ViewVC Help
View File | Revision Log | Show Annotations | Download File
/cvs/libev/ev.pod
(Generate patch)

Comparing libev/ev.pod (file contents):
Revision 1.45 by root, Mon Nov 26 09:52:09 2007 UTC vs.
Revision 1.120 by root, Fri Jan 25 15:45:09 2008 UTC

4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
8 8
9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10
11 #include <ev.h>
12
13 ev_io stdin_watcher;
14 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
15
16 /* called when data readable on stdin */
17 static void
18 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents)
19 {
20 /* puts ("stdin ready"); */
21 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); /* just a syntax example */
22 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); /* leave all loop calls */
23 }
24
25 static void
26 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
27 {
28 /* puts ("timeout"); */
29 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); /* leave one loop call */
30 }
31
32 int
33 main (void)
34 {
35 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
36
37 /* initialise an io watcher, then start it */
38 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
39 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
40
41 /* simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout */
42 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
43 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
44
45 /* loop till timeout or data ready */
46 ev_loop (loop, 0);
47
48 return 0;
49 }
50
9=head1 DESCRIPTION 51=head1 DESCRIPTION
10 52
53The newest version of this document is also available as a html-formatted
54web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
55time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>.
56
11Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 57Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
12file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage 58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
13these event sources and provide your program with events. 59these event sources and provide your program with events.
14 60
15To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process 61To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process
16(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then 62(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then
17communicate events via a callback mechanism. 63communicate events via a callback mechanism.
19You register interest in certain events by registering so-called I<event 65You register interest in certain events by registering so-called I<event
20watchers>, which are relatively small C structures you initialise with the 66watchers>, which are relatively small C structures you initialise with the
21details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the 67details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the
22watcher. 68watcher.
23 69
24=head1 FEATURES 70=head2 FEATURES
25 71
26Libev supports select, poll, the linux-specific epoll and the bsd-specific 72Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
27kqueue mechanisms for file descriptor events, relative timers, absolute 73BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
28timers with customised rescheduling, signal events, process status change 74for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
29events (related to SIGCHLD), and event watchers dealing with the event 75(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers
30loop mechanism itself (idle, prepare and check watchers). It also is quite 76with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals
77(C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and event
78watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>,
79C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as
80file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events
81(C<ev_fork>).
82
83It also is quite fast (see this
31fast (see this L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing 84L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
32it to libevent for example). 85for example).
33 86
34=head1 CONVENTIONS 87=head2 CONVENTIONS
35 88
36Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration 89Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will
37will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info 90be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about
38about various configuration options please have a look at the file 91various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in
39F<README.embed> in the libev distribution. If libev was configured without 92this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event
40support for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial 93loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop>
41argument of name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) 94(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument.
42will not have this argument.
43 95
44=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION 96=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
45 97
46Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 98Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
47(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 99(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
48the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 100the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
49called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 101called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
50to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 102to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
51it, you should treat it as such. 103it, you should treat it as some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name
52 104component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
105throughout libev.
53 106
54=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 107=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
55 108
56These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 109These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
57library in any way. 110library in any way.
62 115
63Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 116Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
64C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp 117C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
65you actually want to know. 118you actually want to know.
66 119
120=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
121
122Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
123either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
124this is a subsecond-resolution C<sleep ()>.
125
67=item int ev_version_major () 126=item int ev_version_major ()
68 127
69=item int ev_version_minor () 128=item int ev_version_minor ()
70 129
71You can find out the major and minor version numbers of the library 130You can find out the major and minor ABI version numbers of the library
72you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and 131you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and
73C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global 132C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global
74symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the 133symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the
75version of the library your program was compiled against. 134version of the library your program was compiled against.
76 135
136These version numbers refer to the ABI version of the library, not the
137release version.
138
77Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch, 139Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch,
78as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 140as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
79compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 141compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
80not a problem. 142not a problem.
81 143
82Example: make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 144Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
83version: 145version.
84 146
85 assert (("libev version mismatch", 147 assert (("libev version mismatch",
86 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 148 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
87 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 149 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
88 150
118 180
119See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 181See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
120 182
121=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 183=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
122 184
123Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar to the 185Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
124realloc C function, the semantics are identical). It is used to allocate 186semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to
125and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when memory 187allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when
126needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some potentially 188memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some
127destructive action. The default is your system realloc function. 189potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc
190function.
128 191
129You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 192You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
130free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 193free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
131or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 194or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
132 195
133Example: replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 196Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
134retries: better than mine). 197retries).
135 198
136 static void * 199 static void *
137 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, long size) 200 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
138 { 201 {
139 for (;;) 202 for (;;)
140 { 203 {
141 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size); 204 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size);
142 205
158callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 221callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no
159matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 222matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
160requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 223requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
161(such as abort). 224(such as abort).
162 225
163Example: do the same thing as libev does internally: 226Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
164 227
165 static void 228 static void
166 fatal_error (const char *msg) 229 fatal_error (const char *msg)
167 { 230 {
168 perror (msg); 231 perror (msg);
197flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 260flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards).
198 261
199If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 262If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
200function. 263function.
201 264
265The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and
266C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler
267for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your app you can either
268create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you
269can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling
270C<ev_default_init>.
271
202The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 272The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
203backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). 273backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
204 274
205The following flags are supported: 275The following flags are supported:
206 276
218C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 288C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
219override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 289override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
220useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 290useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
221around bugs. 291around bugs.
222 292
293=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
294
295Instead of calling C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork> manually after
296a fork, you can also make libev check for a fork in each iteration by
297enabling this flag.
298
299This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
300and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
301iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
302Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
303without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my Linux system also has
304C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
305
306The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
307forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
308flag.
309
310This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
311environment variable.
312
223=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 313=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
224 314
225This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 315This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
226libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 316libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
227but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 317but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
228using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its usually 318using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its
229the fastest backend for a low number of fds. 319usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.
