570=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
3435 3571
3436=item Model/nested event loop invocations and exit conditions. 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
3437 3679
3438Often (especially in GUI toolkits) there are places where you have 3680Often (especially in GUI toolkits) there are places where you have
3439I<modal> interaction, which is most easily implemented by recursively 3681I<modal> interaction, which is most easily implemented by recursively
3440invoking C<ev_run>. 3682invoking C<ev_run>.
3441 3683
3442This brings the problem of exiting - a callback might want to finish the 3684This brings the problem of exiting - a callback might want to finish the
3443main C<ev_run> call, but not the nested one (e.g. user clicked "Quit", but 3685main C<ev_run> call, but not the nested one (e.g. user clicked "Quit", but
3444a modal "Are you sure?" dialog is still waiting), or just the nested one 3686a modal "Are you sure?" dialog is still waiting), or just the nested one
3445and not the main one (e.g. user clocked "Ok" in a modal dialog), or some 3687and not the main one (e.g. user clocked "Ok" in a modal dialog), or some
3446other combination: In these cases, C<ev_break> will not work alone. 3688other combination: In these cases, a simple C<ev_break> will not work.
3447 3689
3448The solution is to maintain "break this loop" variable for each C<ev_run> 3690The solution is to maintain "break this loop" variable for each C<ev_run>
3449invocation, and use a loop around C<ev_run> until the condition is 3691invocation, and use a loop around C<ev_run> until the condition is
3450triggered, using C<EVRUN_ONCE>: 3692triggered, using C<EVRUN_ONCE>:
3451 3693
3453 int exit_main_loop = 0; 3695 int exit_main_loop = 0;
3454 3696
3455 while (!exit_main_loop) 3697 while (!exit_main_loop)
3456 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ EVRUN_ONCE); 3698 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3457 3699
3458 // in a model watcher 3700 // in a modal watcher
3459 int exit_nested_loop = 0; 3701 int exit_nested_loop = 0;
3460 3702
3461 while (!exit_nested_loop) 3703 while (!exit_nested_loop)
3462 ev_run (EV_A_ EVRUN_ONCE); 3704 ev_run (EV_A_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3463 3705
3470 exit_main_loop = 1; 3712 exit_main_loop = 1;
3471 3713
3472 // exit both 3714 // exit both
3473 exit_main_loop = exit_nested_loop = 1; 3715 exit_main_loop = exit_nested_loop = 1;
3474 3716
3475=back 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.
3476 3912
3477 3913
3478=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION 3914=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION
3479 3915
3480Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot 3916Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot
3510 3946
3511=back 3947=back
3512 3948
3513=head1 C++ SUPPORT 3949=head1 C++ SUPPORT
3514 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
3983
3515Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 3984Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
3516you 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
3517the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 3986the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
3518 3987
3519To use it, 3988To use it,
3520 3989
3521 #include <ev++.h> 3990 #include <ev++.h>
3522 3991
3523This 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
3524of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are 3993of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
3525put 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
3534with C<operator ()> can be used as callbacks. Other types should be easy 4003with C<operator ()> can be used as callbacks. Other types should be easy
3535to add as long as they only need one additional pointer for context. If 4004to add as long as they only need one additional pointer for context. If
3536you need support for other types of functors please contact the author 4005you need support for other types of functors please contact the author
3537(preferably after implementing it). 4006(preferably after implementing it).
3538 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++.
4011
3539Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 4012Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
3540 4013
3541=over 4 4014=over 4
3542 4015
3543=item C<ev::READ>, C<ev::WRITE> etc. 4016=item C<ev::READ>, C<ev::WRITE> etc.
3552=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.
3553 4026
3554For 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
3555the 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>
3556which 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
3557defines by many implementations. 4030defined by many implementations.
3558 4031
3559All of those classes have these methods: 4032All of those classes have these methods:
3560 4033
3561=over 4 4034=over 4
3562 4035
3624 void operator() (ev::io &w, int revents) 4097 void operator() (ev::io &w, int revents)
3625 { 4098 {
3626 ... 4099 ...
