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1=encoding utf-8
2
1=head1 NAME 3=head1 NAME
2 4
3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C 5libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C
4 6
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 7=head1 SYNOPSIS
43 45
44 int 46 int
45 main (void) 47 main (void)
46 { 48 {
47 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs 49 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
48 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 50 struct ev_loop *loop = EV_DEFAULT;
49 51
50 // initialise an io watcher, then start it 52 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
51 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable 53 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
52 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 54 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
53 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 55 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
58 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 60 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
59 61
60 // now wait for events to arrive 62 // now wait for events to arrive
61 ev_run (loop, 0); 63 ev_run (loop, 0);
62 64
63 // unloop was called, so exit 65 // break was called, so exit
64 return 0; 66 return 0;
65 } 67 }
66 68
67=head1 ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT 69=head1 ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
68 70
78with libev. 80with libev.
79 81
80Familiarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed 82Familiarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed
81throughout this document. 83throughout this document.
82 84
85=head1 WHAT TO READ WHEN IN A HURRY
86
87This manual tries to be very detailed, but unfortunately, this also makes
88it very long. If you just want to know the basics of libev, I suggest
89reading L</ANATOMY OF A WATCHER>, then the L</EXAMPLE PROGRAM> above and
90look up the missing functions in L</GLOBAL FUNCTIONS> and the C<ev_io> and
91C<ev_timer> sections in L</WATCHER TYPES>.
92
83=head1 ABOUT LIBEV 93=head1 ABOUT LIBEV
84 94
85Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 95Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
86file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage 96file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
87these event sources and provide your program with events. 97these event sources and provide your program with events.
95details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the 105details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the
96watcher. 106watcher.
97 107
98=head2 FEATURES 108=head2 FEATURES
99 109
100Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the 110Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific aio and C<epoll>
101BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms 111interfaces, the BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port
102for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface 112mechanisms for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify>
103(for C<ev_stat>), Linux eventfd/signalfd (for faster and cleaner 113interface (for C<ev_stat>), Linux eventfd/signalfd (for faster and cleaner
104inter-thread wakeup (C<ev_async>)/signal handling (C<ev_signal>)) relative 114inter-thread wakeup (C<ev_async>)/signal handling (C<ev_signal>)) relative
105timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers with customised rescheduling 115timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers with customised rescheduling
106(C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals (C<ev_signal>), process status 116(C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals (C<ev_signal>), process status
107change events (C<ev_child>), and event watchers dealing with the event 117change events (C<ev_child>), and event watchers dealing with the event
108loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>, C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and 118loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>, C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and
149When libev detects a usage error such as a negative timer interval, then 159When libev detects a usage error such as a negative timer interval, then
150it will print a diagnostic message and abort (via the C<assert> mechanism, 160it will print a diagnostic message and abort (via the C<assert> mechanism,
151so C<NDEBUG> will disable this checking): these are programming errors in 161so C<NDEBUG> will disable this checking): these are programming errors in
152the libev caller and need to be fixed there. 162the libev caller and need to be fixed there.
153 163
164Via the C<EV_FREQUENT> macro you can compile in and/or enable extensive
165consistency checking code inside libev that can be used to check for
166internal inconsistencies, suually caused by application bugs.
167
154Libev also has a few internal error-checking C<assert>ions, and also has 168Libev also has a few internal error-checking C<assert>ions. These do not
155extensive consistency checking code. These do not trigger under normal
156circumstances, as they indicate either a bug in libev or worse. 169trigger under normal circumstances, as they indicate either a bug in libev
170or worse.
157 171
158 172
159=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 173=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
160 174
161These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 175These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
165 179
166=item ev_tstamp ev_time () 180=item ev_tstamp ev_time ()
167 181
168Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 182Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
169C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp 183C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
170you actually want to know. Also interetsing is the combination of 184you actually want to know. Also interesting is the combination of
171C<ev_update_now> and C<ev_now>. 185C<ev_now_update> and C<ev_now>.
172 186
173=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 187=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
174 188
175Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 189Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked
176either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 190until either it is interrupted or the given time interval has
191passed (approximately - it might return a bit earlier even if not
192interrupted). Returns immediately if C<< interval <= 0 >>.
193
177this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>. 194Basically this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>.
195
196The range of the C<interval> is limited - libev only guarantees to work
197with sleep times of up to one day (C<< interval <= 86400 >>).
178 198
179=item int ev_version_major () 199=item int ev_version_major ()
180 200
181=item int ev_version_minor () 201=item int ev_version_minor ()
182 202
193as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 213as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
194compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 214compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
195not a problem. 215not a problem.
196 216
197Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 217Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
198version (note, however, that this will not detect ABI mismatches :). 218version (note, however, that this will not detect other ABI mismatches,
219such as LFS or reentrancy).
199 220
200 assert (("libev version mismatch", 221 assert (("libev version mismatch",
201 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 222 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
202 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 223 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
203 224
232the current system, you would need to look at C<ev_embeddable_backends () 253the current system, you would need to look at C<ev_embeddable_backends ()
233& ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for recommended ones. 254& ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for recommended ones.
234 255
235See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 256See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
236 257
237=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT] 258=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size) throw ())
238 259
239Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 260Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
240semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is 261semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
241used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero 262used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
242when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort 263when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
248 269
249You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 270You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
250free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 271free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
251or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 272or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
252 273
274Example: The following is the C<realloc> function that libev itself uses
275which should work with C<realloc> and C<free> functions of all kinds and
276is probably a good basis for your own implementation.
277
278 static void *
279 ev_realloc_emul (void *ptr, long size) EV_NOEXCEPT
280 {
281 if (size)
282 return realloc (ptr, size);
283
284 free (ptr);
285 return 0;
286 }
287
253Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 288Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
254retries (example requires a standards-compliant C<realloc>). 289retries.
