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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
257 265
258You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 266You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
259free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 267free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
260or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 268or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
261 269
270Example: The following is the C<realloc> function that libev itself uses
271which should work with C<realloc> and C<free> functions of all kinds and
272is probably a good basis for your own implementation.
273
274 static void *
275 ev_realloc_emul (void *ptr, long size) EV_NOEXCEPT
276 {
277 if (size)
278 return realloc (ptr, size);
279
280 free (ptr);
281 return 0;
282 }
283
262Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 284Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
263retries (example requires a standards-compliant C<realloc>). 285retries.
264 286
265 static void * 287 static void *
266 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size) 288 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
267 { 289 {
290 if (!size)
291 {
292 free (ptr);
293 return 0;
294 }
295
268 for (;;) 296 for (;;)
269 { 297 {
270 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size); 298 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size);
271 299
272 if (newptr) 300 if (newptr)
277 } 305 }
278 306
279 ... 307 ...
280 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 308 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
281 309
282=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)) 310=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg) throw ())
283 311
284Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such 312Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
285as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 313as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
286indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 314indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
287callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no 315callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
390 418
391If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid 419If 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 420or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
393C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 421C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
394override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 422override 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 423useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, to work
396around bugs. 424around bugs, or to make libev threadsafe (accessing environment variables
425cannot be done in a threadsafe way, but usually it works if no other
426thread modifies them).
397 427
398=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK> 428=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
399 429
400Instead of calling C<ev_loop_fork> manually after a fork, you can also 430Instead 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. 431make libev check for a fork in each iteration by enabling this flag.
402 432
403This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 433This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
404and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop 434and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
405iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 435iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
406GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence 436GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn
407without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has 437sequence without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux
408C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). 438system also has C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). (Update: glibc
439versions 2.25 apparently removed the C<getpid> optimisation again).
409 440
410The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and 441The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
411forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this 442forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking, although you still
412flag. 443have to ignore C<SIGPIPE>) when you use this flag.
413 444
414This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> 445This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
415environment variable. 446environment variable.
416 447
417=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY> 448=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY>
435example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks. 466example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks.
436 467
437=item C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK> 468=item C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK>
438 469
439When this flag is specified, then libev will avoid to modify the signal 470When this flag is specified, then libev will avoid to modify the signal
440mask. Specifically, this means you ahve to make sure signals are unblocked 471mask. Specifically, this means you have to make sure signals are unblocked
441when you want to receive them. 472when you want to receive them.
442 473
443This behaviour is useful when you want to do your own signal handling, or 474This 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 475want to handle signals only in specific threads and want to avoid libev
445unblocking the signals. 476unblocking the signals.
477
478It's also required by POSIX in a threaded program, as libev calls
479C<sigprocmask>, whose behaviour is officially unspecified.
446 480
447This flag's behaviour will become the default in future versions of libev. 481This flag's behaviour will become the default in future versions of libev.
448 482
449=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 483=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
450 484
480=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 514=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
481 515
482Use the linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9 516Use the linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9
483kernels). 517kernels).
484 518
485For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 519For 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 520it 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), 521O(total_fds) where total_fds is the total number of fds (or the highest
488epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). 522fd), epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
489 523
490The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned 524The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
491of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently 525of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
492dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file 526dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
493descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup, 527descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup,
4960.1ms) and so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program 5300.1ms) 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 531forks then I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll
498set, which can take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) 532set, which can take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor)
499and is of course hard to detect. 533and is of course hard to detect.
500 534
501Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but 535Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work,
502of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally 536but of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for
503I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot 537totally I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so
504even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially 538one cannot even remove them from the set) than registered in the set
505on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by 539(especially on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious
506employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the 540notifications by employing an additional generation counter and comparing
507events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. Last 541that against the events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set
542when required. Epoll also erroneously rounds down timeouts, but gives you
543no way to know when and by how much, so sometimes you have to busy-wait
544because epoll returns immediately despite a nonzero timeout. And last
508not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work 545not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work
509perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...). 546perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...).
510 547
511Epoll is truly the train wreck analog among event poll mechanisms, 548Epoll is truly the train wreck among event poll mechanisms, a frankenpoll,
512a frankenpoll, cobbled together in a hurry, no thought to design or 549cobbled together in a hurry, no thought to design or interaction with
513interaction with others. 550others. Oh, the pain, will it ever stop...
514 551
515While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 552While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
516will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such 553will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
517incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different 554incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different
518I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed 555I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
555 592
556It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 593It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
557kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 594kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
558course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 595course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
559cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to 596cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
560two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad (but 597two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad (you
561sane, unlike epoll) and it drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect 598might have to leak fd's on fork, but it's more sane than epoll) and it
562cases 599drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
563 600
564This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 601This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
565 602
566While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work 603While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
567everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken 604everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
596among the OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed 633among the OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed
597hacks). 634hacks).
598 635
599On the negative side, the interface is I<bizarre> - so bizarre that 636On the negative side, the interface is I<bizarre> - so bizarre that
600even sun itself gets it wrong in their code examples: The event polling 637even sun itself gets it wrong in their code examples: The event polling
601function sometimes returning events to the caller even though an error 638function sometimes returns events to the caller even though an error
602occurred, but with no indication whether it has done so or not (yes, it's 639occurred, but with no indication whether it has done so or not (yes, it's
603even documented that way) - deadly for edge-triggered interfaces where 640even documented that way) - deadly for edge-triggered interfaces where you
604you absolutely have to know whether an event occurred or not because you 641absolutely have to know whether an event occurred or not because you have
605have to re-arm the watcher. 642to re-arm the watcher.
606 643
607Fortunately libev seems to be able to work around these idiocies. 644Fortunately libev seems to be able to work around these idiocies.
608 645
609This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as 646This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
610C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 647C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
666If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use C<ev_loop_new> 703If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use C<ev_loop_new>
667and C<ev_loop_destroy>. 704and C<ev_loop_destroy>.
668 705
669=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 706=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
670 707
671This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations to 708This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations
672reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the 709to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite
673name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in 710the name, you can call it anytime you are allowed to start or stop
674the child process. You I<must> call it (or use C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>) in the 711watchers (except inside an C<ev_prepare> callback), but it makes most
712sense after forking, in the child process. You I<must> call it (or use
675child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>. 713C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>) in the child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>.
676 714
715In addition, if you want to reuse a loop (via this function or
716C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>), you I<also> have to ignore C<SIGPIPE>.
717
677Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after 718Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after
678a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is 719a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is
679because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things 720because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things
680during fork. 721during fork.
681 722
682On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child 723On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
752 793
753This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a 794This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
754very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of 795very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
755the current time is a good idea. 796the current time is a good idea.
756 797
757See also L<The special problem of time updates> in the C<ev_timer> section. 798See also L</The special problem of time updates> in the C<ev_timer> section.
758 799
759=item ev_suspend (loop) 800=item ev_suspend (loop)
760 801
761=item ev_resume (loop) 802=item ev_resume (loop)
762 803
780without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>. 821without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>.
781 822
782Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the 823Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the
783event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>). 824event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>).
784 825
785=item ev_run (loop, int flags) 826=item bool ev_run (loop, int flags)
786 827
787Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 828Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
788after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start 829after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start
789handling events. It will ask the operating system for any new events, call 830handling events. It will ask the operating system for any new events, call
790the watcher callbacks, an then repeat the whole process indefinitely: This 831the watcher callbacks, and then repeat the whole process indefinitely: This
791is why event loops are called I<loops>. 832is why event loops are called I<loops>.
792 833
793If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will keep handling events 834If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will keep handling events
794until either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_break> was 835until either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_break> was
795called. 836called.
837
838The return value is false if there are no more active watchers (which
839usually means "all jobs done" or "deadlock"), and true in all other cases
840(which usually means " you should call C<ev_run> again").
796 841
797Please note that an explicit C<ev_break> is usually better than 842Please note that an explicit C<ev_break> is usually better than
798relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 843relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
799finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program 844finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
800that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue 845that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
801of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of 846of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
802beauty. 847beauty.
803 848
804This function is also I<mostly> exception-safe - you can break out of 849This function is I<mostly> exception-safe - you can break out of a
805a C<ev_run> call by calling C<longjmp> in a callback, throwing a C++ 850C<ev_run> call by calling C<longjmp> in a callback, throwing a C++
806exception and so on. This does not decrement the C<ev_depth> value, nor 851exception and so on. This does not decrement the C<ev_depth> value, nor
807will it clear any outstanding C<EVBREAK_ONE> breaks. 852will it clear any outstanding C<EVBREAK_ONE> breaks.
808 853
809A flags value of C<EVRUN_NOWAIT> will look for new events, will handle 854A flags value of C<EVRUN_NOWAIT> will look for new events, will handle
810those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not wait and 855those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not wait and
822This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction 867This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
823with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your 868with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
824own C<ev_run>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 869own C<ev_run>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
825usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 870usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
826 871
827Here are the gory details of what C<ev_run> does: 872Here are the gory details of what C<ev_run> does (this is for your
873understanding, not a guarantee that things will work exactly like this in
874future versions):
828 875
829 - Increment loop depth. 876 - Increment loop depth.
