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Revision 1.432 by root, Sat Apr 26 14:28:48 2014 UTC vs.
Revision 1.445 by root, Fri Dec 21 06:54:30 2018 UTC

411make 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.
412 412
413This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 413This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
414and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop 414and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
415iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 415iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
416GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence 416GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn
417without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has 417sequence without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux
418C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). 418system also has C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). (Update: glibc
419versions 2.25 apparently removed the C<getpid> optimisation again).
419 420
420The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and 421The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
421forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this 422forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking, although you still
422flag. 423have to ignore C<SIGPIPE>) when you use this flag.
423 424
424This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> 425This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
425environment variable. 426environment variable.
426 427
427=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY> 428=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY>
682If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use C<ev_loop_new> 683If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use C<ev_loop_new>
683and C<ev_loop_destroy>. 684and C<ev_loop_destroy>.
684 685
685=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 686=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
686 687
687This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations to 688This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations
688reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the 689to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite
689name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in 690the name, you can call it anytime you are allowed to start or stop
690the child process. You I<must> call it (or use C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>) in the 691watchers (except inside an C<ev_prepare> callback), but it makes most
692sense after forking, in the child process. You I<must> call it (or use
691child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>. 693C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>) in the child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>.
694
695In addition, if you want to reuse a loop (via this function or
696C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>), you I<also> have to ignore C<SIGPIPE>.
692 697
693Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after 698Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after
694a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is 699a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is
695because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things 700because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things
696during fork. 701during fork.
2028 2033
2029The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 2034The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
2030time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 2035time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
2031of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If 2036of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If
2032you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the 2037you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the
2033timeout on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this: 2038timeout on the current time, use something like the following to adjust
2039for it:
2034 2040
2035 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 2041 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + (ev_time () - ev_now ()), 0.);
2036 2042
2037If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an 2043If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
2038update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update 2044update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
2039()>. 2045()>, although that will push the event time of all outstanding events
2046further into the future.
2040 2047
2041=head3 The special problem of unsynchronised clocks 2048=head3 The special problem of unsynchronised clocks
2042 2049
2043Modern systems have a variety of clocks - libev itself uses the normal 2050Modern systems have a variety of clocks - libev itself uses the normal
2044"wall clock" clock and, if available, the monotonic clock (to avoid time 2051"wall clock" clock and, if available, the monotonic clock (to avoid time
2107 2114
2108=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 2115=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
2109 2116
2110=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 2117=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
2111 2118
2112Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat> 2119Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds (fractional and
2113is C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped once the timeout is 2120negative values are supported). If C<repeat> is C<0.>, then it will
2114reached. If it is positive, then the timer will automatically be 2121automatically be stopped once the timeout is reached. If it is positive,
2115configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds later, again, and again, 2122then the timer will automatically be configured to trigger again C<repeat>
2116until stopped manually. 2123seconds later, again, and again, until stopped manually.
2117 2124
2118The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if 2125The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if
2119you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally 2126you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally
2120trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot 2127trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot
2121keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to 2128keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to
2203Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 2210Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
2204(and unfortunately a bit complex). 2211(and unfortunately a bit complex).
2205 2212
2206Unlike C<ev_timer>, periodic watchers are not based on real time (or 2213Unlike C<ev_timer>, periodic watchers are not based on real time (or
2207relative time, the physical time that passes) but on wall clock time 2214relative time, the physical time that passes) but on wall clock time
2208(absolute time, the thing you can read on your calender or clock). The 2215(absolute time, the thing you can read on your calendar or clock). The
2209difference is that wall clock time can run faster or slower than real 2216difference is that wall clock time can run faster or slower than real
2210time, and time jumps are not uncommon (e.g. when you adjust your 2217time, and time jumps are not uncommon (e.g. when you adjust your
2211wrist-watch). 2218wrist-watch).
2212 2219
2213You can tell a periodic watcher to trigger after some specific point 2220You can tell a periodic watcher to trigger after some specific point
2218C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger roughly 10 seconds after starting 2225C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger roughly 10 seconds after starting
2219it, as it uses a relative timeout). 2226it, as it uses a relative timeout).
2220 2227
2221C<ev_periodic> watchers can also be used to implement vastly more complex 2228C<ev_periodic> watchers can also be used to implement vastly more complex
2222timers, such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or 2229timers, such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or
2223other complicated rules. This cannot be done with C<ev_timer> watchers, as 2230other complicated rules. This cannot easily be done with C<ev_timer>
2224those cannot react to time jumps. 2231watchers, as those cannot react to time jumps.
2225 2232
2226As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the 2233As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
2227point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple 2234point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple
2228timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with 2235timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with
2229earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values 2236earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values
2315 2322
2316NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is higher than or 2323NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is higher than or
2317equal to the passed C<now> value >>. 2324equal to the passed C<now> value >>.
2318 2325
2319This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that 2326This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that
2320triggers on "next midnight, local time". To do this, you would calculate the 2327triggers on "next midnight, local time". To do this, you would calculate
2321next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How 2328the next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for
2322you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main 2329this. Here is a (completely untested, no error checking) example on how to
2323reason I omitted it as an example). 2330do this:
2331
2332 #include <time.h>
2333
2334 static ev_tstamp
2335 my_rescheduler (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
2336 {
2337 time_t tnow = (time_t)now;
2338 struct tm tm;
2339 localtime_r (&tnow, &tm);
2340
2341 tm.tm_sec = tm.tm_min = tm.tm_hour = 0; // midnight current day
2342 ++tm.tm_mday; // midnight next day
2343
2344 return mktime (&tm);
2345 }
2346
2347Note: this code might run into trouble on days that have more then two
2348midnights (beginning and end).