255 290
256 static void * 291 static void *
257 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size) 292 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
258 { 293 {
294 if (!size)
295 {
296 free (ptr);
297 return 0;
298 }
299
259 for (;;) 300 for (;;)
260 { 301 {
261 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size); 302 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size);
262 303
263 if (newptr) 304 if (newptr)
268 } 309 }
269 310
270 ... 311 ...
271 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 312 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
272 313
273=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); [NOT REENTRANT] 314=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg) throw ())
274 315
275Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such 316Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
276as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 317as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
277indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 318indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
278callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no 319callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
290 } 331 }
291 332
292 ... 333 ...
293 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error); 334 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error);
294 335
336=item ev_feed_signal (int signum)
337
338This function can be used to "simulate" a signal receive. It is completely
339safe to call this function at any time, from any context, including signal
340handlers or random threads.
341
342Its main use is to customise signal handling in your process, especially
343in the presence of threads. For example, you could block signals
344by default in all threads (and specifying C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK> when
345creating any loops), and in one thread, use C<sigwait> or any other
346mechanism to wait for signals, then "deliver" them to libev by calling
347C<ev_feed_signal>.
348
295=back 349=back
296 350
297=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 351=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING EVENT LOOPS
298 352
299An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> is 353An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct> is
300I<not> optional in this case unless libev 3 compatibility is disabled, as 354I<not> optional in this case unless libev 3 compatibility is disabled, as
301libev 3 had an C<ev_loop> function colliding with the struct name). 355libev 3 had an C<ev_loop> function colliding with the struct name).
302 356
303The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which 357The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
304supports signals and child events, and dynamically created event loops 358supports child process events, and dynamically created event loops which
305which do not. 359do not.
306 360
307=over 4 361=over 4
308 362
309=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 363=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
310 364
311This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised 365This returns the "default" event loop object, which is what you should
312yet and return it. If the default loop could not be initialised, returns 366normally use when you just need "the event loop". Event loop objects and
313false. If it already was initialised it simply returns it (and ignores the 367the C<flags> parameter are described in more detail in the entry for
314flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 368C<ev_loop_new>.
369
370If the default loop is already initialised then this function simply
371returns it (and ignores the flags. If that is troubling you, check
372C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). Otherwise it will create it with the given
373flags, which should almost always be C<0>, unless the caller is also the
374one calling C<ev_run> or otherwise qualifies as "the main program".
315 375
316If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 376If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
317function. 377function (or via the C<EV_DEFAULT> macro).
318 378
319Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it 379Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
320from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely, 380from multiple threads, you have to employ some kind of mutex (note also
321as loops cannot be shared easily between threads anyway). 381that this case is unlikely, as loops cannot be shared easily between
382threads anyway).
322 383
323The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and 384The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_child> watchers,
324C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler 385and to do this, it always registers a handler for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is
325for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either 386a problem for your application you can either create a dynamic loop with
326create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you 387C<ev_loop_new> which doesn't do that, or you can simply overwrite the
327can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling 388C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling C<ev_default_init>.
328C<ev_default_init>. 389
390Example: This is the most typical usage.
391
392 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
393 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
394
395Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
396environment settings to be taken into account:
397
398 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
399
400=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
401
402This will create and initialise a new event loop object. If the loop
403could not be initialised, returns false.
404
405This function is thread-safe, and one common way to use libev with
406threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the default
407loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
329 408
330The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 409The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
331backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). 410backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
332 411
333The following flags are supported: 412The following flags are supported:
343 422
344If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid 423If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid
345or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable 424or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
346C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 425C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
347override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 426override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
348useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 427useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, to work
349around bugs. 428around bugs, or to make libev threadsafe (accessing environment variables
429cannot be done in a threadsafe way, but usually it works if no other
430thread modifies them).
350 431
351=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK> 432=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
352 433
353Instead of calling C<ev_loop_fork> manually after a fork, you can also 434Instead of calling C<ev_loop_fork> manually after a fork, you can also
354make libev check for a fork in each iteration by enabling this flag. 435make libev check for a fork in each iteration by enabling this flag.
355 436
356This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 437This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
357and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop 438and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
358iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 439iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
359GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence 440GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn
360without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has 441sequence without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux
361C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). 442system also has C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). (Update: glibc
443versions 2.25 apparently removed the C<getpid> optimisation again).
362 444
363The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and 445The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
364forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this 446forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking, although you still
365flag. 447have to ignore C<SIGPIPE>) when you use this flag.
366 448
367This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> 449This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
368environment variable. 450environment variable.
369 451
370=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY> 452=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY>
371 453
372When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the 454When this flag is specified, then libev will not attempt to use the
373I<inotify> API for it's C<ev_stat> watchers. Apart from debugging and 455I<inotify> API for its C<ev_stat> watchers. Apart from debugging and
374testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as 456testing, this flag can be useful to conserve inotify file descriptors, as
375otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle. 457otherwise each loop using C<ev_stat> watchers consumes one inotify handle.
376 458
377=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD> 459=item C<EVFLAG_SIGNALFD>
378 460
379When this flag is specified, then libev will attempt to use the 461When this flag is specified, then libev will attempt to use the
380I<signalfd> API for it's C<ev_signal> (and C<ev_child>) watchers. This API 462I<signalfd> API for its C<ev_signal> (and C<ev_child>) watchers. This API
381delivers signals synchronously, which makes it both faster and might make 463delivers signals synchronously, which makes it both faster and might make
382it possible to get the queued signal data. It can also simplify signal 464it possible to get the queued signal data. It can also simplify signal
383handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your 465handling with threads, as long as you properly block signals in your
384threads that are not interested in handling them. 466threads that are not interested in handling them.
385 467
386Signalfd will not be used by default as this changes your signal mask, and 468Signalfd will not be used by default as this changes your signal mask, and
387there are a lot of shoddy libraries and programs (glib's threadpool for 469there are a lot of shoddy libraries and programs (glib's threadpool for
388example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks. 470example) that can't properly initialise their signal masks.