830 - Reset the ev_break status. 877 - Reset the ev_break status.
831 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 878 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
832 LOOP: 879 LOOP:
865anymore. 912anymore.
866 913
867 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 914 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
868 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 915 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
869 ev_run (my_loop, 0); 916 ev_run (my_loop, 0);
870 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah! 917 ... jobs done or somebody called break. yeah!
871 918
872=item ev_break (loop, how) 919=item ev_break (loop, how)
873 920
874Can be used to make a call to C<ev_run> return early (but only after it 921Can be used to make a call to C<ev_run> return early (but only after it
875has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 922has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
938overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once. 985overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
939 986
940By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more 987By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
941time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration, 988time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
942at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and 989at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
943C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will 990C<ev_timer>) will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
944introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. The 991introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. The
945sleep time ensures that libev will not poll for I/O events more often then 992sleep time ensures that libev will not poll for I/O events more often then
946once per this interval, on average. 993once per this interval, on average (as long as the host time resolution is
994good enough).
947 995
948Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev 996Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
949to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 997to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
950latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called 998latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
951later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null 999later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null
997invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.). 1045invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.).
998 1046
999If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new 1047If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new
1000callback. 1048callback.
1001 1049
1002=item ev_set_loop_release_cb (loop, void (*release)(EV_P), void (*acquire)(EV_P)) 1050=item ev_set_loop_release_cb (loop, void (*release)(EV_P) throw (), void (*acquire)(EV_P) throw ())
1003 1051
1004Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This 1052Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This
1005can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around 1053can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around
1006each call to a libev function. 1054each call to a libev function.
1007 1055
1008However, C<ev_run> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible 1056However, C<ev_run> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible
1009to wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the event 1057to wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the event
1010loop via C<ev_break> and C<av_async_send>, another way is to set these 1058loop via C<ev_break> and C<ev_async_send>, another way is to set these
1011I<release> and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop. 1059I<release> and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop.
1012 1060
1013When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is 1061When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is
1014suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just 1062suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just
1015afterwards. 1063afterwards.
1155 1203
1156=item C<EV_PREPARE> 1204=item C<EV_PREPARE>
1157 1205
1158=item C<EV_CHECK> 1206=item C<EV_CHECK>
1159 1207
1160All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_run> starts 1208All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_run> starts to
1161to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after 1209gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are queued (not invoked)
1162C<ev_run> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any 1210just after C<ev_run> has gathered them, but before it queues any callbacks
1211for any received events. That means C<ev_prepare> watchers are the last
1212watchers invoked before the event loop sleeps or polls for new events, and
1213C<ev_check> watchers will be invoked before any other watchers of the same
1214or lower priority within an event loop iteration.
1215
1163received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 1216Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as many watchers as
1164many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account 1217they want, and all of them will be taken into account (for example, a
1165(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep 1218C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep C<ev_run> from
1166C<ev_run> from blocking). 1219blocking).
1167 1220
1168=item C<EV_EMBED> 1221=item C<EV_EMBED>
1169 1222
1170The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention. 1223The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
1171 1224
1294 1347
1295=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1348=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1296 1349
1297Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 1350Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
1298 1351
1299=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 1352=item ev_set_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1300 1353
1301Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 1354Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
1302(modulo threads). 1355(modulo threads).
1303 1356
1304=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, int priority) 1357=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, int priority)
1322or might not have been clamped to the valid range. 1375or might not have been clamped to the valid range.
1323 1376
1324The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is 1377The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
1325always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :). 1378always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
1326 1379
1327See L<WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS>, below, for a more thorough treatment of 1380See L</WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS>, below, for a more thorough treatment of
1328priorities. 1381priorities.
1329 1382
1330=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents) 1383=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1331 1384
1332Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither 1385Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
1357See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related 1410See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
1358functions that do not need a watcher. 1411functions that do not need a watcher.
1359 1412
1360=back 1413=back
1361 1414
1362=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1415See also the L</ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER> and L</BUILDING YOUR
1363 1416OWN COMPOSITE WATCHERS> idioms.
1364Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
1365and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
1366to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
1367don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data
1368member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
1369data:
1370
1371 struct my_io
1372 {
1373 ev_io io;
1374 int otherfd;
1375 void *somedata;
1376 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
1377 };
1378
1379 ...
1380 struct my_io w;
1381 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
1382
1383And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
1384can cast it back to your own type:
1385
1386 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
1387 {
1388 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
1389 ...
1390 }
1391
1392More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
1393instead have been omitted.
1394
1395Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
1396embedded watchers:
1397
1398 struct my_biggy
1399 {
1400 int some_data;
1401 ev_timer t1;
1402 ev_timer t2;
1403 }
1404
1405In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
1406complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct
1407in the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies), or you need to use
1408some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for real
1409programmers):
1410
1411 #include <stddef.h>
1412
1413 static void
1414 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1415 {
1416 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1417 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
1418 }
1419
1420 static void
1421 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1422 {
1423 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1424 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1425 }
1426 1417
1427=head2 WATCHER STATES 1418=head2 WATCHER STATES
1428 1419
1429There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual - 1420There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual -
1430active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to 1421active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to
1431transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these 1422transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these
1432rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing". 1423rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing".
1433 1424
1434=over 4 1425=over 4
1435 1426
1436=item initialiased 1427=item initialised
1437 1428
1438Before a watcher can be registered with the event looop it has to be 1429Before a watcher can be registered with the event loop it has to be
1439initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to 1430initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to
1440C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function. 1431C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function.
1441 1432
1442In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for use 1433In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for
1443in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at will. 1434use in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at
1435will - as long as you either keep the memory contents intact, or call
1436C<ev_TYPE_init> again.
1444 1437
1445=item started/running/active 1438=item started/running/active
1446 1439
1447Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes 1440Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes
1448property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in 1441property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in
1476latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless 1469latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless
1477of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before 1470of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before
1478freeing it is often a good idea. 1471freeing it is often a good idea.
1479 1472
1480While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the 1473While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the
1481initialised state, that is it can be reused, moved, modified in any way 1474initialised state, that is, it can be reused, moved, modified in any way
1482you wish. 1475you wish (but when you trash the memory block, you need to C<ev_TYPE_init>
1476it again).
1483 1477
1484=back 1478=back
1485 1479
1486=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS 1480=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS
1487 1481
1680always get a readiness notification instantly, and your read (or possibly 1674always get a readiness notification instantly, and your read (or possibly
1681write) will still block on the disk I/O. 1675write) will still block on the disk I/O.
1682 1676
1683Another way to view it is that in the case of sockets, pipes, character 1677Another way to view it is that in the case of sockets, pipes, character
1684devices and so on, there is another party (the sender) that delivers data 1678devices and so on, there is another party (the sender) that delivers data
1685on it's own, but in the case of files, there is no such thing: the disk 1679on its own, but in the case of files, there is no such thing: the disk
1686will not send data on it's own, simply because it doesn't know what you 1680will not send data on its own, simply because it doesn't know what you
1687wish to read - you would first have to request some data. 1681wish to read - you would first have to request some data.
1688 1682
1689Since files are typically not-so-well supported by advanced notification 1683Since files are typically not-so-well supported by advanced notification
1690mechanism, libev tries hard to emulate POSIX behaviour with respect 1684mechanism, libev tries hard to emulate POSIX behaviour with respect
1691to files, even though you should not use it. The reason for this is 1685to files, even though you should not use it. The reason for this is
1815detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1809detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1816monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1810monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1817 1811
1818The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has 1812The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1819passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this 1813passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this
1820might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the 1814might introduce a small delay, see "the special problem of being too
1815early", below). If multiple timers become ready during the same loop
1821same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked 1816iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked before
1822before ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is 1817ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is no
1823no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively). 1818longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1824 1819
1825=head3 Be smart about timeouts 1820=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1826 1821
1827Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error 1822Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1828recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs, 1823recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1903 1898
1904In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone, 1899In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone,
1905but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only 1900but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only
1906within the callback: 1901within the callback:
1907 1902
1903 ev_tstamp timeout = 60.;
1908 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity 1904 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity
1905 ev_timer timer;
1909 1906
1910 static void 1907 static void
1911 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1908 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1912 { 1909 {
1913 ev_tstamp now = ev_now (EV_A); 1910 // calculate when the timeout would happen
1914 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.; 1911 ev_tstamp after = last_activity - ev_now (EV_A) + timeout;
1915 1912
1916 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out 1913 // if negative, it means we the timeout already occurred
1917 if (timeout < now) 1914 if (after < 0.)
1918 { 1915 {
1919 // timeout occurred, take action 1916 // timeout occurred, take action
1920 } 1917 }
1921 else 1918 else
1922 { 1919 {
1923 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm 1920 // callback was invoked, but there was some recent
1924 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is 1921 // activity. simply restart the timer to time out
1925 // guaranteed to be in the future, so "again" is positive: 1922 // after "after" seconds, which is the earliest time
1926 w->repeat = timeout - now; 1923 // the timeout can occur.