320
321To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of
322parallelity (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are
323writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many
324connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have
325a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of
326readyness notifications you get per iteration.
230 327
231=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows) 328=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
232 329
233And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated than 330And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
234select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial limit on the 331than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
235number of fds you can use (except it will slow down considerably with a 332limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down
236lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, i.e. O(total_fds). 333considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select,
334i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for
335performance tips.
237 336
238=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 337=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
239 338
240For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 339For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
241but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like 340but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
242O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), epoll scales 341like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
243either O(1) or O(active_fds). 342epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number
343of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
344cases and rewiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad
345support for dup.
244 346
245While stopping and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration will 347While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
246result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 348will result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident
247(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 349(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
248best to avoid that. Also, dup()ed file descriptors might not work very 350best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
249well if you register events for both fds. 351very well if you register events for both fds.
250 352
251Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 353Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
252need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data 354need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
253(or space) is available. 355(or space) is available.
254 356
357Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
358watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e.
359keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times.
360
361While nominally embeddeble in other event loops, this feature is broken in
362all kernel versions tested so far.
363
255=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 364=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
256 365
257Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 366Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
258was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work with 367was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably
259anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course its 368with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
260completely useless). For this reason its not being "autodetected" 369it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected"
261unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 370unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using
262C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>). 371C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
372system like NetBSD.
373
374You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
375only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
376the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
263 377
264It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 378It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
265kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 379kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
266course). While starting and stopping an I/O watcher does not cause an 380course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
267extra syscall as with epoll, it still adds up to four event changes per 381cause an extra syscall as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
268incident, so its best to avoid that. 382two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it
383drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
384
385This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
386
387While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
388everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
389almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets
390(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop
391(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and using it only for
392sockets.
269 393
270=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 394=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
271 395
272This is not implemented yet (and might never be). 396This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an
397implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets
398and is not embeddable, which would limit the usefulness of this backend
399immensely.
273 400
274=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 401=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
275 402
276This uses the Solaris 10 port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 403This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
277it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 404it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
278 405
279Please note that solaris ports can result in a lot of spurious 406Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
280notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid 407notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
281blocking when no data (or space) is available. 408blocking when no data (or space) is available.
409
410While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
411file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
412descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
413might perform better.
414
415On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readyness notifications, this
416backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully
417embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends.
282 418
283=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 419=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
284 420
285Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 421Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
286with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 422with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
287C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 423C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
288 424
425It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
426
289=back 427=back
290 428
291If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 429If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these
292backends will be tried (in the reverse order as given here). If none are 430backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are
293specified, most compiled-in backend will be tried, usually in reverse 431specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
294order of their flag values :)
295 432
296The most typical usage is like this: 433The most typical usage is like this:
297 434
298 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 435 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
299 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 436 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
314Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 451Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
315always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 452always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
316handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by 453handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
317undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 454undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
318 455
319Example: try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 456Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
320 457
321 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 458 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
322 if (!epoller) 459 if (!epoller)
323 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 460 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
324 461
327Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 464Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
328etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 465etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
329sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 466sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
330responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 467responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before>
331calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 468calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
332the easiest thing, youc na just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 469the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
333for example). 470for example).
471
472Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by
473this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers)
474would need to be stopped manually.
475
476In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the
477rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling
478pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
479C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).
334 480
335=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 481=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
336 482
337Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 483Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
338earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 484earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
339 485
340=item ev_default_fork () 486=item ev_default_fork ()
341 487
488This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_loop> iterations
342This function reinitialises the kernel state for backends that have 489to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
343one. Despite the name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense 490name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in
344after forking, in either the parent or child process (or both, but that 491the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little
345again makes little sense). 492sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev
493functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration.
346 494
347You I<must> call this function in the child process after forking if and 495On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
348only if you want to use the event library in both processes. If you just 496process if and only if you want to use the event library in the child. If
349fork+exec, you don't have to call it. 497you just fork+exec, you don't have to call it at all.
350 498
351The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 499The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
352it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 500it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in
353quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>: 501quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
354 502
355 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 503 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork);
356 504
357At the moment, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL> are safe to use
358without calling this function, so if you force one of those backends you
359do not need to care.
360
361=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 505=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
362 506
363Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 507Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
364C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 508C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
365after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 509after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
510
511=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
512
513Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
514the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
515happily wraps around with enough iterations.
516
517This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
518"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
519C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls.
366 520
367=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 521=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
368 522
369Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 523Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
370use. 524use.
373 527
374Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop 528Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop
375received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 529received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
376change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 530change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base
377time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the 531time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
378event occuring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 532event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
379 533
380=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 534=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
381 535
382Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 536Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
383after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 537after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
404libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 558libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
405usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 559usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
406 560
407Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 561Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
408 562
409 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 563 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
410 - Queue prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 564 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
565 - If a fork was detected, queue and call all fork watchers.
566 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
411 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 567 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
412 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 568 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
413 - Update the "event loop time". 569 - Update the "event loop time".
414 - Calculate for how long to block. 570 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
571 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having
572 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
573 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
415 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 574 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
416 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 575 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
417 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling. 576 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling.
418 - Queue all outstanding timers. 577 - Queue all outstanding timers.
419 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 578 - Queue all outstanding periodics.
420 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 579 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
421 - Queue all check watchers. 580 - Queue all check watchers.
422 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 581 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
423 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 582 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
424 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 583 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
425 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 584 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
426 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *. 585 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise
586 continue with step *.
427 587
428Example: queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding 588Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
429anymore. 589anymore.
430 590
431 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 591 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
432 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 592 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
433 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 593 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
437 597
438Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 598Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it
439has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 599has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
440C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 600C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or
441C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 601C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.
602
603This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again.