471
472=item C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK>
473
474When this flag is specified, then libev will avoid to modify the signal
475mask. Specifically, this means you have to make sure signals are unblocked
476when you want to receive them.
477
478This behaviour is useful when you want to do your own signal handling, or
479want to handle signals only in specific threads and want to avoid libev
480unblocking the signals.
481
482It's also required by POSIX in a threaded program, as libev calls
483C<sigprocmask>, whose behaviour is officially unspecified.
484
485=item C<EVFLAG_NOTIMERFD>
486
487When this flag is specified, the libev will avoid using a C<timerfd> to
488detect time jumps. It will still be able to detect time jumps, but takes
489longer and has a lower accuracy in doing so, but saves a file descriptor
490per loop.
491
492The current implementation only tries to use a C<timerfd> when the first
493C<ev_periodic> watcher is started and falls back on other methods if it
494cannot be created, but this behaviour might change in the future.
389 495
390=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 496=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
391 497
392This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 498This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
393libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 499libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
418This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and 524This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and
419C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>. 525C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>.
420 526
421=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 527=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
422 528
423Use the linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9 529Use the Linux-specific epoll(7) interface (for both pre- and post-2.6.9
424kernels). 530kernels).
425 531
426For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 532For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, but
427but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 533it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like
428like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), 534O(total_fds) where total_fds is the total number of fds (or the highest
429epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). 535fd), epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
430 536
431The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned 537The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
432of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently 538of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
433dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file 539dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
434descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup and 540descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup,
541returning before the timeout value, resulting in additional iterations
542(and only giving 5ms accuracy while select on the same platform gives
435so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program forks then 5430.1ms) and so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program
436I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll set, which can 544forks then I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll
437take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) and is of course 545set, which can take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor)
438hard to detect. 546and is of course hard to detect.
439 547
440Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but 548Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work,
441of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally 549but of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for
442I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot 550totally I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so
443even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially 551one cannot even remove them from the set) than registered in the set
444on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by 552(especially on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious
445employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the 553notifications by employing an additional generation counter and comparing
446events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required. Last 554that against the events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set
555when required. Epoll also erroneously rounds down timeouts, but gives you
556no way to know when and by how much, so sometimes you have to busy-wait
557because epoll returns immediately despite a nonzero timeout. And last
447not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work 558not least, it also refuses to work with some file descriptors which work
448perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...). 559perfectly fine with C<select> (files, many character devices...).
560
561Epoll is truly the train wreck among event poll mechanisms, a frankenpoll,
562cobbled together in a hurry, no thought to design or interaction with
563others. Oh, the pain, will it ever stop...
449 564
450While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 565While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
451will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such 566will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
452incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different 567incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different
453I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed 568I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
465All this means that, in practice, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> can be as fast or 580All this means that, in practice, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> can be as fast or
466faster than epoll for maybe up to a hundred file descriptors, depending on 581faster than epoll for maybe up to a hundred file descriptors, depending on
467the usage. So sad. 582the usage. So sad.
468 583
469While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in 584While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
470all kernel versions tested so far. 585a lot of kernel revisions, but probably(!) works in current versions.
471 586
472This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as 587This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
473C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 588C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
474 589
590=item C<EVBACKEND_LINUXAIO> (value 64, Linux)
591
592Use the Linux-specific Linux AIO (I<not> C<< aio(7) >> but C<<
593io_submit(2) >>) event interface available in post-4.18 kernels (but libev
594only tries to use it in 4.19+).
595
596This is another Linux train wreck of an event interface.
597
598If this backend works for you (as of this writing, it was very
599experimental), it is the best event interface available on Linux and might
600be well worth enabling it - if it isn't available in your kernel this will
601be detected and this backend will be skipped.
602
603This backend can batch oneshot requests and supports a user-space ring
604buffer to receive events. It also doesn't suffer from most of the design
605problems of epoll (such as not being able to remove event sources from
606the epoll set), and generally sounds too good to be true. Because, this
607being the Linux kernel, of course it suffers from a whole new set of
608limitations, forcing you to fall back to epoll, inheriting all its design
609issues.
610
611For one, it is not easily embeddable (but probably could be done using
612an event fd at some extra overhead). It also is subject to a system wide
613limit that can be configured in F</proc/sys/fs/aio-max-nr>. If no AIO
614requests are left, this backend will be skipped during initialisation, and
615will switch to epoll when the loop is active.
616
617Most problematic in practice, however, is that not all file descriptors
618work with it. For example, in Linux 5.1, TCP sockets, pipes, event fds,
619files, F</dev/null> and many others are supported, but ttys do not work
620properly (a known bug that the kernel developers don't care about, see
621L<https://lore.kernel.org/patchwork/patch/1047453/>), so this is not
622(yet?) a generic event polling interface.
623
624Overall, it seems the Linux developers just don't want it to have a
625generic event handling mechanism other than C<select> or C<poll>.
626
627To work around all these problem, the current version of libev uses its
628epoll backend as a fallback for file descriptor types that do not work. Or
629falls back completely to epoll if the kernel acts up.
630
631This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
632C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
633
475=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 634=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
476 635
477Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 636Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time this backend was
478was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably 637implemented, it was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't
479with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course 638work reliably with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin,
480it's completely useless). Unlike epoll, however, whose brokenness 639where of course it's completely useless). Unlike epoll, however, whose
481is by design, these kqueue bugs can (and eventually will) be fixed 640brokenness is by design, these kqueue bugs can be (and mostly have been)
482without API changes to existing programs. For this reason it's not being 641fixed without API changes to existing programs. For this reason it's not
483"auto-detected" unless you explicitly specify it in the flags (i.e. using 642being "auto-detected" on all platforms unless you explicitly specify it
484C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough) 643in the flags (i.e. using C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a
485system like NetBSD. 644known-to-be-good (-enough) system like NetBSD.