1924 ev_timer_set (w, after, 0.);
1927 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ w); 1925 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ w);
1928 } 1926 }
1929 } 1927 }
1930 1928
1931To summarise the callback: first calculate the real timeout (defined 1929To summarise the callback: first calculate in how many seconds the
1932as "60 seconds after the last activity"), then check if that time has 1930timeout will occur (by calculating the absolute time when it would occur,
1933been reached, which means something I<did>, in fact, time out. Otherwise 1931C<last_activity + timeout>, and subtracting the current time, C<ev_now
1934the callback was invoked too early (C<timeout> is in the future), so 1932(EV_A)> from that).
1935re-schedule the timer to fire at that future time, to see if maybe we have
1936a timeout then.
1937 1933
1938Note how C<ev_timer_again> is used, taking advantage of the 1934If this value is negative, then we are already past the timeout, i.e. we
1939C<ev_timer_again> optimisation when the timer is already running. 1935timed out, and need to do whatever is needed in this case.
1936
1937Otherwise, we now the earliest time at which the timeout would trigger,
1938and simply start the timer with this timeout value.
1939
1940In other words, each time the callback is invoked it will check whether
1941the timeout occurred. If not, it will simply reschedule itself to check
1942again at the earliest time it could time out. Rinse. Repeat.
1940 1943
1941This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds 1944This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds
1942minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to 1945minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to
1943libev to change the timeout. 1946libev to change the timeout.
1944 1947
1945To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity> 1948To start the machinery, simply initialise the watcher and set
1946to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the 1949C<last_activity> to the current time (meaning there was some activity just
1947callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer: 1950now), then call the callback, which will "do the right thing" and start
1951the timer:
1948 1952
1953 last_activity = ev_now (EV_A);
1949 ev_init (timer, callback); 1954 ev_init (&timer, callback);
1950 last_activity = ev_now (loop); 1955 callback (EV_A_ &timer, 0);
1951 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMER);
1952 1956
1953And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in 1957When there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1954C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all: 1958C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1955 1959
1960 if (activity detected)
1956 last_activity = ev_now (loop); 1961 last_activity = ev_now (EV_A);
1962
1963When your timeout value changes, then the timeout can be changed by simply
1964providing a new value, stopping the timer and calling the callback, which
1965will again do the right thing (for example, time out immediately :).
1966
1967 timeout = new_value;
1968 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &timer);
1969 callback (EV_A_ &timer, 0);
1957 1970
1958This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the 1971This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1959time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient. 1972time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1960
1961Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1962callback :) - just change the timeout and invoke the callback, which will
1963fix things for you.
1964 1973
1965=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts. 1974=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts.
1966 1975
1967If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all 1976If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all
1968employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can 1977employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can
1995Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is 2004Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is
1996rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays 2005rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays
1997off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually 2006off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually
1998overkill :) 2007overkill :)
1999 2008
2009=head3 The special problem of being too early
2010
2011If you ask a timer to call your callback after three seconds, then
2012you expect it to be invoked after three seconds - but of course, this
2013cannot be guaranteed to infinite precision. Less obviously, it cannot be
2014guaranteed to any precision by libev - imagine somebody suspending the
2015process with a STOP signal for a few hours for example.
2016
2017So, libev tries to invoke your callback as soon as possible I<after> the
2018delay has occurred, but cannot guarantee this.
2019
2020A less obvious failure mode is calling your callback too early: many event
2021loops compare timestamps with a "elapsed delay >= requested delay", but
2022this can cause your callback to be invoked much earlier than you would
2023expect.
2024
2025To see why, imagine a system with a clock that only offers full second
2026resolution (think windows if you can't come up with a broken enough OS
2027yourself). If you schedule a one-second timer at the time 500.9, then the
2028event loop will schedule your timeout to elapse at a system time of 500
2029(500.9 truncated to the resolution) + 1, or 501.
2030
2031If an event library looks at the timeout 0.1s later, it will see "501 >=
2032501" and invoke the callback 0.1s after it was started, even though a
2033one-second delay was requested - this is being "too early", despite best
2034intentions.
2035
2036This is the reason why libev will never invoke the callback if the elapsed
2037delay equals the requested delay, but only when the elapsed delay is
2038larger than the requested delay. In the example above, libev would only invoke
2039the callback at system time 502, or 1.1s after the timer was started.
2040
2041So, while libev cannot guarantee that your callback will be invoked
2042exactly when requested, it I<can> and I<does> guarantee that the requested
2043delay has actually elapsed, or in other words, it always errs on the "too
2044late" side of things.
2045
2000=head3 The special problem of time updates 2046=head3 The special problem of time updates
2001 2047
2002Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at 2048Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes
2003least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current 2049at least one system call): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
2004time only before and after C<ev_run> collects new events, which causes a 2050time only before and after C<ev_run> collects new events, which causes a
2005growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling 2051growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
2006lots of events in one iteration. 2052lots of events in one iteration.
2007 2053
2008The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 2054The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
2009time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 2055time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
2010of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If 2056of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If
2011you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the 2057you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the
2012timeout on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this: 2058timeout on the current time, use something like the following to adjust
2059for it:
2013 2060
2014 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 2061 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + (ev_time () - ev_now ()), 0.);
2015 2062
2016If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an 2063If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
2017update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update 2064update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
2018()>. 2065()>, although that will push the event time of all outstanding events
2066further into the future.
2067
2068=head3 The special problem of unsynchronised clocks
2069
2070Modern systems have a variety of clocks - libev itself uses the normal
2071"wall clock" clock and, if available, the monotonic clock (to avoid time
2072jumps).
2073
2074Neither of these clocks is synchronised with each other or any other clock
2075on the system, so C<ev_time ()> might return a considerably different time
2076than C<gettimeofday ()> or C<time ()>. On a GNU/Linux system, for example,
2077a call to C<gettimeofday> might return a second count that is one higher
2078than a directly following call to C<time>.
2079
2080The moral of this is to only compare libev-related timestamps with
2081C<ev_time ()> and C<ev_now ()>, at least if you want better precision than
2082a second or so.
2083
2084One more problem arises due to this lack of synchronisation: if libev uses
2085the system monotonic clock and you compare timestamps from C<ev_time>
2086or C<ev_now> from when you started your timer and when your callback is
2087invoked, you will find that sometimes the callback is a bit "early".
2088
2089This is because C<ev_timer>s work in real time, not wall clock time, so
2090libev makes sure your callback is not invoked before the delay happened,
2091I<measured according to the real time>, not the system clock.
2092
2093If your timeouts are based on a physical timescale (e.g. "time out this
2094connection after 100 seconds") then this shouldn't bother you as it is
2095exactly the right behaviour.
2096
2097If you want to compare wall clock/system timestamps to your timers, then
2098you need to use C<ev_periodic>s, as these are based on the wall clock
2099time, where your comparisons will always generate correct results.
2019 2100
2020=head3 The special problems of suspended animation 2101=head3 The special problems of suspended animation
2021 2102
2022When you leave the server world it is quite customary to hit machines that 2103When you leave the server world it is quite customary to hit machines that
2023can suspend/hibernate - what happens to the clocks during such a suspend? 2104can suspend/hibernate - what happens to the clocks during such a suspend?
2053 2134
2054=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 2135=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
2055 2136
2056=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 2137=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
2057 2138
2058Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat> 2139Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds (fractional and
2059is C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped once the timeout is 2140negative values are supported). If C<repeat> is C<0.>, then it will
2060reached. If it is positive, then the timer will automatically be 2141automatically be stopped once the timeout is reached. If it is positive,
2061configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds later, again, and again, 2142then the timer will automatically be configured to trigger again C<repeat>
2062until stopped manually. 2143seconds later, again, and again, until stopped manually.
2063 2144
2064The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if 2145The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if
2065you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally 2146you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally
2066trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot 2147trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot
2067keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to 2148keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to
2068do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 2149do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
2069 2150
2070=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *) 2151=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
2071 2152
2072This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 2153This will act as if the timer timed out, and restarts it again if it is
2073repeating. The exact semantics are: 2154repeating. It basically works like calling C<ev_timer_stop>, updating the
2155timeout to the C<repeat> value and calling C<ev_timer_start>.
2074 2156
2157The exact semantics are as in the following rules, all of which will be
2158applied to the watcher:
2159
2160=over 4
2161
2075If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 2162=item If the timer is pending, the pending status is always cleared.
2076 2163
2077If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 2164=item If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed
2165out, without invoking it).
2078 2166
2079If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 2167=item If the timer is repeating, make the C<repeat> value the new timeout
2080C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 2168and start the timer, if necessary.
2081 2169
2170=back
2171
2082This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a 2172This sounds a bit complicated, see L</Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a
2083usage example. 2173usage example.