442 604
443=item ev_ref (loop) 605=item ev_ref (loop)
444 606
445=item ev_unref (loop) 607=item ev_unref (loop)
446 608
451returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For 613returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For
452example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not 614example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not
453visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 615visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if
454no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 616no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent
455way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 617way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party
456libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>. 618libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>
619(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before,
620respectively).
457 621
458Example: create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 622Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
459running when nothing else is active. 623running when nothing else is active.
460 624
461 struct dv_signal exitsig; 625 struct ev_signal exitsig;
462 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 626 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
463 ev_signal_start (myloop, &exitsig); 627 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
464 evf_unref (myloop); 628 evf_unref (loop);
465 629
466Example: for some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 630Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
467 631
468 ev_ref (myloop); 632 ev_ref (loop);
469 ev_signal_stop (myloop, &exitsig); 633 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
634
635=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
636
637=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
638
639These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
640for events. Both are by default C<0>, meaning that libev will try to
641invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency.
642
643Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>)
644allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks to
645increase efficiency of loop iterations.
646
647The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to
648handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes
649the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
650events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
651overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
652
653By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
654time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
655at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
656C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
657introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations.
658
659Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
660to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
661latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers
662will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce
663any overhead in libev.
664
665Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect
666interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
667interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
668usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
669as this approsaches the timing granularity of most systems.
470 670
471=back 671=back
472 672
473 673
474=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 674=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
544The signal specified in the C<ev_signal> watcher has been received by a thread. 744The signal specified in the C<ev_signal> watcher has been received by a thread.
545 745
546=item C<EV_CHILD> 746=item C<EV_CHILD>
547 747
548The pid specified in the C<ev_child> watcher has received a status change. 748The pid specified in the C<ev_child> watcher has received a status change.
749
750=item C<EV_STAT>
751
752The path specified in the C<ev_stat> watcher changed its attributes somehow.
549 753
550=item C<EV_IDLE> 754=item C<EV_IDLE>
551 755
552The C<ev_idle> watcher has determined that you have nothing better to do. 756The C<ev_idle> watcher has determined that you have nothing better to do.
553 757
561received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 765received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as
562many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account 766many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account
563(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep 767(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep
564C<ev_loop> from blocking). 768C<ev_loop> from blocking).
565 769
770=item C<EV_EMBED>
771
772The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
773
774=item C<EV_FORK>
775
776The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
777C<ev_fork>).
778
566=item C<EV_ERROR> 779=item C<EV_ERROR>
567 780
568An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 781An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might
569happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 782happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
570ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 783ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
641=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher) 854=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
642 855
643Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding 856Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding
644events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher 857events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher
645is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but 858is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but
646C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe) and you must make sure the watcher is available to 859C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
647libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 860make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
861it).
648 862
649=item callback = ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 863=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
650 864
651Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 865Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
652 866
653=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 867=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
654 868
655Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 869Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
656(modulo threads). 870(modulo threads).
871
872=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority)
873
874=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
875
876Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
877integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
878(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
879before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
880from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
881
882This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
883invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
884example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
885watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
886
887If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
888you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
889
890You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
891pending.
892
893The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
894always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
895
896Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
897fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
898or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
899
900=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
901
902Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
903C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
904can deal with that fact.
905
906=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
907
908If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status
909and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
910watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
657 911
658=back 912=back
659 913
660 914
661=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 915=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
682 { 936 {
683 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 937 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
684 ... 938 ...
685 } 939 }
686 940
687More interesting and less C-conformant ways of catsing your callback type 941More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
688have been omitted.... 942instead have been omitted.
943
944Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple
945watchers:
946
947 struct my_biggy
948 {
949 int some_data;
950 ev_timer t1;
951 ev_timer t2;
952 }
953
954In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated,
955you need to use C<offsetof>:
956
957 #include <stddef.h>
958
959 static void
960 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
961 {
962 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
963 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
964 }
965
966 static void
967 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
968 {
969 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
970 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
971 }
689 972
690 973
691=head1 WATCHER TYPES 974=head1 WATCHER TYPES
692 975
693This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 976This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
694information given in the last section. 977information given in the last section. Any initialisation/set macros,
978functions and members specific to the watcher type are explained.
979
980Members are additionally marked with either I<[read-only]>, meaning that,
981while the watcher is active, you can look at the member and expect some
982sensible content, but you must not modify it (you can modify it while the
983watcher is stopped to your hearts content), or I<[read-write]>, which
984means you can expect it to have some sensible content while the watcher
985is active, but you can also modify it. Modifying it may not do something
986sensible or take immediate effect (or do anything at all), but libev will
987not crash or malfunction in any way.
695 988
696 989
697=head2 C<ev_io> - is this file descriptor readable or writable? 990=head2 C<ev_io> - is this file descriptor readable or writable?
698 991
699I/O watchers check whether a file descriptor is readable or writable 992I/O watchers check whether a file descriptor is readable or writable
706 999
707In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 1000In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
708fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 1001fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
709descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1002descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
710required if you know what you are doing). 1003required if you know what you are doing).
711
712You have to be careful with dup'ed file descriptors, though. Some backends
713(the linux epoll backend is a notable example) cannot handle dup'ed file
714descriptors correctly if you register interest in two or more fds pointing
715to the same underlying file/socket/etc. description (that is, they share
716the same underlying "file open").
717 1004
718If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 1005If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend
719(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and 1006(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and
720C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1007C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
721 1008
728it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 1015it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
729C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 1016C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
730 1017
731If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 1018If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not
732play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 1019play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test
733wether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 1020whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface
734such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 1021such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
735its own, so its quite safe to use). 1022its own, so its quite safe to use).
1023
1024=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1025
1026Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
1027descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means,
1028such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
1029descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
1030this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
1031registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
1032fact, a different file descriptor.