486 645
487You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it 646You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
488only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on 647only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
489the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 648the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
490 649
491It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 650It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
492kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 651kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
493course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 652course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
494cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to 653cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
495two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad (but 654two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad (you
496sane, unlike epoll) and it drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect 655might have to leak fds on fork, but it's more sane than epoll) and it
497cases 656drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
498 657
499This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 658This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
500 659
501While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work 660While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
502everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken 661everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
519=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 678=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
520 679
521This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 680This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
522it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 681it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
523 682
524Please note that Solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
525notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
526blocking when no data (or space) is available.
527
528While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active 683While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
529file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 684file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
530descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend 685descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
531might perform better. 686might perform better.
532 687
533On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness 688On the positive side, this backend actually performed fully to
534notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification
535in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat among the 689specification in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat
536OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed hacks). 690among the OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed
691hacks).
692
693On the negative side, the interface is I<bizarre> - so bizarre that
694even sun itself gets it wrong in their code examples: The event polling
695function sometimes returns events to the caller even though an error
696occurred, but with no indication whether it has done so or not (yes, it's
697even documented that way) - deadly for edge-triggered interfaces where you
698absolutely have to know whether an event occurred or not because you have
699to re-arm the watcher.
700
701Fortunately libev seems to be able to work around these idiocies.
537 702
538This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as 703This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
539C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 704C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
540 705
541=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 706=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
542 707
543Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 708Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
544with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 709with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
545C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 710C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
546 711
547It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 712It is definitely not recommended to use this flag, use whatever
713C<ev_recommended_backends ()> returns, or simply do not specify a backend
714at all.
715
716=item C<EVBACKEND_MASK>
717
718Not a backend at all, but a mask to select all backend bits from a
719C<flags> value, in case you want to mask out any backends from a flags
720value (e.g. when modifying the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> environment variable).
548 721
549=back 722=back
550 723
551If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value, 724If one or more of the backend flags are or'ed into the flags value,
552then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed 725then only these backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed
553here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends 726here). If none are specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends
554()> will be tried. 727()> will be tried.
555 728
556Example: This is the most typical usage.
557
558 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
559 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
560
561Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
562environment settings to be taken into account:
563
564 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
565
566Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
567used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
568private event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of
569fds):
570
571 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
572
573=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
574
575Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
576always distinct from the default loop.
577
578Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and one common way to use
579libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
580default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
581
582Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 729Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
583 730
584 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 731 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
585 if (!epoller) 732 if (!epoller)
586 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 733 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
587 734
735Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
736used if available.
737
738 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_loop_new (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
739
740Example: Similarly, on linux, you mgiht want to take advantage of the
741linux aio backend if possible, but fall back to something else if that
742isn't available.
743
744 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_loop_new (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_LINUXAIO);
745
588=item ev_default_destroy () 746=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
589 747
590Destroys the default loop (frees all memory and kernel state etc.). None 748Destroys an event loop object (frees all memory and kernel state
591of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal sense, so 749etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
592e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your responsibility to 750sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
593either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before> calling this function, 751responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
594or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually the easiest thing, you 752calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
595can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them for example). 753the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
754for example).
596 755
597Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal 756Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
598handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such 757handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
599as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually. 758as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
600 759
601In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 760This function is normally used on loop objects allocated by
602rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling 761C<ev_loop_new>, but it can also be used on the default loop returned by
762C<ev_default_loop>, in which case it is not thread-safe.
763
764Note that it is not advisable to call this function on the default loop
765except in the rare occasion where you really need to free its resources.
603pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use 766If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use C<ev_loop_new>
604C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>. 767and C<ev_loop_destroy>.
605 768
606=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 769=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
607
608Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
609earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
610
611=item ev_default_fork ()
612 770
613This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations 771This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations
614to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the 772to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite
615name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in 773the name, you can call it anytime you are allowed to start or stop
616the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little 774watchers (except inside an C<ev_prepare> callback), but it makes most
617sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev 775sense after forking, in the child process. You I<must> call it (or use
618functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_run> iteration. 776C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>) in the child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>.
619 777
778In addition, if you want to reuse a loop (via this function or
779C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>), you I<also> have to ignore C<SIGPIPE>.
780
620Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after 781Again, you I<have> to call it on I<any> loop that you want to re-use after
621a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is 782a fork, I<even if you do not plan to use the loop in the parent>. This is
622because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things 783because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things
623during fork. 784during fork.
624 785
625On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child 786On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
628call it at all (in fact, C<epoll> is so badly broken that it makes a 789call it at all (in fact, C<epoll> is so badly broken that it makes a
629difference, but libev will usually detect this case on its own and do a 790difference, but libev will usually detect this case on its own and do a
630costly reset of the backend). 791costly reset of the backend).
631 792
632The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 793The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
633it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 794it just in case after a fork.
634quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
635 795
796Example: Automate calling C<ev_loop_fork> on the default loop when
797using pthreads.
798
799 static void
800 post_fork_child (void)
801 {
802 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
803 }
804
805 ...
636 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 806 pthread_atfork (0, 0, post_fork_child);
637
638=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
639
640Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
641C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
642after fork that you want to re-use in the child, and how you keep track of
643them is entirely your own problem.
644 807
645=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop) 808=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
646 809
647Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false 810Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
648otherwise. 811otherwise.
659prepare and check phases. 822prepare and check phases.
660 823
661=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop) 824=item unsigned int ev_depth (loop)
662 825
663Returns the number of times C<ev_run> was entered minus the number of 826Returns the number of times C<ev_run> was entered minus the number of
664times C<ev_run> was exited, in other words, the recursion depth. 827times C<ev_run> was exited normally, in other words, the recursion depth.