3627 } 4100 }
3628 } 4101 }
3629 4102
3630 myfunctor f; 4103 myfunctor f;
3631 4104
3632 ev::io w; 4105 ev::io w;
3633 w.set (&f); 4106 w.set (&f);
3634 4107
3652Associates 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
3653do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 4126do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
3654 4127
3655=item w->set ([arguments]) 4128=item w->set ([arguments])
3656 4129
3657Basically 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>),
3658method 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
3659C counterpart, an active watcher gets automatically stopped and restarted 4132must be called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher
3660when 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.
3661 4138
3662=item w->start () 4139=item w->start ()
3663 4140
3664Starts 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
3665constructor already stores the event loop. 4142constructor already stores the event loop.
3695watchers in the constructor. 4172watchers in the constructor.
3696 4173
3697 class myclass 4174 class myclass
3698 { 4175 {
3699 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 4176 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3700 ev::io2 io2 ; void io2_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 4177 ev::io io2 ; void io2_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3701 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 4178 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
3702 4179
3703 myclass (int fd) 4180 myclass (int fd)
3704 { 4181 {
3705 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 4182 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
3756L<http://hackage.haskell.org/cgi-bin/hackage-scripts/package/hlibev>. 4233L<http://hackage.haskell.org/cgi-bin/hackage-scripts/package/hlibev>.
3757 4234
3758=item D 4235=item D
3759 4236
3760Leandro 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
3761be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>. 4238be found at L<http://www.llucax.com.ar/proj/ev.d/index.html>.
3762 4239
3763=item Ocaml 4240=item Ocaml
3764 4241
3765Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at 4242Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
3766L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>. 4243L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
3769 4246
3770Brian 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
3771time 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
3772L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>. 4249L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>.
3773 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
3774=back 4259=back
3775 4260
3776 4261
3777=head1 MACRO MAGIC 4262=head1 MACRO MAGIC
3778 4263
3814suitable for use with C<EV_A>. 4299suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
3815 4300
3816=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 4301=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
3817 4302
3818Similar 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
3819loop, 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.
3820 4309
3821=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_> 4310=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_>
3822 4311
3823Usage 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
3824default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour 4313default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour
3969supported). 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
3970F<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.
3971 4460
3972In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the 4461In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the
3973configuration, 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.
3974 4472
3975=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 4473=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
3976 4474
3977If 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
3978monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no 4476monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no
4063 4561
4064If 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
4065macro 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
4066file descriptors again. Note that the replacement function has to close 4564file descriptors again. Note that the replacement function has to close
4067the 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.
4068 4573
4069=item EV_USE_POLL 4574=item EV_USE_POLL
4070 4575
4071If 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)
4072backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 4577backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
4108If 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
4109interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will 4614interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
4110be 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
4111indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled. 4616indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
4112 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
4113=item EV_ATOMIC_T 4632=item EV_ATOMIC_T
4114 4633
4115Libev 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
4116access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such 4635access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No
4117type 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
4118that 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
4119as 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.
4120 4640
4121In 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>
4122(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.
4123 4643
4124=item EV_H (h) 4644=item EV_H (h)
4151will 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
4152additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 4672additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
4153for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 4673for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
4154argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 4674argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
4155 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
4156=item EV_MINPRI 4680=item EV_MINPRI
4157 4681
4158=item EV_MAXPRI 4682=item EV_MAXPRI
4159 4683
4160The 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
4196 #define EV_USE_POLL 1 4720 #define EV_USE_POLL 1
4197 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1 4721 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
4198 #define EV_ASYNC_ENABLE 1 4722 #define EV_ASYNC_ENABLE 1
4199 4723
4200The 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
4201values: 4725values (by default, all of these are enabled):
4202 4726
4203=over 4 4727=over 4
4204 4728
4205=item C<1> - faster/larger code 4729=item C<1> - faster/larger code
4206 4730
4210code size by roughly 30% on amd64). 4734code size by roughly 30% on amd64).
4211 4735
4212When 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
4213gcc 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
4214assertions. 4738assertions.
4739
4740The default is off when C<__OPTIMIZE_SIZE__> is defined by your compiler
4741(e.g. gcc with C<-Os>).
4215 4742
4216=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures 4743=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures
4217 4744
4218Replaces 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
4219hash 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
4220and 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
4221runtime. 4748runtime.
4222 4749
4750The default is off when C<__OPTIMIZE_SIZE__> is defined by your compiler
4751(e.g. gcc with C<-Os>).