2084 2174
2085=item ev_tstamp ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *) 2175=item ev_tstamp ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *)
2086 2176
2087Returns the remaining time until a timer fires. If the timer is active, 2177Returns the remaining time until a timer fires. If the timer is active,
2140Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 2230Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
2141(and unfortunately a bit complex). 2231(and unfortunately a bit complex).
2142 2232
2143Unlike C<ev_timer>, periodic watchers are not based on real time (or 2233Unlike C<ev_timer>, periodic watchers are not based on real time (or
2144relative time, the physical time that passes) but on wall clock time 2234relative time, the physical time that passes) but on wall clock time
2145(absolute time, the thing you can read on your calender or clock). The 2235(absolute time, the thing you can read on your calendar or clock). The
2146difference is that wall clock time can run faster or slower than real 2236difference is that wall clock time can run faster or slower than real
2147time, and time jumps are not uncommon (e.g. when you adjust your 2237time, and time jumps are not uncommon (e.g. when you adjust your
2148wrist-watch). 2238wrist-watch).
2149 2239
2150You can tell a periodic watcher to trigger after some specific point 2240You can tell a periodic watcher to trigger after some specific point
2155C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger roughly 10 seconds after starting 2245C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger roughly 10 seconds after starting
2156it, as it uses a relative timeout). 2246it, as it uses a relative timeout).
2157 2247
2158C<ev_periodic> watchers can also be used to implement vastly more complex 2248C<ev_periodic> watchers can also be used to implement vastly more complex
2159timers, such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or 2249timers, such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or
2160other complicated rules. This cannot be done with C<ev_timer> watchers, as 2250other complicated rules. This cannot easily be done with C<ev_timer>
2161those cannot react to time jumps. 2251watchers, as those cannot react to time jumps.
2162 2252
2163As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the 2253As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
2164point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple 2254point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple
2165timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with 2255timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with
2166earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values 2256earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values
2207 2297
2208Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 2298Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
2209C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 2299C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
2210time where C<time = offset (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 2300time where C<time = offset (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
2211 2301
2212For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<offset> value is near 2302The C<interval> I<MUST> be positive, and for numerical stability, the
2213C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for 2303interval value should be higher than C<1/8192> (which is around 100
2214this value, and in fact is often specified as zero. 2304microseconds) and C<offset> should be higher than C<0> and should have
2305at most a similar magnitude as the current time (say, within a factor of
2306ten). Typical values for offset are, in fact, C<0> or something between
2307C<0> and C<interval>, which is also the recommended range.
2215 2308
2216Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU 2309Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
2217speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability 2310speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
2218will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one 2311will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
2219millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough). 2312millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
2249 2342
2250NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is higher than or 2343NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is higher than or
2251equal to the passed C<now> value >>. 2344equal to the passed C<now> value >>.
2252 2345
2253This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that 2346This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that
2254triggers on "next midnight, local time". To do this, you would calculate the 2347triggers on "next midnight, local time". To do this, you would calculate
2255next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How 2348the next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for
2256you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main 2349this. Here is a (completely untested, no error checking) example on how to
2257reason I omitted it as an example). 2350do this:
2351
2352 #include <time.h>
2353
2354 static ev_tstamp
2355 my_rescheduler (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
2356 {
2357 time_t tnow = (time_t)now;
2358 struct tm tm;
2359 localtime_r (&tnow, &tm);
2360
2361 tm.tm_sec = tm.tm_min = tm.tm_hour = 0; // midnight current day
2362 ++tm.tm_mday; // midnight next day
2363
2364 return mktime (&tm);
2365 }
2366
2367Note: this code might run into trouble on days that have more then two
2368midnights (beginning and end).
2258 2369
2259=back 2370=back
2260 2371
2261=item ev_periodic_again (loop, ev_periodic *) 2372=item ev_periodic_again (loop, ev_periodic *)
2262 2373
2327 2438
2328 ev_periodic hourly_tick; 2439 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
2329 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 2440 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
2330 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 2441 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
2331 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 2442 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
2332 2443
2333 2444
2334=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 2445=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
2335 2446
2336Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 2447Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
2337signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 2448signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
2347only within the same loop, i.e. you can watch for C<SIGINT> in your 2458only within the same loop, i.e. you can watch for C<SIGINT> in your
2348default loop and for C<SIGIO> in another loop, but you cannot watch for 2459default loop and for C<SIGIO> in another loop, but you cannot watch for
2349C<SIGINT> in both the default loop and another loop at the same time. At 2460C<SIGINT> in both the default loop and another loop at the same time. At
2350the moment, C<SIGCHLD> is permanently tied to the default loop. 2461the moment, C<SIGCHLD> is permanently tied to the default loop.
2351 2462
2352When the first watcher gets started will libev actually register something 2463Only after the first watcher for a signal is started will libev actually
2353with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as 2464register something with the kernel. It thus coexists with your own signal
2354you don't register any with libev for the same signal). 2465handlers as long as you don't register any with libev for the same signal.
2355 2466
2356If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with 2467If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
2357C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should 2468C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should
2358not be unduly interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting 2469not be unduly interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting
2359interrupted by signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher 2470interrupted by signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher
2362=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create 2473=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create
2363 2474
2364Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition 2475Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition
2365(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after 2476(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after
2366stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal, 2477stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal,
2367and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler. 2478and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler (but
2479see C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK>).
2368 2480
2369While this does not matter for the signal disposition (libev never 2481While this does not matter for the signal disposition (libev never
2370sets signals to C<SIG_IGN>, so handlers will be reset to C<SIG_DFL> on 2482sets signals to C<SIG_IGN>, so handlers will be reset to C<SIG_DFL> on
2371C<execve>), this matters for the signal mask: many programs do not expect 2483C<execve>), this matters for the signal mask: many programs do not expect
2372certain signals to be blocked. 2484certain signals to be blocked.
2543 2655
2544=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 2656=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
2545 2657
2546This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 2658This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
2547C<stat> on that path in regular intervals (or when the OS says it changed) 2659C<stat> on that path in regular intervals (or when the OS says it changed)
2548and sees if it changed compared to the last time, invoking the callback if 2660and sees if it changed compared to the last time, invoking the callback
2549it did. 2661if it did. Starting the watcher C<stat>'s the file, so only changes that
2662happen after the watcher has been started will be reported.
2550 2663
2551The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 2664The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
2552not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does not 2665not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does not
2553exist" (or more correctly "path cannot be stat'ed") is signified by the 2666exist" (or more correctly "path cannot be stat'ed") is signified by the
2554C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is otherwise always forced to be at 2667C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is otherwise always forced to be at
2784Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 2897Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
2785effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do 2898effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do
2786"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 2899"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
2787event loop has handled all outstanding events. 2900event loop has handled all outstanding events.
2788 2901
2902=head3 Abusing an C<ev_idle> watcher for its side-effect
2903
2904As long as there is at least one active idle watcher, libev will never
2905sleep unnecessarily. Or in other words, it will loop as fast as possible.
2906For this to work, the idle watcher doesn't need to be invoked at all - the
2907lowest priority will do.
2908
2909This mode of operation can be useful together with an C<ev_check> watcher,
2910to do something on each event loop iteration - for example to balance load
2911between different connections.
2912
2913See L</Abusing an ev_check watcher for its side-effect> for a longer
2914example.
2915
2789=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2916=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2790 2917
2791=over 4 2918=over 4
2792 2919
2793=item ev_idle_init (ev_idle *, callback) 2920=item ev_idle_init (ev_idle *, callback)
2804callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 2931callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
2805 2932
2806 static void 2933 static void
2807 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents) 2934 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents)
2808 { 2935 {
2936 // stop the watcher
2937 ev_idle_stop (loop, w);
2938
2939 // now we can free it
2809 free (w); 2940 free (w);
2941
2810 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 2942 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
2811 // no longer anything immediate to do. 2943 // no longer anything immediate to do.
2812 } 2944 }
2813 2945
2814 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle)); 2946 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle));
2816 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_watcher); 2948 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_watcher);
2817 2949
2818 2950
2819=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 2951=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
2820 2952
2821Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs: 2953Prepare and check watchers are often (but not always) used in pairs:
2822prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2954prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
2823afterwards. 2955afterwards.
2824 2956
2825You I<must not> call C<ev_run> or similar functions that enter 2957You I<must not> call C<ev_run> (or similar functions that enter the
2826the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 2958current event loop) or C<ev_loop_fork> from either C<ev_prepare> or
2827watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The 2959C<ev_check> watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine,
2828rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in 2960however. The rationale behind this is that you do not need to check
2829those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking, 2961for recursion in those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be
2830C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be 2962C<ev_prepare>, blocking, C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each
2831called in pairs bracketing the blocking call. 2963kind they will always be called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.
2832 2964
2833Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and 2965Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and
2834their use is somewhat advanced. They could be used, for example, to track 2966their use is somewhat advanced. They could be used, for example, to track
2835variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a 2967variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a
2836coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if 2968coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if
2854with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 2986with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine
2855of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event 2987of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
2856loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 2988loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
2857low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 2989low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
2858 2990
2859It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) 2991When used for this purpose, it is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers
2860priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers 2992highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) priority, to ensure that they are being run before
2861after the poll (this doesn't matter for C<ev_prepare> watchers). 2993any other watchers after the poll (this doesn't matter for C<ev_prepare>
2994watchers).