665 828
666Outside C<ev_run>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is 829Outside C<ev_run>, this number is zero. In a callback, this number is
667C<1>, unless C<ev_run> was invoked recursively (or from another thread), 830C<1>, unless C<ev_run> was invoked recursively (or from another thread),
668in which case it is higher. 831in which case it is higher.
669 832
670Leaving C<ev_run> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread 833Leaving C<ev_run> abnormally (setjmp/longjmp, cancelling the thread,
671etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this as a hint to avoid such 834throwing an exception etc.), doesn't count as "exit" - consider this
672ungentleman-like behaviour unless it's really convenient. 835as a hint to avoid such ungentleman-like behaviour unless it's really
836convenient, in which case it is fully supported.
673 837
674=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 838=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
675 839
676Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 840Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
677use. 841use.
692 856
693This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a 857This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
694very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of 858very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
695the current time is a good idea. 859the current time is a good idea.
696 860
697See also L<The special problem of time updates> in the C<ev_timer> section. 861See also L</The special problem of time updates> in the C<ev_timer> section.
698 862
699=item ev_suspend (loop) 863=item ev_suspend (loop)
700 864
701=item ev_resume (loop) 865=item ev_resume (loop)
702 866
720without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>. 884without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>.
721 885
722Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the 886Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the
723event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>). 887event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>).
724 888
725=item ev_run (loop, int flags) 889=item bool ev_run (loop, int flags)
726 890
727Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 891Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
728after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start 892after you have initialised all your watchers and you want to start
729handling events. It will ask the operating system for any new events, call 893handling events. It will ask the operating system for any new events, call
730the watcher callbacks, an then repeat the whole process indefinitely: This 894the watcher callbacks, and then repeat the whole process indefinitely: This
731is why event loops are called I<loops>. 895is why event loops are called I<loops>.
732 896
733If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will keep handling events 897If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will keep handling events
734until either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_break> was 898until either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_break> was
735called. 899called.
900
901The return value is false if there are no more active watchers (which
902usually means "all jobs done" or "deadlock"), and true in all other cases
903(which usually means " you should call C<ev_run> again").
736 904
737Please note that an explicit C<ev_break> is usually better than 905Please note that an explicit C<ev_break> is usually better than
738relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 906relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
739finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program 907finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
740that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue 908that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
741of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of 909of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
742beauty. 910beauty.
743 911
912This function is I<mostly> exception-safe - you can break out of a
913C<ev_run> call by calling C<longjmp> in a callback, throwing a C++
914exception and so on. This does not decrement the C<ev_depth> value, nor
915will it clear any outstanding C<EVBREAK_ONE> breaks.
916
744A flags value of C<EVRUN_NOWAIT> will look for new events, will handle 917A flags value of C<EVRUN_NOWAIT> will look for new events, will handle
745those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not wait and 918those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not wait and
746block your process in case there are no events and will return after one 919block your process in case there are no events and will return after one
747iteration of the loop. This is sometimes useful to poll and handle new 920iteration of the loop. This is sometimes useful to poll and handle new
748events while doing lengthy calculations, to keep the program responsive. 921events while doing lengthy calculations, to keep the program responsive.
757This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction 930This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
758with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your 931with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
759own C<ev_run>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 932own C<ev_run>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
760usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 933usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
761 934
762Here are the gory details of what C<ev_run> does: 935Here are the gory details of what C<ev_run> does (this is for your
936understanding, not a guarantee that things will work exactly like this in
937future versions):
763 938
764 - Increment loop depth. 939 - Increment loop depth.
765 - Reset the ev_break status. 940 - Reset the ev_break status.
766 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 941 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
767 LOOP: 942 LOOP:
800anymore. 975anymore.
801 976
802 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 977 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
803 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 978 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
804 ev_run (my_loop, 0); 979 ev_run (my_loop, 0);
805 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah! 980 ... jobs done or somebody called break. yeah!
806 981
807=item ev_break (loop, how) 982=item ev_break (loop, how)
808 983
809Can be used to make a call to C<ev_run> return early (but only after it 984Can be used to make a call to C<ev_run> return early (but only after it
810has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 985has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
811C<EVBREAK_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_run> call return, or 986C<EVBREAK_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_run> call return, or
812C<EVBREAK_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_run> calls return. 987C<EVBREAK_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_run> calls return.
813 988
814This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_run> again. 989This "break state" will be cleared on the next call to C<ev_run>.
815 990
816It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls. ##TODO## 991It is safe to call C<ev_break> from outside any C<ev_run> calls, too, in
992which case it will have no effect.
817 993
818=item ev_ref (loop) 994=item ev_ref (loop)
819 995
820=item ev_unref (loop) 996=item ev_unref (loop)
821 997
842running when nothing else is active. 1018running when nothing else is active.
843 1019
844 ev_signal exitsig; 1020 ev_signal exitsig;
845 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 1021 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
846 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 1022 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
847 evf_unref (loop); 1023 ev_unref (loop);
848 1024
849Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 1025Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
850 1026
851 ev_ref (loop); 1027 ev_ref (loop);
852 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 1028 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
872overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once. 1048overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
873 1049
874By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more 1050By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
875time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration, 1051time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
876at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and 1052at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
877C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will 1053C<ev_timer>) will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
878introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. The 1054introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. The
879sleep time ensures that libev will not poll for I/O events more often then 1055sleep time ensures that libev will not poll for I/O events more often then
880once per this interval, on average. 1056once per this interval, on average (as long as the host time resolution is
1057good enough).
881 1058
882Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev 1059Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
883to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 1060to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
884latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called 1061latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
885later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null 1062later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null
931invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.). 1108invoke the actual watchers inside another context (another thread etc.).
932 1109
933If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new 1110If you want to reset the callback, use C<ev_invoke_pending> as new
934callback. 1111callback.