4752
4223=item C<4> - full API configuration 4753=item C<4> - full API configuration
4224 4754
4225This 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
4226enables multiplicity (C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>=1). 4756enables multiplicity (C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>=1).
4227 4757
4257 4787
4258With an intelligent-enough linker (gcc+binutils are intelligent enough 4788With an intelligent-enough linker (gcc+binutils are intelligent enough
4259when you use C<-Wl,--gc-sections -ffunction-sections>) functions unused by 4789when you use C<-Wl,--gc-sections -ffunction-sections>) functions unused by
4260your 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
4261I/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.
4262 4806
4263=item EV_AVOID_STDIO 4807=item EV_AVOID_STDIO
4264 4808
4265If 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
4266functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the code size 4810functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the code size
4410And 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:
4411 4955
4412 #include "ev_cpp.h" 4956 #include "ev_cpp.h"
4413 #include "ev.c" 4957 #include "ev.c"
4414 4958
4415=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS OR LIBRARIES 4959=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS, LIBRARIES OR THE ENVIRONMENT
4416 4960
4417=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES 4961=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES
4418 4962
4419=head3 THREADS 4963=head3 THREADS
4420 4964
4471default 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
4472watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal. 5016watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
4473 5017
4474=back 5018=back
4475 5019
4476=head4 THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE 5020See also L</THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE>.
4477
4478Here is a fictitious example of how to run an event loop in a different
4479thread than where callbacks are being invoked and watchers are
4480created/added/removed.
4481
4482For a real-world example, see the C<EV::Loop::Async> perl module,
4483which uses exactly this technique (which is suited for many high-level
4484languages).
4485
4486The example uses a pthread mutex to protect the loop data, a condition
4487variable to wait for callback invocations, an async watcher to notify the
4488event loop thread and an unspecified mechanism to wake up the main thread.
4489
4490First, you need to associate some data with the event loop:
4491
4492 typedef struct {
4493 mutex_t lock; /* global loop lock */
4494 ev_async async_w;
4495 thread_t tid;
4496 cond_t invoke_cv;
4497 } userdata;
4498
4499 void prepare_loop (EV_P)
4500 {
4501 // for simplicity, we use a static userdata struct.
4502 static userdata u;
4503
4504 ev_async_init (&u->async_w, async_cb);
4505 ev_async_start (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4506
4507 pthread_mutex_init (&u->lock, 0);
4508 pthread_cond_init (&u->invoke_cv, 0);
4509
4510 // now associate this with the loop
4511 ev_set_userdata (EV_A_ u);
4512 ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (EV_A_ l_invoke);
4513 ev_set_loop_release_cb (EV_A_ l_release, l_acquire);
4514
4515 // then create the thread running ev_loop
4516 pthread_create (&u->tid, 0, l_run, EV_A);
4517 }
4518
4519The callback for the C<ev_async> watcher does nothing: the watcher is used
4520solely to wake up the event loop so it takes notice of any new watchers
4521that might have been added:
4522
4523 static void
4524 async_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
4525 {
4526 // just used for the side effects
4527 }
4528
4529The C<l_release> and C<l_acquire> callbacks simply unlock/lock the mutex
4530protecting the loop data, respectively.
4531
4532 static void
4533 l_release (EV_P)
4534 {
4535 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4536 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4537 }
4538
4539 static void
4540 l_acquire (EV_P)
4541 {
4542 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4543 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4544 }
4545
4546The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
4547into C<ev_run>:
4548
4549 void *
4550 l_run (void *thr_arg)
4551 {
4552 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg;
4553
4554 l_acquire (EV_A);
4555 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0);
4556 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
4557 l_release (EV_A);
4558
4559 return 0;
4560 }
4561
4562Instead of invoking all pending watchers, the C<l_invoke> callback will
4563signal the main thread via some unspecified mechanism (signals? pipe
4564writes? C<Async::Interrupt>?) and then waits until all pending watchers
4565have been called (in a while loop because a) spurious wakeups are possible
4566and b) skipping inter-thread-communication when there are no pending
4567watchers is very beneficial):
4568
4569 static void
4570 l_invoke (EV_P)
4571 {
4572 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4573
4574 while (ev_pending_count (EV_A))
4575 {
4576 wake_up_other_thread_in_some_magic_or_not_so_magic_way ();
4577 pthread_cond_wait (&u->invoke_cv, &u->lock);
4578 }
4579 }
4580
4581Now, whenever the main thread gets told to invoke pending watchers, it
4582will grab the lock, call C<ev_invoke_pending> and then signal the loop
4583thread to continue:
4584
4585 static void
4586 real_invoke_pending (EV_P)
4587 {
4588 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4589
4590 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4591 ev_invoke_pending (EV_A);
4592 pthread_cond_signal (&u->invoke_cv);
4593 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4594 }
4595
4596Whenever you want to start/stop a watcher or do other modifications to an
4597event loop, you will now have to lock:
4598
4599 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
4600 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4601
4602 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
4603
4604 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4605 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ &timeout_watcher);
4606 ev_async_send (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4607 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4608
4609Note that sending the C<ev_async> watcher is required because otherwise
4610an event loop currently blocking in the kernel will have no knowledge
4611about the newly added timer. By waking up the loop it will pick up any new
4612watchers in the next event loop iteration.