1033
1034To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows
1035the following policy: Each time C<ev_io_set> is being called, libev
1036will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise
1037it is assumed that the file descriptor stays the same. That means that
1038you I<have> to call C<ev_io_set> (or C<ev_io_init>) when you change the
1039descriptor even if the file descriptor number itself did not change.
1040
1041This is how one would do it normally anyway, the important point is that
1042the libev application should not optimise around libev but should leave
1043optimisations to libev.
1044
1045=head3 The special problem of dup'ed file descriptors
1046
1047Some backends (e.g. epoll), cannot register events for file descriptors,
1048but only events for the underlying file descriptions. That means when you
1049have C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors or weirder constellations, and register
1050events for them, only one file descriptor might actually receive events.
1051
1052There is no workaround possible except not registering events
1053for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to
1054C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1055
1056=head3 The special problem of fork
1057
1058Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit
1059useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about
1060it in the child.
1061
1062To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
1063C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,
1064enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1065C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1066
1067
1068=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
736 1069
737=over 4 1070=over 4
738 1071
739=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1072=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
740 1073
742 1075
743Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to 1076Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to
744rceeive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or 1077rceeive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
745C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 1078C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events.
746 1079
1080=item int fd [read-only]
1081
1082The file descriptor being watched.
1083
1084=item int events [read-only]
1085
1086The events being watched.
1087
747=back 1088=back
748 1089
1090=head3 Examples
1091
749Example: call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1092Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
750readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1093readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
751attempt to read a whole line in the callback: 1094attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
752 1095
753 static void 1096 static void
754 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1097 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
755 { 1098 {
756 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1099 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
786 1129
787The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1130The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed,
788but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1131but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
789order of execution is undefined. 1132order of execution is undefined.
790 1133
1134=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1135
791=over 4 1136=over 4
792 1137
793=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1138=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
794 1139
795=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1140=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
808=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1153=item ev_timer_again (loop)
809 1154
810This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1155This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
811repeating. The exact semantics are: 1156repeating. The exact semantics are:
812 1157
1158If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1159
813If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it. 1160If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
814 1161
815If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat 1162If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
816value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value. 1163C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
817 1164
818This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1165This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
819example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle 1166example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle
820timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60 1167timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
821seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to 1168seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
822configure an C<ev_timer> with after=repeat=60 and calling ev_timer_again each 1169configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
823time you successfully read or write some data. If you go into an idle 1170C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
824state where you do not expect data to travel on the socket, you can stop 1171you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
825the timer, and again will automatically restart it if need be. 1172socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
1173automatically restart it if need be.
1174
1175That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
1176altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
1177
1178 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
1179 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1180 ...
1181 timer->again = 17.;
1182 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1183 ...
1184 timer->again = 10.;
1185 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1186
1187This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1188you want to modify its timeout value.
1189
1190=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1191
1192The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1193or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
1194which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
826 1195
827=back 1196=back
828 1197
1198=head3 Examples
1199
829Example: create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1200Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
830 1201
831 static void 1202 static void
832 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1203 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
833 { 1204 {
834 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1205 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
836 1207
837 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1208 struct ev_timer mytimer;
838 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1209 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
839 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1210 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
840 1211
841Example: create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1212Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
842inactivity. 1213inactivity.
843 1214
844 static void 1215 static void
845 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1216 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
846 { 1217 {
866but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1237but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
867to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1238to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
868periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now () 1239periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now ()
869+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 1240+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will
870take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger 1241take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger
871roughly 10 seconds later and of course not if you reset your system time 1242roughly 10 seconds later).
872again).
873 1243
874They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1244They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as
875triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 1245triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated,
1246rules.
876 1247
877As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1248As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the
878time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1249time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
879during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1250during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
880 1251
1252=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1253
881=over 4 1254=over 4
882 1255
883=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1256=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
884 1257
885=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1258=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb)
887Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1260Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
888operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1261operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
889 1262
890=over 4 1263=over 4
891 1264
892=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1265=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
893 1266
894In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1267In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time
895C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1268C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs,
896that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1269that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the
897system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1270system time reaches or surpasses this time.
898 1271
899=item * non-repeating interval timer (interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1272=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
900 1273
901In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1274In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
902C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N) and then repeat, regardless 1275C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
903of any time jumps. 1276and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
904 1277
905This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1278This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system
906time: 1279time:
907 1280
908 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1281 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
914 1287
915Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1288Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
916C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1289C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
917time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1290time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
918 1291
1292For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1293C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1294this value.
1295
919=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 1296=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
920 1297
921In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1298In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
922ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1299ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
923reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1300reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
924current time as second argument. 1301current time as second argument.
925 1302
926NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1303NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
927ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1304ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it,
928return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by 1305return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
929starting a prepare watcher). 1306starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
930 1307
931Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1308Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,
932ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1309ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
933 1310
934 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1311 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
957Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1334Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
958when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1335when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
959a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1336a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
960program when the crontabs have changed). 1337program when the crontabs have changed).
961 1338
1339=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1340
1341When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1342absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1343
1344Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1345timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1346
1347=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1348
1349The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1350take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1351called.
1352
1353=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1354
1355The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1356switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1357the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1358
1359=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1360
1361When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1362trigger next.
1363
962=back 1364=back
963 1365
1366=head3 Examples
1367
964Example: call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1368Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
965system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1369system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
966potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1370potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability.
967 1371
968 static void 1372 static void
969 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1373 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
973 1377
974 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1378 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
975 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1379 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
976 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1380 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
977 1381
978Example: the same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1382Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
979 1383
980 #include <math.h> 1384 #include <math.h>
981 1385
982 static ev_tstamp 1386 static ev_tstamp
983 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1387 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
985 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1389 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;
986 } 1390 }
987 1391
988 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1392 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
989 1393
990Example: call a callback every hour, starting now: 1394Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
991 1395
992 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1396 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
993 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1397 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
994 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1398 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
995 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1399 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1007with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1411with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long
1008as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1412as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal
1009watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1413watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
1010SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1414SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1011 1415
1416=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1417
1012=over 4 1418=over 4
1013 1419
1014=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 1420=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
1015 1421
1016=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum) 1422=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)
1017 1423
1018Configures the watcher to trigger on the given signal number (usually one 1424Configures the watcher to trigger on the given signal number (usually one
1019of the C<SIGxxx> constants). 1425of the C<SIGxxx> constants).