935 1112
936=item ev_set_loop_release_cb (loop, void (*release)(EV_P), void (*acquire)(EV_P)) 1113=item ev_set_loop_release_cb (loop, void (*release)(EV_P) throw (), void (*acquire)(EV_P) throw ())
937 1114
938Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This 1115Sometimes you want to share the same loop between multiple threads. This
939can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around 1116can be done relatively simply by putting mutex_lock/unlock calls around
940each call to a libev function. 1117each call to a libev function.
941 1118
942However, C<ev_run> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible 1119However, C<ev_run> can run an indefinite time, so it is not feasible
943to wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the event 1120to wait for it to return. One way around this is to wake up the event
944loop via C<ev_break> and C<av_async_send>, another way is to set these 1121loop via C<ev_break> and C<ev_async_send>, another way is to set these
945I<release> and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop. 1122I<release> and I<acquire> callbacks on the loop.
946 1123
947When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is 1124When set, then C<release> will be called just before the thread is
948suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just 1125suspended waiting for new events, and C<acquire> is called just
949afterwards. 1126afterwards.
964See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this 1141See also the locking example in the C<THREADS> section later in this
965document. 1142document.
966 1143
967=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data) 1144=item ev_set_userdata (loop, void *data)
968 1145
969=item ev_userdata (loop) 1146=item void *ev_userdata (loop)
970 1147
971Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When 1148Set and retrieve a single C<void *> associated with a loop. When
972C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns 1149C<ev_set_userdata> has never been called, then C<ev_userdata> returns
973C<0.> 1150C<0>.
974 1151
975These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop, 1152These two functions can be used to associate arbitrary data with a loop,
976and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and 1153and are intended solely for the C<invoke_pending_cb>, C<release> and
977C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for 1154C<acquire> callbacks described above, but of course can be (ab-)used for
978any other purpose as well. 1155any other purpose as well.
1089 1266
1090=item C<EV_PREPARE> 1267=item C<EV_PREPARE>
1091 1268
1092=item C<EV_CHECK> 1269=item C<EV_CHECK>
1093 1270
1094All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_run> starts 1271All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_run> starts to
1095to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after 1272gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are queued (not invoked)
1096C<ev_run> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any 1273just after C<ev_run> has gathered them, but before it queues any callbacks
1274for any received events. That means C<ev_prepare> watchers are the last
1275watchers invoked before the event loop sleeps or polls for new events, and
1276C<ev_check> watchers will be invoked before any other watchers of the same
1277or lower priority within an event loop iteration.
1278
1097received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 1279Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as many watchers as
1098many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account 1280they want, and all of them will be taken into account (for example, a
1099(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep 1281C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep C<ev_run> from
1100C<ev_run> from blocking). 1282blocking).
1101 1283
1102=item C<EV_EMBED> 1284=item C<EV_EMBED>
1103 1285
1104The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention. 1286The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
1105 1287
1106=item C<EV_FORK> 1288=item C<EV_FORK>
1107 1289
1108The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see 1290The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
1109C<ev_fork>). 1291C<ev_fork>).
1292
1293=item C<EV_CLEANUP>
1294
1295The event loop is about to be destroyed (see C<ev_cleanup>).
1110 1296
1111=item C<EV_ASYNC> 1297=item C<EV_ASYNC>
1112 1298
1113The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 1299The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
1114 1300
1136programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another 1322programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another
1137thing, so beware. 1323thing, so beware.
1138 1324
1139=back 1325=back
1140 1326
1327=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
1328
1329=over 4
1330
1331=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1332
1333This macro initialises the generic portion of a watcher. The contents
1334of the watcher object can be arbitrary (so C<malloc> will do). Only
1335the generic parts of the watcher are initialised, you I<need> to call
1336the type-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> macro afterwards to initialise the
1337type-specific parts. For each type there is also a C<ev_TYPE_init> macro
1338which rolls both calls into one.
1339
1340You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped
1341(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
1342
1343The callback is always of type C<void (*)(struct ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,
1344int revents)>.
1345
1346Example: Initialise an C<ev_io> watcher in two steps.
1347
1348 ev_io w;
1349 ev_init (&w, my_cb);
1350 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1351
1352=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *watcher, [args])
1353
1354This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
1355call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
1356call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this
1357macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a
1358difference to the C<ev_init> macro).
1359
1360Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
1361(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
1362
1363See C<ev_init>, above, for an example.
1364
1365=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
1366
1367This convenience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro
1368calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise
1369a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
1370
1371Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
1372
1373 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1374
1375=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1376
1377Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
1378events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
1379
1380Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
1381whole section.
1382
1383 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
1384
1385=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1386
1387Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
1388the watcher was active or not).
1389
1390It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
1391non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending - but
1392calling C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor
1393pending. If you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is
1394therefore a good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function.
1395
1396=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1397
1398Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started
1399and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify
1400it.
1401
1402=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1403
1404Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding
1405events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher
1406is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but
1407C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
1408make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
1409it).
1410
1411=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1412
1413Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
1414
1415=item ev_set_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1416
1417Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
1418(modulo threads).
1419
1420=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, int priority)
1421
1422=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1423
1424Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
1425integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
1426(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
1427before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
1428from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
1429
1430If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
1431you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
1432
1433You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
1434pending.
1435
1436Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
1437fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
1438or might not have been clamped to the valid range.
1439
1440The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
1441always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
1442
1443See L</WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS>, below, for a more thorough treatment of
1444priorities.
1445
1446=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1447
1448Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
1449C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
1450can deal with that fact, as both are simply passed through to the
1451callback.
1452
1453=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1454
1455If the watcher is pending, this function clears its pending status and
1456returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
1457watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
1458
1459Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
1460callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
1461
1462=item ev_feed_event (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1463
1464Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
1465had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
1466initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). Obviously you must
1467not free the watcher as long as it has pending events.
1468
1469Stopping the watcher, letting libev invoke it, or calling
1470C<ev_clear_pending> will clear the pending event, even if the watcher was
1471not started in the first place.
1472
1473See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
1474functions that do not need a watcher.