2862 2995
2863Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, too) should not 2996Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, too) should not
2864activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully supports this, they 2997activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully supports this, they
2865might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers did their job. As 2998might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers did their job. As
2866C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other (non-libev) event 2999C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other (non-libev) event
2867loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their 3000loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
2868C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with 3001C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
2869others). 3002others).
3003
3004=head3 Abusing an C<ev_check> watcher for its side-effect
3005
3006C<ev_check> (and less often also C<ev_prepare>) watchers can also be
3007useful because they are called once per event loop iteration. For
3008example, if you want to handle a large number of connections fairly, you
3009normally only do a bit of work for each active connection, and if there
3010is more work to do, you wait for the next event loop iteration, so other
3011connections have a chance of making progress.
3012
3013Using an C<ev_check> watcher is almost enough: it will be called on the
3014next event loop iteration. However, that isn't as soon as possible -
3015without external events, your C<ev_check> watcher will not be invoked.
3016
3017This is where C<ev_idle> watchers come in handy - all you need is a
3018single global idle watcher that is active as long as you have one active
3019C<ev_check> watcher. The C<ev_idle> watcher makes sure the event loop
3020will not sleep, and the C<ev_check> watcher makes sure a callback gets
3021invoked. Neither watcher alone can do that.
2870 3022
2871=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 3023=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2872 3024
2873=over 4 3025=over 4
2874 3026
3075 3227
3076=over 4 3228=over 4
3077 3229
3078=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 3230=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
3079 3231
3080=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 3232=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
3081 3233
3082Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 3234Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
3083embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be 3235embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
3084invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback 3236invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
3085to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done, 3237to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
3106used). 3258used).
3107 3259
3108 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 3260 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
3109 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 3261 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
3110 ev_embed embed; 3262 ev_embed embed;
3111 3263
3112 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 3264 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
3113 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 3265 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
3114 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 3266 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
3115 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 3267 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
3116 : 0; 3268 : 0;
3130C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 3282C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
3131 3283
3132 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 3284 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
3133 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 3285 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
3134 ev_embed embed; 3286 ev_embed embed;
3135 3287
3136 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 3288 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
3137 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 3289 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
3138 { 3290 {
3139 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 3291 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
3140 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed); 3292 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
3148 3300
3149=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 3301=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
3150 3302
3151Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 3303Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
3152whoever is a good citizen cared to tell libev about it by calling 3304whoever is a good citizen cared to tell libev about it by calling
3153C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork>). The invocation is done before the 3305C<ev_loop_fork>). The invocation is done before the event loop blocks next
3154event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 3306and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, and only in the child
3155and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling 3307after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling C<ev_default_fork> cheats
3156C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 3308and calls it in the wrong process, the fork handlers will be invoked, too,
3157handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 3309of course.
3158 3310
3159=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible? 3311=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible?
3160 3312
3161Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to set 3313Most uses of C<fork ()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to set
3162up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This 3314up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This
3163sequence should be handled by libev without any problems. 3315sequence should be handled by libev without any problems.
3164 3316
3165This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling 3317This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling
3166in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the 3318in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the
3243 atexit (program_exits); 3395 atexit (program_exits);
3244 3396
3245 3397
3246=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop 3398=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop
3247 3399
3248In general, you cannot use an C<ev_run> from multiple threads or other 3400In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other
3249asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event 3401asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
3250loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads). 3402loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
3251 3403
3252Sometimes, however, you need to wake up an event loop you do not control, 3404Sometimes, however, you need to wake up an event loop you do not control,
3253for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what C<ev_async> 3405for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what C<ev_async>
3255it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe. 3407it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe.
3256 3408
3257This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals, 3409This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
3258too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed 3410too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
3259(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of 3411(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
3260C<ev_async_sent> calls). In fact, you could use signal watchers as a kind 3412C<ev_async_send> calls). In fact, you could use signal watchers as a kind
3261of "global async watchers" by using a watcher on an otherwise unused 3413of "global async watchers" by using a watcher on an otherwise unused
3262signal, and C<ev_feed_signal> to signal this watcher from another thread, 3414signal, and C<ev_feed_signal> to signal this watcher from another thread,
3263even without knowing which loop owns the signal. 3415even without knowing which loop owns the signal.
3264
3265Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not
3266just the default loop.
3267 3416
3268=head3 Queueing 3417=head3 Queueing
3269 3418
3270C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason 3419C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
3271is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a 3420is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
3363trust me. 3512trust me.
3364 3513
3365=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *) 3514=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
3366 3515
3367Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds 3516Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
3368an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike 3517an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop, and instantly
3518returns.
3519
3369C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or 3520Unlike C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads,
3370similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding 3521signal or similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the
3371section below on what exactly this means). 3522embedding section below on what exactly this means).
3372 3523
3373Note that, as with other watchers in libev, multiple events might get 3524Note that, as with other watchers in libev, multiple events might get
3374compressed into a single callback invocation (another way to look at this 3525compressed into a single callback invocation (another way to look at
3375is that C<ev_async> watchers are level-triggered, set on C<ev_async_send>, 3526this is that C<ev_async> watchers are level-triggered: they are set on
3376reset when the event loop detects that). 3527C<ev_async_send>, reset when the event loop detects that).
3377 3528
3378This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per event loop 3529This call incurs the overhead of at most one extra system call per event
3379iteration, so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to 3530loop iteration, if the event loop is blocked, and no syscall at all if
3380repeated calls to C<ev_async_send> for the same event loop. 3531the event loop (or your program) is processing events. That means that
3532repeated calls are basically free (there is no need to avoid calls for
3533performance reasons) and that the overhead becomes smaller (typically
3534zero) under load.
3381 3535
3382=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *) 3536=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
3383 3537
3384Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the 3538Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
3385watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the 3539watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
3402 3556
3403There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now. 3557There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now.
3404 3558
3405=over 4 3559=over 4
3406 3560
3407=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback) 3561=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback, arg)
3408 3562
3409This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your 3563This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your
3410callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stops both 3564callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stops both
3411watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd 3565watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd
3412or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 3566or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
3440 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 3594 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
3441 3595
3442=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents) 3596=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents)
3443 3597
3444Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 3598Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
3445the given events it. 3599the given events.
3446 3600
3447=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum) 3601=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum)
3448 3602
3449Feed an event as if the given signal occurred. See also C<ev_feed_signal>, 3603Feed an event as if the given signal occurred. See also C<ev_feed_signal>,
3450which is async-safe. 3604which is async-safe.
3455=head1 COMMON OR USEFUL IDIOMS (OR BOTH) 3609=head1 COMMON OR USEFUL IDIOMS (OR BOTH)
3456 3610
3457This section explains some common idioms that are not immediately 3611This section explains some common idioms that are not immediately
3458obvious. Note that examples are sprinkled over the whole manual, and this 3612obvious. Note that examples are sprinkled over the whole manual, and this
3459section only contains stuff that wouldn't fit anywhere else. 3613section only contains stuff that wouldn't fit anywhere else.
3614
3615=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
3616
3617Each watcher has, by default, a C<void *data> member that you can read
3618or modify at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
3619to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
3620don't want to allocate memory separately and store a pointer to it in that
3621data member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
3622data:
3623
3624 struct my_io
3625 {
3626 ev_io io;
3627 int otherfd;
3628 void *somedata;
3629 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
3630 };
3631
3632 ...
3633 struct my_io w;
3634 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
3635
3636And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
3637can cast it back to your own type:
3638
3639 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
3640 {
3641 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
3642 ...
3643 }
3644
3645More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback
3646function type instead have been omitted.
3647
3648=head2 BUILDING YOUR OWN COMPOSITE WATCHERS
3649
3650Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
3651embedded watchers, in effect creating your own watcher that combines
3652multiple libev event sources into one "super-watcher":
3653
3654 struct my_biggy
3655 {
3656 int some_data;
3657 ev_timer t1;
3658 ev_timer t2;
3659 }
3660
3661In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
3662complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct in
3663the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies or C++ coders), or you need
3664to use some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for
3665real programmers):
3666
3667 #include <stddef.h>
3668
3669 static void
3670 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
3671 {
3672 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
3673 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
3674 }
3675
3676 static void
3677 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
3678 {
3679 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
3680 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
3681 }
3682
3683=head2 AVOIDING FINISHING BEFORE RETURNING
3684
3685Often you have structures like this in event-based programs:
3686
3687 callback ()
3688 {
3689 free (request);
3690 }
3691
3692 request = start_new_request (..., callback);
3693
3694The intent is to start some "lengthy" operation. The C<request> could be
3695used to cancel the operation, or do other things with it.