1020 1426
1427=item int signum [read-only]
1428
1429The signal the watcher watches out for.
1430
1021=back 1431=back
1022 1432
1023 1433
1024=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1434=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1025 1435
1026Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1436Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1027some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1437some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies).
1028 1438
1439=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1440
1029=over 4 1441=over 4
1030 1442
1031=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 1443=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid, int trace)
1032 1444
1033=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid) 1445=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid, int trace)
1034 1446
1035Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or 1447Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or
1036I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look 1448I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look
1037at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see 1449at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see
1038the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems 1450the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems
1039C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the 1451C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the
1040process causing the status change. 1452process causing the status change. C<trace> must be either C<0> (only
1453activate the watcher when the process terminates) or C<1> (additionally
1454activate the watcher when the process is stopped or continued).
1455
1456=item int pid [read-only]
1457
1458The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id.
1459
1460=item int rpid [read-write]
1461
1462The process id that detected a status change.
1463
1464=item int rstatus [read-write]
1465
1466The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1467C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1041 1468
1042=back 1469=back
1043 1470
1471=head3 Examples
1472
1044Example: try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1473Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1045 1474
1046 static void 1475 static void
1047 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1476 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1048 { 1477 {
1049 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1478 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1052 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1481 struct ev_signal signal_watcher;
1053 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1482 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1054 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1483 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb);
1055 1484
1056 1485
1486=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1487
1488This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1489C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed
1490compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did.
1491
1492The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1493not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1494not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is
1495otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of
1496the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1497
1498The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1499relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1500
1501Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply
1502calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You
1503can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify
1504a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,
1505unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around
1506five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also
1507impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats
1508usually overkill.
1509
1510This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1511as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1512resource-intensive.
1513
1514At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1515implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the
1516reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the
1517semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
1518to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1519usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1520polling.
1521
1522=head3 Inotify
1523
1524When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only
1525available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up
1526change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily
1527when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1528
1529Inotify presense does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1530except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1531making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presense of inotify support
1532there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling.
1533
1534(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1535implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1536descriptor open on the object at all times).
1537
1538=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1539
1540The C<stat ()> syscall only supports full-second resolution portably, and
1541even on systems where the resolution is higher, many filesystems still
1542only support whole seconds.
1543
1544That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you might
1545miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and calls
1546your callback, which does something. When there is another update within
1547the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it.
1548
1549The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for a second (or till
1550the next second boundary), using a roughly one-second delay C<ev_timer>
1551(C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.01); ev_timer_again (loop, w)>). The C<.01>
1552is added to work around small timing inconsistencies of some operating
1553systems.
1554
1555=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1556
1557=over 4
1558
1559=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1560
1561=item ev_stat_set (ev_stat *, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1562
1563Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of the given
1564C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to
1565be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose
1566a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1567path for as long as the watcher is active.
1568
1569The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected,
1570relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the
1571last change was detected).
1572
1573=item ev_stat_stat (ev_stat *)
1574
1575Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1576watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid
1577detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be
1578useful simply to find out the new values.
1579
1580=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1581
1582The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of
1583C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types
1584suitable for your system. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there
1585was some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1586
1587=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1588
1589The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1590C<prev> != C<attr>.
1591
1592=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1593
1594The specified interval.
1595
1596=item const char *path [read-only]
1597
1598The filesystem path that is being watched.
1599
1600=back
1601
1602=head3 Examples
1603
1604Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1605
1606 static void
1607 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1608 {
1609 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1610 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1611 {
1612 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1613 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1614 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1615 }
1616 else
1617 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1618 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1619 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1620 }
1621
1622 ...
1623 ev_stat passwd;
1624
1625 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1626 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1627
1628Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1629miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1630one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1631C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1632
1633 static ev_stat passwd;
1634 static ev_timer timer;
1635
1636 static void
1637 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1638 {
1639 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1640
1641 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1642 }
1643
1644 static void
1645 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1646 {
1647 /* reset the one-second timer */
1648 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1649 }
1650
1651 ...
1652 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1653 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1654 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.01);
1655
1656
1057=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1657=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1058 1658
1059Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1659Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1060(prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count). That is, as long 1660priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
1061as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1661count).
1062imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1662
1063watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration - 1663That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1664(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1665triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1666are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1064until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1667iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1065busy. 1668and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
1066 1669
1067The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 1670The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
1068active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1671active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
1069 1672
1070Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1673Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1071effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do 1674effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do
1072"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 1675"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
1073event loop has handled all outstanding events. 1676event loop has handled all outstanding events.
1074 1677
1678=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1679
1075=over 4 1680=over 4
1076 1681
1077=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1682=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1078 1683
1079Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any 1684Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any
1080kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 1685kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1081believe me. 1686believe me.
1082 1687
1083=back 1688=back
1084 1689
1690=head3 Examples
1691
1085Example: dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle>, start it, and in the 1692Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1086callback, free it. Alos, use no error checking, as usual. 1693callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1087 1694
1088 static void 1695 static void
1089 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1696 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1090 { 1697 {
1091 free (w); 1698 free (w);
1136with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 1743with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine
1137of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event 1744of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
1138loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 1745loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1139low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 1746low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1140 1747
1748It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1749priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1750after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1751too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1752supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers
1753did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other
1754(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable
1755state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to
1756coexist peacefully with others).