1475
1476=back
1477
1478See also the L</ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER> and L</BUILDING YOUR
1479OWN COMPOSITE WATCHERS> idioms.
1480
1141=head2 WATCHER STATES 1481=head2 WATCHER STATES
1142 1482
1143There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual - 1483There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual -
1144active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to 1484active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to
1145transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these 1485transition between them will be described in more detail - and while these
1146rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing". 1486rules might look complicated, they usually do "the right thing".
1147 1487
1148=over 4 1488=over 4
1149 1489
1150=item initialiased 1490=item initialised
1151 1491
1152Before a watcher can be registered with the event looop it has to be 1492Before a watcher can be registered with the event loop it has to be
1153initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to 1493initialised. This can be done with a call to C<ev_TYPE_init>, or calls to
1154C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function. 1494C<ev_init> followed by the watcher-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> function.
1155 1495
1156In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for use 1496In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for
1157in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at will. 1497use in an event loop. It can be moved around, freed, reused etc. at
1498will - as long as you either keep the memory contents intact, or call
1499C<ev_TYPE_init> again.
1158 1500
1159=item started/running/active 1501=item started/running/active
1160 1502
1161Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes 1503Once a watcher has been started with a call to C<ev_TYPE_start> it becomes
1162property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in 1504property of the event loop, and is actively waiting for events. While in
1190latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless 1532latter will clear any pending state the watcher might be in, regardless
1191of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before 1533of whether it was active or not, so stopping a watcher explicitly before
1192freeing it is often a good idea. 1534freeing it is often a good idea.
1193 1535
1194While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the 1536While stopped (and not pending) the watcher is essentially in the
1195initialised state, that is it can be reused, moved, modified in any way 1537initialised state, that is, it can be reused, moved, modified in any way
1196you wish. 1538you wish (but when you trash the memory block, you need to C<ev_TYPE_init>
1539it again).
1197 1540
1198=back 1541=back
1199
1200=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
1201
1202=over 4
1203
1204=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1205
1206This macro initialises the generic portion of a watcher. The contents
1207of the watcher object can be arbitrary (so C<malloc> will do). Only
1208the generic parts of the watcher are initialised, you I<need> to call
1209the type-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> macro afterwards to initialise the
1210type-specific parts. For each type there is also a C<ev_TYPE_init> macro
1211which rolls both calls into one.
1212
1213You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped
1214(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
1215
1216The callback is always of type C<void (*)(struct ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,
1217int revents)>.
1218
1219Example: Initialise an C<ev_io> watcher in two steps.
1220
1221 ev_io w;
1222 ev_init (&w, my_cb);
1223 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1224
1225=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *watcher, [args])
1226
1227This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
1228call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
1229call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this
1230macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a
1231difference to the C<ev_init> macro).
1232
1233Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
1234(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
1235
1236See C<ev_init>, above, for an example.
1237
1238=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
1239
1240This convenience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro
1241calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise
1242a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
1243
1244Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
1245
1246 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1247
1248=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1249
1250Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
1251events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
1252
1253Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
1254whole section.
1255
1256 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
1257
1258=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1259
1260Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
1261the watcher was active or not).
1262
1263It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
1264non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending - but
1265calling C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor
1266pending. If you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is
1267therefore a good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function.
1268
1269=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1270
1271Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started
1272and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify
1273it.
1274
1275=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1276
1277Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding
1278events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher
1279is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but
1280C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
1281make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
1282it).
1283
1284=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1285
1286Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
1287
1288=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
1289
1290Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
1291(modulo threads).
1292
1293=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, int priority)
1294
1295=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
1296
1297Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
1298integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
1299(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
1300before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
1301from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
1302
1303If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
1304you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
1305
1306You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
1307pending.
1308
1309Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
1310fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
1311or might not have been clamped to the valid range.
1312
1313The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
1314always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
1315
1316See L<WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS>, below, for a more thorough treatment of
1317priorities.
1318
1319=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1320
1321Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
1322C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
1323can deal with that fact, as both are simply passed through to the
1324callback.
1325
1326=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
1327
1328If the watcher is pending, this function clears its pending status and
1329returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
1330watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
1331
1332Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
1333callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
1334
1335=item ev_feed_event (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
1336
1337Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
1338had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
1339initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). Obviously you must
1340not free the watcher as long as it has pending events.
1341
1342Stopping the watcher, letting libev invoke it, or calling
1343C<ev_clear_pending> will clear the pending event, even if the watcher was
1344not started in the first place.
1345
1346See also C<ev_feed_fd_event> and C<ev_feed_signal_event> for related
1347functions that do not need a watcher.
1348
1349=back
1350
1351
1352=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
1353
1354Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
1355and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
1356to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
1357don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data
1358member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
1359data:
1360
1361 struct my_io
1362 {
1363 ev_io io;
1364 int otherfd;
1365 void *somedata;
1366 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
1367 };
1368
1369 ...
1370 struct my_io w;
1371 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
1372
1373And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
1374can cast it back to your own type:
1375
1376 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
1377 {
1378 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
1379 ...
1380 }
1381
1382More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
1383instead have been omitted.
1384
1385Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
1386embedded watchers:
1387
1388 struct my_biggy
1389 {
1390 int some_data;
1391 ev_timer t1;
1392 ev_timer t2;
1393 }
1394
1395In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
1396complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct
1397in the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies), or you need to use
1398some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for real
1399programmers):
1400
1401 #include <stddef.h>
1402
1403 static void
1404 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1405 {
1406 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1407 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
1408 }
1409
1410 static void
1411 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1412 {
1413 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
1414 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1415 }
1416 1542
1417=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS 1543=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS
1418 1544
1419Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small 1545Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small
1420integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation 1546integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation
1421between watchers in some way, all else being equal. 1547between watchers in some way, all else being equal.
1422 1548
1423In libev, Watcher priorities can be set using C<ev_set_priority>. See its 1549In libev, watcher priorities can be set using C<ev_set_priority>. See its
1424description for the more technical details such as the actual priority 1550description for the more technical details such as the actual priority
1425range. 1551range.