2324 2349
2325=back 2350=back
2326 2351
2327=item ev_periodic_again (loop, ev_periodic *) 2352=item ev_periodic_again (loop, ev_periodic *)
2328 2353
2907 2932
2908Prepare and check watchers are often (but not always) used in pairs: 2933Prepare and check watchers are often (but not always) used in pairs:
2909prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2934prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
2910afterwards. 2935afterwards.
2911 2936
2912You I<must not> call C<ev_run> or similar functions that enter 2937You I<must not> call C<ev_run> (or similar functions that enter the
2913the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 2938current event loop) or C<ev_loop_fork> from either C<ev_prepare> or
2914watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The 2939C<ev_check> watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine,
2915rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in 2940however. The rationale behind this is that you do not need to check
2916those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking, 2941for recursion in those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be
2917C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be 2942C<ev_prepare>, blocking, C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each
2918called in pairs bracketing the blocking call. 2943kind they will always be called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.
2919 2944
2920Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and 2945Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and
2921their use is somewhat advanced. They could be used, for example, to track 2946their use is somewhat advanced. They could be used, for example, to track
2922variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a 2947variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a
2923coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if 2948coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if
3263and calls it in the wrong process, the fork handlers will be invoked, too, 3288and calls it in the wrong process, the fork handlers will be invoked, too,
3264of course. 3289of course.
3265 3290
3266=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible? 3291=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible?
3267 3292
3268Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to set 3293Most uses of C<fork ()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to set
3269up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This 3294up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This
3270sequence should be handled by libev without any problems. 3295sequence should be handled by libev without any problems.
3271 3296
3272This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling 3297This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling
3273in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the 3298in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the
3511 3536
3512There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now. 3537There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now.
3513 3538
3514=over 4 3539=over 4
3515 3540
3516=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback) 3541=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback, arg)
3517 3542
3518This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your 3543This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your
3519callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stops both 3544callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stops both
3520watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd 3545watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd
3521or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 3546or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
3897To embed libev, see L</EMBEDDING>, but in short, it's easiest to create two 3922To 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: 3923files, F<my_ev.h> and F<my_ev.c> that include the respective libev files:
3899 3924
3900 // my_ev.h 3925 // my_ev.h
3901 #define EV_CB_DECLARE(type) struct my_coro *cb; 3926 #define EV_CB_DECLARE(type) struct my_coro *cb;
3902 #define EV_CB_INVOKE(watcher) switch_to ((watcher)->cb); 3927 #define EV_CB_INVOKE(watcher) switch_to ((watcher)->cb)
3903 #include "../libev/ev.h" 3928 #include "../libev/ev.h"
3904 3929
3905 // my_ev.c 3930 // my_ev.c
3906 #define EV_H "my_ev.h" 3931 #define EV_H "my_ev.h"
3907 #include "../libev/ev.c" 3932 #include "../libev/ev.c"
3953The normal C API should work fine when used from C++: both ev.h and the 3978The 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 3979libev sources can be compiled as C++. Therefore, code that uses the C API
3955will work fine. 3980will work fine.
3956 3981
3957Proper exception specifications might have to be added to callbacks passed 3982Proper exception specifications might have to be added to callbacks passed
3958to libev: exceptions may be thrown only from watcher callbacks, all 3983to libev: exceptions may be thrown only from watcher callbacks, all other
3959other callbacks (allocator, syserr, loop acquire/release and periodic 3984callbacks (allocator, syserr, loop acquire/release and periodic reschedule
3960reschedule callbacks) must not throw exceptions, and might need a C<throw 3985callbacks) must not throw exceptions, and might need a C<noexcept>
3961()> specification. If you have code that needs to be compiled as both C 3986specification. If you have code that needs to be compiled as both C and
3962and C++ you can use the C<EV_THROW> macro for this: 3987C++ you can use the C<EV_NOEXCEPT> macro for this:
3963 3988
3964 static void 3989 static void
3965 fatal_error (const char *msg) EV_THROW 3990 fatal_error (const char *msg) EV_NOEXCEPT
3966 { 3991 {
3967 perror (msg); 3992 perror (msg);
3968 abort (); 3993 abort ();
3969 } 3994 }
3970 3995
4380 ev_vars.h 4405 ev_vars.h
4381 ev_wrap.h 4406 ev_wrap.h
4382 4407
4383 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 4408 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
4384 4409
4385 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default) 4410 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled
4386 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 4411 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled
4387 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 4412 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled
4388 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 4413 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled
4389 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 4414 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled
4390 4415
4391F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need 4416F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
4392to compile this single file. 4417to compile this single file.
4393 4418
4394=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 4419=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
5294structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also 5319structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
5295assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher 5320assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
5296callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev 5321callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
5297calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally. 5322calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
5298 5323
5324=item null pointers and integer zero are represented by 0 bytes
5325
5326Libev uses C<memset> to initialise structs and arrays to C<0> bytes, and
5327relies on this setting pointers and integers to null.
5328
5299=item pointer accesses must be thread-atomic 5329=item pointer accesses must be thread-atomic
5300 5330
5301Accessing a pointer value must be atomic, it must both be readable and 5331Accessing a pointer value must be atomic, it must both be readable and
5302writable in one piece - this is the case on all current architectures. 5332writable in one piece - this is the case on all current architectures.
5303 5333

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