1757
1758=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1759
1141=over 4 1760=over 4
1142 1761
1143=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1762=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
1144 1763
1145=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1764=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1148parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 1767parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1149macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1768macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1150 1769
1151=back 1770=back
1152 1771
1153Example: To include a library such as adns, you would add IO watchers 1772=head3 Examples
1154and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, as required by libadns, and 1773
1774There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1775into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1776(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1777use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib>
1778embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV
1779into the Glib event loop).
1780
1781Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1155in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows is 1782and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1156pseudo-code only of course: 1783is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1784priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1785the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1157 1786
1158 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1787 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1159 static ev_timer tw; 1788 static ev_timer tw;
1160 1789
1161 static void 1790 static void
1162 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1791 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1163 { 1792 {
1164 // set the relevant poll flags
1165 struct pollfd *fd = (struct pollfd *)w->data;
1166 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1167 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1168 } 1793 }
1169 1794
1170 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1795 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1171 static void 1796 static void
1172 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1797 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1173 { 1798 {
1174 int timeout = 3600000;truct pollfd fds [nfd]; 1799 int timeout = 3600000;
1800 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1175 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 1801 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1176 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 1802 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1177 1803
1178 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 1804 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1179 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1805 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1180 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 1806 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1181 1807
1182 // create on ev_io per pollfd 1808 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1183 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1809 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1184 { 1810 {
1185 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 1811 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1186 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 1812 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1187 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 1813 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1188 1814
1189 fds [i].revents = 0; 1815 fds [i].revents = 0;
1190 iow [i].data = fds + i;
1191 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 1816 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1192 } 1817 }
1193 } 1818 }
1194 1819
1195 // stop all watchers after blocking 1820 // stop all watchers after blocking
1197 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 1822 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1198 { 1823 {
1199 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 1824 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1200 1825
1201 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1826 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1827 {
1828 // set the relevant poll flags
1829 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1830 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1831 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1832 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1833 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1834
1835 // now stop the watcher
1202 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 1836 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1837 }
1203 1838
1204 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 1839 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1840 }
1841
1842Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1843in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1844
1845Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1846notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1847callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1848
1849 static void
1850 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1851 {
1852 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1853 update_now (EV_A);
1854
1855 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1856 }
1857
1858 static void
1859 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1860 {
1861 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1862 update_now (EV_A);
1863
1864 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1865 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1866 }
1867
1868 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1869
1870Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1871want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override
1872their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
1873loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
1874this.
1875
1876 static gint
1877 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1878 {
1879 int got_events = 0;
1880
1881 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1882 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1883
1884 if (timeout >= 0)
1885 // create/start timer
1886
1887 // poll
1888 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1889
1890 // stop timer again
1891 if (timeout >= 0)
1892 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1893
1894 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1895 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1896 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1897
1898 return got_events;
1205 } 1899 }
1206 1900
1207 1901
1208=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 1902=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1209 1903
1252portable one. 1946portable one.
1253 1947
1254So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared 1948So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared
1255that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around 1949that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around
1256this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to 1950this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to
1257create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything: 1951create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.
1952
1953=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1954
1955=over 4
1956
1957=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1958
1959=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1960
1961Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
1962embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1963invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1964to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
1965if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1966
1967=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1968
1969Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1970similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1971apropriate way for embedded loops.
1972
1973=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
1974
1975The embedded event loop.
1976
1977=back
1978
1979=head3 Examples
1980
1981Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default
1982event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default
1983loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the mebeddable loop is stored in
1984C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the acse no embeddable loop can be
1985used).
1258 1986
1259 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 1987 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
1260 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 1988 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
1261 struct ev_embed embed; 1989 struct ev_embed embed;
1262 1990
1273 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 2001 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1274 } 2002 }
1275 else 2003 else
1276 loop_lo = loop_hi; 2004 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1277 2005
2006Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
2007a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
2008kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2009C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2010
2011 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2012 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2013 struct ev_embed embed;
2014
2015 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2016 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2017 {
2018 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2019 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2020 }
2021
2022 if (!loop_socket)
2023 loop_socket = loop;
2024
2025 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
2026
2027
2028=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
2029
2030Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
2031whoever is a good citizen cared to tell libev about it by calling
2032C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork>). The invocation is done before the
2033event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
2034and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
2035C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
2036handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
2037
2038=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2039
1278=over 4 2040=over 4
1279 2041
1280=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2042=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1281 2043
1282=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2044Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
1283 2045kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1284Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 2046believe me.
1285embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1286invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1287to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
1288if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1289
1290=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1291
1292Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1293similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1294apropriate way for embedded loops.
1295 2047
1296=back 2048=back
1297 2049
1298 2050
1299=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2051=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
1388 2140
1389To use it, 2141To use it,
1390 2142
1391 #include <ev++.h> 2143 #include <ev++.h>
1392 2144
1393(it is not installed by default). This automatically includes F<ev.h> 2145This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
1394and puts all of its definitions (many of them macros) into the global 2146of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1395namespace. All C++ specific things are put into the C<ev> namespace. 2147put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2148options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
1396 2149
1397It should support all the same embedding options as F<ev.h>, most notably 2150Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
1398C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 2151classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
2152that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
2153you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
2154
2155Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be
2156used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only
2157need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other
2158types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing
2159it).
1399 2160
1400Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 2161Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1401 2162
1402=over 4 2163=over 4
1403 2164
1419 2180
1420All of those classes have these methods: 2181All of those classes have these methods:
1421 2182
1422=over 4 2183=over 4
1423 2184
1424=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *) 2185=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1425 2186
1426=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *, struct ev_loop *) 2187=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1427 2188
1428=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 2189=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1429 2190
1430The constructor takes a pointer to an object and a method pointer to 2191The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1431the event handler callback to call in this class. The constructor calls 2192with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
1432C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the C<set> method 2193
1433before starting it. If you do not specify a loop then the constructor 2194The constructor calls C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the
1434automatically associates the default loop with this watcher. 2195C<set> method before starting it.