4613 5021
4614=head3 COROUTINES 5022=head3 COROUTINES
4615 5023
4616Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 5024Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
4617libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different 5025libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
4782requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 5190requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
4783model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 5191model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
4784the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 5192the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
4785descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 5193descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
4786e.g. cygwin. Actually, it only applies to the microsofts own compilers, 5194e.g. cygwin. Actually, it only applies to the microsofts own compilers,
4787as every compielr comes with a slightly differently broken/incompatible 5195as every compiler comes with a slightly differently broken/incompatible
4788environment. 5196environment.
4789 5197
4790Lifting these limitations would basically require the full 5198Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
4791re-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,
4792then 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
4908thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would 5316thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would
4909be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and 5317be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and
4910C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however. 5318C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however.
4911 5319
4912The 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
4913except 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
4914well. 5322thread as well.
4915 5323
4916=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
4917 5325
4918To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally 5326To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally
4919instead 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
4925 5333
4926The 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
4927have 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
4928good enough for at least into the year 4000 with millisecond accuracy 5336good enough for at least into the year 4000 with millisecond accuracy
4929(the design goal for libev). This requirement is overfulfilled by 5337(the design goal for libev). This requirement is overfulfilled by
4930implementations using IEEE 754, which is basically all existing ones. With 5338implementations using IEEE 754, which is basically all existing ones.
5339
4931IEEE 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).
4932 5344
4933=back 5345=back
4934 5346
4935If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 5347If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
4936 5348
4998=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers) 5410=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
4999 5411
5000=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number) 5412=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
5001 5413
5002Sending 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>
5003calls 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
5004involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers. 5417running async watchers or all signal numbers.
5005 5418
5006=back 5419=back
5007 5420
5008 5421
5009=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X 5422=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X
5018=over 4 5431=over 4
5019 5432
5020=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism 5433=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
5021 5434
5022The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by 5435The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
5023C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L<PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L<EMBEDDING> 5436C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L</"PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS"> in the L</EMBEDDING>
5024section. 5437section.
5025 5438
5026=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
5027 5440
5028These 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:
5071=over 4 5484=over 4
5072 5485
5073=item active 5486=item active
5074 5487
5075A 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.
5076See L<WATCHER STATES> for details. 5489See L</WATCHER STATES> for details.
5077 5490
5078=item application 5491=item application
5079 5492
5080In this document, an application is whatever is using libev. 5493In this document, an application is whatever is using libev.
5081 5494
5117watchers and events. 5530watchers and events.
5118 5531
5119=item pending 5532=item pending
5120 5533
5121A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been 5534A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been
5122detected. See L<WATCHER STATES> for details. 5535detected. See L</WATCHER STATES> for details.
5123 5536
5124=item real time 5537=item real time
5125 5538
5126The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :) 5539The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
5127 5540
5128=item wall-clock time 5541=item wall-clock time
5129 5542
5130The 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
5131be 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
5132clock. 5545clock.
5133 5546
5134=item watcher 5547=item watcher
5135 5548
5136A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need 5549A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need
5139=back 5552=back
5140 5553
5141=head1 AUTHOR 5554=head1 AUTHOR
5142 5555
5143Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael 5556Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael
5144Magnusson and Emanuele Giaquinta. 5557Magnusson and Emanuele Giaquinta, and minor corrections by many others.
5145 5558

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