3696
3697It's not uncommon to have code paths in C<start_new_request> that
3698immediately invoke the callback, for example, to report errors. Or you add
3699some caching layer that finds that it can skip the lengthy aspects of the
3700operation and simply invoke the callback with the result.
3701
3702The problem here is that this will happen I<before> C<start_new_request>
3703has returned, so C<request> is not set.
3704
3705Even if you pass the request by some safer means to the callback, you
3706might want to do something to the request after starting it, such as
3707canceling it, which probably isn't working so well when the callback has
3708already been invoked.
3709
3710A common way around all these issues is to make sure that
3711C<start_new_request> I<always> returns before the callback is invoked. If
3712C<start_new_request> immediately knows the result, it can artificially
3713delay invoking the callback by using a C<prepare> or C<idle> watcher for
3714example, or more sneakily, by reusing an existing (stopped) watcher and
3715pushing it into the pending queue:
3716
3717 ev_set_cb (watcher, callback);
3718 ev_feed_event (EV_A_ watcher, 0);
3719
3720This way, C<start_new_request> can safely return before the callback is
3721invoked, while not delaying callback invocation too much.
3460 3722
3461=head2 MODEL/NESTED EVENT LOOP INVOCATIONS AND EXIT CONDITIONS 3723=head2 MODEL/NESTED EVENT LOOP INVOCATIONS AND EXIT CONDITIONS
3462 3724
3463Often (especially in GUI toolkits) there are places where you have 3725Often (especially in GUI toolkits) there are places where you have
3464I<modal> interaction, which is most easily implemented by recursively 3726I<modal> interaction, which is most easily implemented by recursively
3466 3728
3467This brings the problem of exiting - a callback might want to finish the 3729This brings the problem of exiting - a callback might want to finish the
3468main C<ev_run> call, but not the nested one (e.g. user clicked "Quit", but 3730main C<ev_run> call, but not the nested one (e.g. user clicked "Quit", but
3469a modal "Are you sure?" dialog is still waiting), or just the nested one 3731a modal "Are you sure?" dialog is still waiting), or just the nested one
3470and not the main one (e.g. user clocked "Ok" in a modal dialog), or some 3732and not the main one (e.g. user clocked "Ok" in a modal dialog), or some
3471other combination: In these cases, C<ev_break> will not work alone. 3733other combination: In these cases, a simple C<ev_break> will not work.
3472 3734
3473The solution is to maintain "break this loop" variable for each C<ev_run> 3735The solution is to maintain "break this loop" variable for each C<ev_run>
3474invocation, and use a loop around C<ev_run> until the condition is 3736invocation, and use a loop around C<ev_run> until the condition is
3475triggered, using C<EVRUN_ONCE>: 3737triggered, using C<EVRUN_ONCE>:
3476 3738
3478 int exit_main_loop = 0; 3740 int exit_main_loop = 0;
3479 3741
3480 while (!exit_main_loop) 3742 while (!exit_main_loop)
3481 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ EVRUN_ONCE); 3743 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3482 3744
3483 // in a model watcher 3745 // in a modal watcher
3484 int exit_nested_loop = 0; 3746 int exit_nested_loop = 0;
3485 3747
3486 while (!exit_nested_loop) 3748 while (!exit_nested_loop)
3487 ev_run (EV_A_ EVRUN_ONCE); 3749 ev_run (EV_A_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3488 3750
3498 exit_main_loop = exit_nested_loop = 1; 3760 exit_main_loop = exit_nested_loop = 1;
3499 3761
3500=head2 THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE 3762=head2 THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE
3501 3763
3502Here is a fictitious example of how to run an event loop in a different 3764Here is a fictitious example of how to run an event loop in a different
3503thread than where callbacks are being invoked and watchers are 3765thread from where callbacks are being invoked and watchers are
3504created/added/removed. 3766created/added/removed.
3505 3767
3506For a real-world example, see the C<EV::Loop::Async> perl module, 3768For a real-world example, see the C<EV::Loop::Async> perl module,
3507which uses exactly this technique (which is suited for many high-level 3769which uses exactly this technique (which is suited for many high-level
3508languages). 3770languages).
3534 // now associate this with the loop 3796 // now associate this with the loop
3535 ev_set_userdata (EV_A_ u); 3797 ev_set_userdata (EV_A_ u);
3536 ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (EV_A_ l_invoke); 3798 ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (EV_A_ l_invoke);
3537 ev_set_loop_release_cb (EV_A_ l_release, l_acquire); 3799 ev_set_loop_release_cb (EV_A_ l_release, l_acquire);
3538 3800
3539 // then create the thread running ev_loop 3801 // then create the thread running ev_run
3540 pthread_create (&u->tid, 0, l_run, EV_A); 3802 pthread_create (&u->tid, 0, l_run, EV_A);
3541 } 3803 }
3542 3804
3543The callback for the C<ev_async> watcher does nothing: the watcher is used 3805The callback for the C<ev_async> watcher does nothing: the watcher is used
3544solely to wake up the event loop so it takes notice of any new watchers 3806solely to wake up the event loop so it takes notice of any new watchers
3633Note that sending the C<ev_async> watcher is required because otherwise 3895Note that sending the C<ev_async> watcher is required because otherwise
3634an event loop currently blocking in the kernel will have no knowledge 3896an event loop currently blocking in the kernel will have no knowledge
3635about the newly added timer. By waking up the loop it will pick up any new 3897about the newly added timer. By waking up the loop it will pick up any new
3636watchers in the next event loop iteration. 3898watchers in the next event loop iteration.
3637 3899
3638=back 3900=head2 THREADS, COROUTINES, CONTINUATIONS, QUEUES... INSTEAD OF CALLBACKS
3901
3902While the overhead of a callback that e.g. schedules a thread is small, it
3903is still an overhead. If you embed libev, and your main usage is with some
3904kind of threads or coroutines, you might want to customise libev so that
3905doesn't need callbacks anymore.
3906
3907Imagine you have coroutines that you can switch to using a function
3908C<switch_to (coro)>, that libev runs in a coroutine called C<libev_coro>
3909and that due to some magic, the currently active coroutine is stored in a
3910global called C<current_coro>. Then you can build your own "wait for libev
3911event" primitive by changing C<EV_CB_DECLARE> and C<EV_CB_INVOKE> (note
3912the differing C<;> conventions):
3913
3914 #define EV_CB_DECLARE(type) struct my_coro *cb;
3915 #define EV_CB_INVOKE(watcher) switch_to ((watcher)->cb)
3916
3917That means instead of having a C callback function, you store the
3918coroutine to switch to in each watcher, and instead of having libev call
3919your callback, you instead have it switch to that coroutine.
3920
3921A coroutine might now wait for an event with a function called
3922C<wait_for_event>. (the watcher needs to be started, as always, but it doesn't
3923matter when, or whether the watcher is active or not when this function is
3924called):
3925
3926 void
3927 wait_for_event (ev_watcher *w)
3928 {
3929 ev_set_cb (w, current_coro);
3930 switch_to (libev_coro);
3931 }
3932
3933That basically suspends the coroutine inside C<wait_for_event> and
3934continues the libev coroutine, which, when appropriate, switches back to
3935this or any other coroutine.
3936
3937You can do similar tricks if you have, say, threads with an event queue -
3938instead of storing a coroutine, you store the queue object and instead of
3939switching to a coroutine, you push the watcher onto the queue and notify
3940any waiters.
3941
3942To embed libev, see L</EMBEDDING>, but in short, it's easiest to create two
3943files, F<my_ev.h> and F<my_ev.c> that include the respective libev files:
3944
3945 // my_ev.h
3946 #define EV_CB_DECLARE(type) struct my_coro *cb;
3947 #define EV_CB_INVOKE(watcher) switch_to ((watcher)->cb)
3948 #include "../libev/ev.h"
3949
3950 // my_ev.c
3951 #define EV_H "my_ev.h"
3952 #include "../libev/ev.c"
3953
3954And then use F<my_ev.h> when you would normally use F<ev.h>, and compile
3955F<my_ev.c> into your project. When properly specifying include paths, you
3956can even use F<ev.h> as header file name directly.
3639 3957
3640 3958
3641=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION 3959=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION
3642 3960
3643Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot 3961Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot
3673 3991
3674=back 3992=back
3675 3993
3676=head1 C++ SUPPORT 3994=head1 C++ SUPPORT
3677 3995
3996=head2 C API
3997
3998The normal C API should work fine when used from C++: both ev.h and the
3999libev sources can be compiled as C++. Therefore, code that uses the C API
4000will work fine.
4001
4002Proper exception specifications might have to be added to callbacks passed
4003to libev: exceptions may be thrown only from watcher callbacks, all other
4004callbacks (allocator, syserr, loop acquire/release and periodic reschedule
4005callbacks) must not throw exceptions, and might need a C<noexcept>
4006specification. If you have code that needs to be compiled as both C and
4007C++ you can use the C<EV_NOEXCEPT> macro for this:
4008
4009 static void
4010 fatal_error (const char *msg) EV_NOEXCEPT
4011 {
4012 perror (msg);
4013 abort ();
4014 }
4015
4016 ...