2196
2197It will not set a callback, however: You have to call the templated C<set>
2198method to set a callback before you can start the watcher.
2199
2200(The reason why you have to use a method is a limitation in C++ which does
2201not allow explicit template arguments for constructors).
1435 2202
1436The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active. 2203The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active.
2204
2205=item w->set<class, &class::method> (object *)
2206
2207This method sets the callback method to call. The method has to have a
2208signature of C<void (*)(ev_TYPE &, int)>, it receives the watcher as
2209first argument and the C<revents> as second. The object must be given as
2210parameter and is stored in the C<data> member of the watcher.
2211
2212This method synthesizes efficient thunking code to call your method from
2213the C callback that libev requires. If your compiler can inline your
2214callback (i.e. it is visible to it at the place of the C<set> call and
2215your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2216thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2217
2218Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2219
2220 struct myclass
2221 {
2222 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2223 }
2224
2225 myclass obj;
2226 ev::io iow;
2227 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2228
2229=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2230
2231Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2232callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2233C<data> member and is free for you to use.
2234
2235The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2236
2237See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2238
2239Example:
2240
2241 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2242 iow.set <io_cb> ();
1437 2243
1438=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2244=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1439 2245
1440Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2246Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
1441do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2247do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1442 2248
1443=item w->set ([args]) 2249=item w->set ([args])
1444 2250
1445Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2251Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be
1446called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 2252called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1447automatically stopped and restarted. 2253automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2254method.
1448 2255
1449=item w->start () 2256=item w->start ()
1450 2257
1451Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument as the 2258Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
1452constructor already takes the loop. 2259constructor already stores the event loop.
1453 2260
1454=item w->stop () 2261=item w->stop ()
1455 2262
1456Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 2263Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1457 2264
1458=item w->again () C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only 2265=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
1459 2266
1460For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding 2267For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding
1461C<ev_TYPE_again> function. 2268C<ev_TYPE_again> function.
1462 2269
1463=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only 2270=item w->sweep () (C<ev::embed> only)
1464 2271
1465Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>. 2272Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
2273
2274=item w->update () (C<ev::stat> only)
2275
2276Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
1466 2277
1467=back 2278=back
1468 2279
1469=back 2280=back
1470 2281
1478 2289
1479 myclass (); 2290 myclass ();
1480 } 2291 }
1481 2292
1482 myclass::myclass (int fd) 2293 myclass::myclass (int fd)
1483 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb),
1484 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb)
1485 { 2294 {
2295 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2296 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2297
1486 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2298 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
1487 } 2299 }
2300
2301
2302=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2303
2304Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal
2305of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
2306functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2307
2308To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2309following macros are defined:
2310
2311=over 4
2312
2313=item C<EV_A>, C<EV_A_>
2314
2315This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2316loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
2317C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2318
2319 ev_unref (EV_A);
2320 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2321 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2322
2323It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2324which is often provided by the following macro.
2325
2326=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2327
2328This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2329loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
2330C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2331
2332 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
2333 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2334
2335 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
2336 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2337
2338It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
2339suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2340
2341=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2342
2343Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
2344loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
2345
2346=back
2347
2348Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2349macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2350or not.
2351
2352 static void
2353 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2354 {
2355 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
2356 }
2357
2358 ev_check check;
2359 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
2360 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
2361 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1488 2362
1489=head1 EMBEDDING 2363=head1 EMBEDDING
1490 2364
1491Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2365Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1492applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2366applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1493Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe) 2367Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe)
1494and rxvt-unicode. 2368and rxvt-unicode.
1495 2369
1496The goal is to enable you to just copy the neecssary files into your 2370The goal is to enable you to just copy the necessary files into your
1497source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so 2371source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so
1498you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of 2372you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of
1499libev somewhere in your source tree). 2373libev somewhere in your source tree).
1500 2374
1501=head2 FILESETS 2375=head2 FILESETS
1532 ev_vars.h 2406 ev_vars.h
1533 ev_wrap.h 2407 ev_wrap.h
1534 2408
1535 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2409 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1536 2410
1537 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is by default) 2411 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
1538 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2412 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1539 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2413 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1540 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2414 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1541 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2415 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1542 2416
1591 2465
1592If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2466If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1593monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 2467monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use
1594of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 2468of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
1595usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2469usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
1596the functionality isn't available is safe, though, althoguh you have 2470the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
1597to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 2471to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
1598function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2472function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
1599 2473
1600=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2474=item EV_USE_REALTIME
1601 2475
1602If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2476If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1603realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2477realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at
1604runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2478runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will
1605be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2479be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
1606(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See tzhe note about libraries 2480(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
1607in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 2481note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2482
2483=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2484
2485If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2486and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
1608 2487
1609=item EV_USE_SELECT 2488=item EV_USE_SELECT
1610 2489
1611If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 2490If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
1612C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 2491C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no
1630wants osf handles on win32 (this is the case when the select to 2509wants osf handles on win32 (this is the case when the select to
1631be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call 2510be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call
1632C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise, 2511C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise,
1633it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even 2512it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
1634on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms. 2513on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.
2514
2515=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE
2516
2517If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map
2518file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the
2519default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually
2520correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management,
2521in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles.
1635 2522
1636=item EV_USE_POLL 2523=item EV_USE_POLL
1637 2524
1638If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2) 2525If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
1639backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 2526backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
1667 2554
1668=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 2555=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
1669 2556
1670reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 2557reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
1671 2558
2559=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2560
2561If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2562interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2563be detected at runtime.
2564
1672=item EV_H 2565=item EV_H
1673 2566
1674The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 2567The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
1675undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This 2568undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be
1676can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 2569used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
1677 2570
1678=item EV_CONFIG_H 2571=item EV_CONFIG_H
1679 2572
1680If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override 2573If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
1681F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to 2574F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
1682C<EV_H>, above. 2575C<EV_H>, above.
1683 2576
1684=item EV_EVENT_H 2577=item EV_EVENT_H
1685 2578
1686Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea 2579Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
1687of how the F<event.h> header can be found. 2580of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">.
1688 2581
1689=item EV_PROTOTYPES 2582=item EV_PROTOTYPES
1690 2583
1691If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function 2584If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
1692prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is 2585prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
1699will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 2592will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
1700additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 2593additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
1701for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 2594for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
1702argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 2595argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
1703 2596
2597=item EV_MINPRI
2598
2599=item EV_MAXPRI
2600
2601The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
2602C<EV_MAXPRI>, but otherwise there are no non-obvious limitations. You can
2603provide for more priorities by overriding those symbols (usually defined
2604to be C<-2> and C<2>, respectively).
2605
2606When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2607all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2608and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2609fine.
2610
2611If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2612C<0> will save some memory and cpu.
2613
1704=item EV_PERIODICS 2614=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
1705 2615
1706If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported, 2616If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
1707otherwise not. This saves a few kb of code. 2617defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2618code.
2619
2620=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE
2621
2622If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
2623defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2624code.
2625
2626=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2627
2628If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
2629defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2630
2631=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
2632
2633If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
2634defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2635
2636=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
2637
2638If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
2639defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2640
2641=item EV_MINIMAL
2642
2643If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2644speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override
2645some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64.
2646
2647=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2648
2649C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2650pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2651than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to
2652increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
2653
2654=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
2655
2656C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2657inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2658usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2659watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2660two).
1708 2661
1709=item EV_COMMON 2662=item EV_COMMON
1710 2663
1711By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 2664By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
1712this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 2665this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
1725 2678
1726=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb) 2679=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb)
1727 2680
1728Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher, 2681Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher,
1729and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member 2682and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member
1730definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.v> header file for 2683definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
1731their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 2684their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
1732avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 2685avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
1733method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 2686method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2687
2688=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
2689
2690If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of
2691exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
2692all public symbols, one per line:
2693
2694 Symbols.ev for libev proper
2695 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
2696
2697This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
2698multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
2699itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this).
2700
2701A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
2702include before including F<ev.h>:
2703
2704 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
2705
2706This would create a file F<wrap.h> which essentially looks like this:
2707
2708 #define ev_backend myprefix_ev_backend
2709 #define ev_check_start myprefix_ev_check_start
2710 #define ev_check_stop myprefix_ev_check_stop
2711 ...
1734 2712
1735=head2 EXAMPLES 2713=head2 EXAMPLES
1736 2714
1737For a real-world example of a program the includes libev 2715For a real-world example of a program the includes libev
1738verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module 2716verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module
1741interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file 2719interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file
1742will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header 2720will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header
1743file. 2721file.
1744 2722
1745The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 2723The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
1746that everybody includes and which overrides some autoconf choices: 2724that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
1747 2725
2726 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
1748 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 2727 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
1749 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 2728 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
1750 #define EV_PERIODICS 0 2729 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2730 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2731 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
1751 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 2732 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2733 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2734 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
1752 2735
1753 #include "ev++.h" 2736 #include "ev++.h"
1754 2737
1755And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 2738And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
1756 2739
1757 #include "ev_cpp.h" 2740 #include "ev_cpp.h"
1758 #include "ev.c" 2741 #include "ev.c"
1759 2742
2743
2744=head1 COMPLEXITIES
2745
2746In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2747libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2748documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2749
2750All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
2751extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
2752happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
2753mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
2754it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
2755
2756=over 4
2757
2758=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
2759
2760This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
2761there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
2762have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
2763
2764=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
2765
2766That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
2767as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
2768
2769=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)
2770
2771These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
2772
2773=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)
2774
2775=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2776
2777These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
2778correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2779have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
2780
2781=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
2782
2783By virtue of using a binary heap, the next timer is always found at the
2784beginning of the storage array.
2785
2786=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2787
2788A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2789libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
2790on backend and wether C<ev_io_set> was used).
2791
2792=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
2793
2794=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2795
2796Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2797priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2798linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
2799watchers becomes O(1) w.r.t. prioritiy handling.
2800
2801=back
2802
2803
2804=head1 Win32 platform limitations and workarounds
2805
2806Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
2807requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
2808model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
2809the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
2810descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
2811e.g. cygwin.
2812
2813There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
2814embedding it into other applications.
2815
2816Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and the
2817abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets is not
2818recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use more than
2819a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally different
2820implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX model, which cannot
2821be implemented efficiently on windows (microsoft monopoly games).
2822
2823=over 4
2824
2825=item The winsocket select function
2826
2827The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it requires
2828socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors>. This makes select
2829very inefficient, and also requires a mapping from file descriptors
2830to socket handles. See the discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>,
2831C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor
2832symbols for more info.
2833
2834The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the microsoft runtime
2835libraries and raw winsocket select is:
2836
2837 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
2838 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
2839
2840Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
2841complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
2842
2843=item Limited number of file descriptors
2844
2845Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. Early versions
2846of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a max. of C<64> handles
2847(probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels can only wait for
2848C<64> things at the same time internally; microsoft recommends spawning a
2849chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the previous thread in each).
2850
2851Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
2852to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
2853call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own
2854select emulation on windows).
2855
2856Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the microsoft runtime
2857libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish
2858or something like this inside microsoft). You can increase this by calling
2859C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
2860arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the microsoft runtime
2861libraries.
2862
2863This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on
2864windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to
2865wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
2866calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
2867
2868=back
2869
2870
1760=head1 AUTHOR 2871=head1 AUTHOR
1761 2872
1762Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 2873Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
1763 2874

Diff Legend

Removed lines
+ Added lines
< Changed lines
> Changed lines