4017 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error);
4018
4019The only API functions that can currently throw exceptions are C<ev_run>,
4020C<ev_invoke>, C<ev_invoke_pending> and C<ev_loop_destroy> (the latter
4021because it runs cleanup watchers).
4022
4023Throwing exceptions in watcher callbacks is only supported if libev itself
4024is compiled with a C++ compiler or your C and C++ environments allow
4025throwing exceptions through C libraries (most do).
4026
4027=head2 C++ API
4028
3678Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 4029Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
3679you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change 4030you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
3680the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 4031the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
3681 4032
3682To use it, 4033To use it,
3683 4034
3684 #include <ev++.h> 4035 #include <ev++.h>
3685 4036
3686This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many 4037This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
3687of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are 4038of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
3688put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding 4039put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
3697with C<operator ()> can be used as callbacks. Other types should be easy 4048with C<operator ()> can be used as callbacks. Other types should be easy
3698to add as long as they only need one additional pointer for context. If 4049to add as long as they only need one additional pointer for context. If
3699you need support for other types of functors please contact the author 4050you need support for other types of functors please contact the author
3700(preferably after implementing it). 4051(preferably after implementing it).
3701 4052
4053For all this to work, your C++ compiler either has to use the same calling
4054conventions as your C compiler (for static member functions), or you have
4055to embed libev and compile libev itself as C++.
4056
3702Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 4057Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
3703 4058
3704=over 4 4059=over 4
3705 4060
3706=item C<ev::READ>, C<ev::WRITE> etc. 4061=item C<ev::READ>, C<ev::WRITE> etc.
3715=item C<ev::io>, C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic>, C<ev::idle>, C<ev::sig> etc. 4070=item C<ev::io>, C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic>, C<ev::idle>, C<ev::sig> etc.
3716 4071
3717For each C<ev_TYPE> watcher in F<ev.h> there is a corresponding class of 4072For each C<ev_TYPE> watcher in F<ev.h> there is a corresponding class of
3718the same name in the C<ev> namespace, with the exception of C<ev_signal> 4073the same name in the C<ev> namespace, with the exception of C<ev_signal>
3719which is called C<ev::sig> to avoid clashes with the C<signal> macro 4074which is called C<ev::sig> to avoid clashes with the C<signal> macro
3720defines by many implementations. 4075defined by many implementations.
3721 4076
3722All of those classes have these methods: 4077All of those classes have these methods:
3723 4078
3724=over 4 4079=over 4
3725 4080
3787 void operator() (ev::io &w, int revents) 4142 void operator() (ev::io &w, int revents)
3788 { 4143 {
3789 ... 4144 ...
3790 } 4145 }
3791 } 4146 }
3792 4147
3793 myfunctor f; 4148 myfunctor f;
3794 4149
3795 ev::io w; 4150 ev::io w;
3796 w.set (&f); 4151 w.set (&f);
3797 4152
3815Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 4170Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
3816do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 4171do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
3817 4172
3818=item w->set ([arguments]) 4173=item w->set ([arguments])
3819 4174
3820Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Either this 4175Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set> (except for C<ev::embed> watchers>),
3821method or a suitable start method must be called at least once. Unlike the 4176with the same arguments. Either this method or a suitable start method
3822C counterpart, an active watcher gets automatically stopped and restarted 4177must be called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher
3823when reconfiguring it with this method. 4178gets automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
4179method.
4180
4181For C<ev::embed> watchers this method is called C<set_embed>, to avoid
4182clashing with the C<set (loop)> method.
3824 4183
3825=item w->start () 4184=item w->start ()
3826 4185
3827Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the 4186Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
3828constructor already stores the event loop. 4187constructor already stores the event loop.
3858watchers in the constructor. 4217watchers in the constructor.
3859 4218
3860 class myclass 4219 class myclass
3861 { 4220 {
3862 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 4221 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3863 ev::io2 io2 ; void io2_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 4222 ev::io io2 ; void io2_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3864 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 4223 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
3865 4224
3866 myclass (int fd) 4225 myclass (int fd)
3867 { 4226 {
3868 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 4227 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
3919L<http://hackage.haskell.org/cgi-bin/hackage-scripts/package/hlibev>. 4278L<http://hackage.haskell.org/cgi-bin/hackage-scripts/package/hlibev>.
3920 4279
3921=item D 4280=item D
3922 4281
3923Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to 4282Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
3924be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>. 4283be found at L<http://www.llucax.com.ar/proj/ev.d/index.html>.
3925 4284
3926=item Ocaml 4285=item Ocaml
3927 4286
3928Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at 4287Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
3929L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>. 4288L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
3932 4291
3933Brian Maher has written a partial interface to libev for lua (at the 4292Brian Maher has written a partial interface to libev for lua (at the
3934time of this writing, only C<ev_io> and C<ev_timer>), to be found at 4293time of this writing, only C<ev_io> and C<ev_timer>), to be found at
3935L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>. 4294L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>.
3936 4295
4296=item Javascript
4297
4298Node.js (L<http://nodejs.org>) uses libev as the underlying event library.
4299
4300=item Others
4301
4302There are others, and I stopped counting.
4303
3937=back 4304=back
3938 4305
3939 4306
3940=head1 MACRO MAGIC 4307=head1 MACRO MAGIC
3941 4308
3977suitable for use with C<EV_A>. 4344suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
3978 4345
3979=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 4346=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
3980 4347
3981Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 4348Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
3982loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 4349loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). The default loop
4350will be initialised if it isn't already initialised.
4351
4352For non-multiplicity builds, these macros do nothing, so you always have
4353to initialise the loop somewhere.
3983 4354
3984=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_> 4355=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_>
3985 4356
3986Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the 4357Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the
3987default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour 4358default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour
4054 ev_vars.h 4425 ev_vars.h
4055 ev_wrap.h 4426 ev_wrap.h
4056 4427
4057 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 4428 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
4058 4429
4059 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default) 4430 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled
4060 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 4431 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled
4061 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 4432 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled
4062 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 4433 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled
4063 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 4434 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled
4064 4435
4065F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need 4436F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
4066to compile this single file. 4437to compile this single file.
4067 4438
4068=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 4439=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
4132supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in 4503supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in
4133F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 4504F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
4134 4505
4135In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the 4506In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the
4136configuration, but has to be more conservative. 4507configuration, but has to be more conservative.
4508
4509=item EV_USE_FLOOR
4510
4511If defined to be C<1>, libev will use the C<floor ()> function for its
4512periodic reschedule calculations, otherwise libev will fall back on a
4513portable (slower) implementation. If you enable this, you usually have to
4514link against libm or something equivalent. Enabling this when the C<floor>
4515function is not available will fail, so the safe default is to not enable
4516this.
4137 4517
4138=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 4518=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
4139 4519
4140If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 4520If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
4141monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no 4521monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no
4226 4606
4227If programs implement their own fd to handle mapping on win32, then this 4607If programs implement their own fd to handle mapping on win32, then this
4228macro can be used to override the C<close> function, useful to unregister 4608macro can be used to override the C<close> function, useful to unregister
4229file descriptors again. Note that the replacement function has to close 4609file descriptors again. Note that the replacement function has to close
4230the underlying OS handle. 4610the underlying OS handle.
4611
4612=item EV_USE_WSASOCKET
4613
4614If defined to be C<1>, libev will use C<WSASocket> to create its internal
4615communication socket, which works better in some environments. Otherwise,
4616the normal C<socket> function will be used, which works better in other
4617environments.
4231 4618
4232=item EV_USE_POLL 4619=item EV_USE_POLL
4233 4620
4234If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2) 4621If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
4235backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 4622backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
4271If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 4658If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
4272interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will 4659interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
4273be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers 4660be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers
4274indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled. 4661indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
4275 4662
4663=item EV_NO_SMP
4664
4665If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that memory is always coherent
4666between threads, that is, threads can be used, but threads never run on
4667different cpus (or different cpu cores). This reduces dependencies
4668and makes libev faster.
4669
4670=item EV_NO_THREADS
4671
4672If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that it will never be called from
4673different threads (that includes signal handlers), which is a stronger
4674assumption than C<EV_NO_SMP>, above. This reduces dependencies and makes
4675libev faster.
4676
4276=item EV_ATOMIC_T 4677=item EV_ATOMIC_T
4277 4678
4278Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose 4679Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
4279access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such 4680access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No
4280type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type 4681such type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own
4281that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking" 4682type that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal
4282as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers. 4683handler "locking" as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async>
4684watchers.
4283 4685
4284In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 4686In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
4285(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms. 4687(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
4286 4688
4287=item EV_H (h) 4689=item EV_H (h)
4314will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 4716will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
4315additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 4717additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
4316for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 4718for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
4317argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 4719argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
4318 4720
4721Note that C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_> will no longer provide a
4722default loop when multiplicity is switched off - you always have to
4723initialise the loop manually in this case.
4724
4319=item EV_MINPRI 4725=item EV_MINPRI
4320 4726
4321=item EV_MAXPRI 4727=item EV_MAXPRI
4322 4728
4323The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to 4729The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
4359 #define EV_USE_POLL 1 4765 #define EV_USE_POLL 1
4360 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1 4766 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
4361 #define EV_ASYNC_ENABLE 1 4767 #define EV_ASYNC_ENABLE 1
4362 4768
4363The actual value is a bitset, it can be a combination of the following 4769The actual value is a bitset, it can be a combination of the following
4364values: 4770values (by default, all of these are enabled):
4365 4771
4366=over 4 4772=over 4
4367 4773
4368=item C<1> - faster/larger code 4774=item C<1> - faster/larger code
4369 4775
4373code size by roughly 30% on amd64). 4779code size by roughly 30% on amd64).
4374 4780
4375When optimising for size, use of compiler flags such as C<-Os> with 4781When optimising for size, use of compiler flags such as C<-Os> with
4376gcc is recommended, as well as C<-DNDEBUG>, as libev contains a number of 4782gcc is recommended, as well as C<-DNDEBUG>, as libev contains a number of
4377assertions. 4783assertions.
4784
4785The default is off when C<__OPTIMIZE_SIZE__> is defined by your compiler
4786(e.g. gcc with C<-Os>).
4378 4787
4379=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures 4788=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures
4380 4789
4381Replaces the small 2-heap for timer management by a faster 4-heap, larger 4790Replaces the small 2-heap for timer management by a faster 4-heap, larger
4382hash table sizes and so on. This will usually further increase code size 4791hash table sizes and so on. This will usually further increase code size
4383and can additionally have an effect on the size of data structures at 4792and can additionally have an effect on the size of data structures at
4384runtime. 4793runtime.
4385 4794
4795The default is off when C<__OPTIMIZE_SIZE__> is defined by your compiler
4796(e.g. gcc with C<-Os>).
4797
4386=item C<4> - full API configuration 4798=item C<4> - full API configuration
4387 4799
4388This enables priorities (sets C<EV_MAXPRI>=2 and C<EV_MINPRI>=-2), and 4800This enables priorities (sets C<EV_MAXPRI>=2 and C<EV_MINPRI>=-2), and
4389enables multiplicity (C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>=1). 4801enables multiplicity (C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>=1).
4390 4802
4420 4832
4421With an intelligent-enough linker (gcc+binutils are intelligent enough 4833With an intelligent-enough linker (gcc+binutils are intelligent enough
4422when you use C<-Wl,--gc-sections -ffunction-sections>) functions unused by 4834when you use C<-Wl,--gc-sections -ffunction-sections>) functions unused by
4423your program might be left out as well - a binary starting a timer and an 4835your program might be left out as well - a binary starting a timer and an
4424I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb. 4836I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb.
4837
4838=item EV_API_STATIC
4839
4840If this symbol is defined (by default it is not), then all identifiers
4841will have static linkage. This means that libev will not export any
4842identifiers, and you cannot link against libev anymore. This can be useful
4843when you embed libev, only want to use libev functions in a single file,
4844and do not want its identifiers to be visible.
4845
4846To use this, define C<EV_API_STATIC> and include F<ev.c> in the file that
4847wants to use libev.
4848
4849This option only works when libev is compiled with a C compiler, as C++
4850doesn't support the required declaration syntax.
4425 4851
4426=item EV_AVOID_STDIO 4852=item EV_AVOID_STDIO
4427 4853
4428If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio 4854If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio
4429functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the code size 4855functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the code size
4573And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 4999And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
4574 5000
4575 #include "ev_cpp.h" 5001 #include "ev_cpp.h"
4576 #include "ev.c" 5002 #include "ev.c"
4577 5003
4578=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS OR LIBRARIES 5004=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS, LIBRARIES OR THE ENVIRONMENT
4579 5005
4580=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES 5006=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES
4581 5007
4582=head3 THREADS 5008=head3 THREADS
4583 5009
4634default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop 5060default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
4635watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal. 5061watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
4636 5062
4637=back 5063=back
4638 5064
4639See also L<THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE>. 5065See also L</THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE>.
4640 5066
4641=head3 COROUTINES 5067=head3 COROUTINES
4642 5068
4643Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 5069Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
4644libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different 5070libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
4809requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 5235requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
4810model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 5236model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
4811the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 5237the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
4812descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 5238descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
4813e.g. cygwin. Actually, it only applies to the microsofts own compilers, 5239e.g. cygwin. Actually, it only applies to the microsofts own compilers,
4814as every compielr comes with a slightly differently broken/incompatible 5240as every compiler comes with a slightly differently broken/incompatible
4815environment. 5241environment.
4816 5242
4817Lifting these limitations would basically require the full 5243Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
4818re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into this kind of thing, 5244re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into this kind of thing,
4819then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable way (note 5245then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable way (note
4913structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also 5339structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
4914assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher 5340assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
4915callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev 5341callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
4916calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally. 5342calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
4917 5343
5344=item null pointers and integer zero are represented by 0 bytes
5345
5346Libev uses C<memset> to initialise structs and arrays to C<0> bytes, and
5347relies on this setting pointers and integers to null.
5348
4918=item pointer accesses must be thread-atomic 5349=item pointer accesses must be thread-atomic
4919 5350
4920Accessing a pointer value must be atomic, it must both be readable and 5351Accessing a pointer value must be atomic, it must both be readable and
4921writable in one piece - this is the case on all current architectures. 5352writable in one piece - this is the case on all current architectures.
4922 5353
4935thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would 5366thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would
4936be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and 5367be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and
4937C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however. 5368C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however.
4938 5369
4939The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads 5370The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads
4940except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as 5371except the initial one, and run the signal handling loop in the initial
4941well. 5372thread as well.
4942 5373
4943=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes 5374=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
4944 5375
4945To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally 5376To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally
4946instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX 5377instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX
4952 5383
4953The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to 5384The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
4954have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is 5385have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is
4955good enough for at least into the year 4000 with millisecond accuracy 5386good enough for at least into the year 4000 with millisecond accuracy
4956(the design goal for libev). This requirement is overfulfilled by 5387(the design goal for libev). This requirement is overfulfilled by
4957implementations using IEEE 754, which is basically all existing ones. With 5388implementations using IEEE 754, which is basically all existing ones.
5389
4958IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least 2200. 5390With IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least the
5391year 2255 (and millisecond accuracy till the year 287396 - by then, libev
5392is either obsolete or somebody patched it to use C<long double> or
5393something like that, just kidding).
4959 5394
4960=back 5395=back
4961 5396
4962If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 5397If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
4963 5398
5025=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers) 5460=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
5026 5461
5027=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number) 5462=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
5028 5463
5029Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send> 5464Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
5030calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events 5465calls in the current loop iteration and the loop is currently
5466blocked. Checking for async and signal events involves iterating over all
5031involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers. 5467running async watchers or all signal numbers.
5032 5468
5033=back 5469=back
5034 5470
5035 5471
5036=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X 5472=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X
5045=over 4 5481=over 4
5046 5482
5047=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism 5483=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
5048 5484
5049The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by 5485The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
5050C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L<PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L<EMBEDDING> 5486C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L</"PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS"> in the L</EMBEDDING>
5051section. 5487section.
5052 5488
5053=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed 5489=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed
5054 5490
5055These calls can be replaced easily by their C<ev_loop_xxx> counterparts: 5491These calls can be replaced easily by their C<ev_loop_xxx> counterparts:
5098=over 4 5534=over 4
5099 5535
5100=item active 5536=item active
5101 5537
5102A watcher is active as long as it has been started and not yet stopped. 5538A watcher is active as long as it has been started and not yet stopped.
5103See L<WATCHER STATES> for details. 5539See L</WATCHER STATES> for details.
5104 5540
5105=item application 5541=item application
5106 5542
5107In this document, an application is whatever is using libev. 5543In this document, an application is whatever is using libev.
5108 5544
5144watchers and events. 5580watchers and events.
5145 5581
5146=item pending 5582=item pending
5147 5583
5148A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been 5584A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been
5149detected. See L<WATCHER STATES> for details. 5585detected. See L</WATCHER STATES> for details.
5150 5586
5151=item real time 5587=item real time
5152 5588
5153The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :) 5589The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
5154 5590
5155=item wall-clock time 5591=item wall-clock time
5156 5592
5157The time and date as shown on clocks. Unlike real time, it can actually 5593The time and date as shown on clocks. Unlike real time, it can actually
5158be wrong and jump forwards and backwards, e.g. when the you adjust your 5594be wrong and jump forwards and backwards, e.g. when you adjust your
5159clock. 5595clock.
5160 5596
5161=item watcher 5597=item watcher
5162 5598
5163A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need 5599A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need
5166=back 5602=back
5167 5603
5168=head1 AUTHOR 5604=head1 AUTHOR
5169 5605
5170Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael 5606Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael
5171Magnusson and Emanuele Giaquinta. 5607Magnusson and Emanuele Giaquinta, and minor corrections by many others.
5172 5608

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