1426 1552
1427There are two common ways how these these priorities are being interpreted 1553There are two common ways how these these priorities are being interpreted
1428by event loops: 1554by event loops:
1522 1648
1523This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 1649This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
1524information given in the last section. Any initialisation/set macros, 1650information given in the last section. Any initialisation/set macros,
1525functions and members specific to the watcher type are explained. 1651functions and members specific to the watcher type are explained.
1526 1652
1527Members are additionally marked with either I<[read-only]>, meaning that, 1653Most members are additionally marked with either I<[read-only]>, meaning
1528while the watcher is active, you can look at the member and expect some 1654that, while the watcher is active, you can look at the member and expect
1529sensible content, but you must not modify it (you can modify it while the 1655some sensible content, but you must not modify it (you can modify it while
1530watcher is stopped to your hearts content), or I<[read-write]>, which 1656the watcher is stopped to your hearts content), or I<[read-write]>, which
1531means you can expect it to have some sensible content while the watcher 1657means you can expect it to have some sensible content while the watcher
1532is active, but you can also modify it. Modifying it may not do something 1658is active, but you can also modify it. Modifying it may not do something
1533sensible or take immediate effect (or do anything at all), but libev will 1659sensible or take immediate effect (or do anything at all), but libev will
1534not crash or malfunction in any way. 1660not crash or malfunction in any way.
1535 1661
1662In any case, the documentation for each member will explain what the
1663effects are, and if there are any additional access restrictions.
1536 1664
1537=head2 C<ev_io> - is this file descriptor readable or writable? 1665=head2 C<ev_io> - is this file descriptor readable or writable?
1538 1666
1539I/O watchers check whether a file descriptor is readable or writable 1667I/O watchers check whether a file descriptor is readable or writable
1540in each iteration of the event loop, or, more precisely, when reading 1668in each iteration of the event loop, or, more precisely, when reading
1547In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 1675In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
1548fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 1676fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
1549descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1677descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
1550required if you know what you are doing). 1678required if you know what you are doing).
1551 1679
1552If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a
1553known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
1554C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). The same applies to file
1555descriptors for which non-blocking operation makes no sense (such as
1556files) - libev doesn't guarantee any specific behaviour in that case.
1557
1558Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1680Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1559receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might 1681receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is, your callback might
1560be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1682be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
1561because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1683because there is no data. It is very easy to get into this situation even
1562lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into 1684with a relatively standard program structure. Thus it is best to always
1563this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1685use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning C<EAGAIN> is far
1564it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
1565C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 1686preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
1566 1687
1567If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should 1688If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should
1568not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately 1689not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately
1569re-test whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good 1690re-test whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good
1570interface such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already 1691interface such as poll (fortunately in the case of Xlib, it already does
1571does this on its own, so its quite safe to use). Some people additionally 1692this on its own, so its quite safe to use). Some people additionally
1572use C<SIGALRM> and an interval timer, just to be sure you won't block 1693use C<SIGALRM> and an interval timer, just to be sure you won't block
1573indefinitely. 1694indefinitely.
1574 1695
1575But really, best use non-blocking mode. 1696But really, best use non-blocking mode.
1576 1697
1577=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors 1698=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1578 1699
1579Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file 1700Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll, linuxaio) need to be told about closing
1580descriptor (either due to calling C<close> explicitly or any other means, 1701a file descriptor (either due to calling C<close> explicitly or any other
1581such as C<dup2>). The reason is that you register interest in some file 1702means, such as C<dup2>). The reason is that you register interest in some
1582descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop 1703file descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently
1583this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is 1704drop this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then
1584registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in 1705is registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is,
1585fact, a different file descriptor. 1706in fact, a different file descriptor.
1586 1707
1587To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows 1708To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows
1588the following policy: Each time C<ev_io_set> is being called, libev 1709the following policy: Each time C<ev_io_set> is being called, libev
1589will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise 1710will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise
1590it is assumed that the file descriptor stays the same. That means that 1711it is assumed that the file descriptor stays the same. That means that
1604 1725
1605There is no workaround possible except not registering events 1726There is no workaround possible except not registering events
1606for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to 1727for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to
1607C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 1728C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1608 1729
1730=head3 The special problem of files
1731
1732Many people try to use C<select> (or libev) on file descriptors
1733representing files, and expect it to become ready when their program
1734doesn't block on disk accesses (which can take a long time on their own).
1735
1736However, this cannot ever work in the "expected" way - you get a readiness
1737notification as soon as the kernel knows whether and how much data is
1738there, and in the case of open files, that's always the case, so you
1739always get a readiness notification instantly, and your read (or possibly
1740write) will still block on the disk I/O.
1741
1742Another way to view it is that in the case of sockets, pipes, character
1743devices and so on, there is another party (the sender) that delivers data
1744on its own, but in the case of files, there is no such thing: the disk
1745will not send data on its own, simply because it doesn't know what you
1746wish to read - you would first have to request some data.
1747
1748Since files are typically not-so-well supported by advanced notification
1749mechanism, libev tries hard to emulate POSIX behaviour with respect
1750to files, even though you should not use it. The reason for this is
1751convenience: sometimes you want to watch STDIN or STDOUT, which is
1752usually a tty, often a pipe, but also sometimes files or special devices
1753(for example, C<epoll> on Linux works with F</dev/random> but not with
1754F</dev/urandom>), and even though the file might better be served with
1755asynchronous I/O instead of with non-blocking I/O, it is still useful when
1756it "just works" instead of freezing.
1757
1758So avoid file descriptors pointing to files when you know it (e.g. use
1759libeio), but use them when it is convenient, e.g. for STDIN/STDOUT, or
1760when you rarely read from a file instead of from a socket, and want to
1761reuse the same code path.
1762
1609=head3 The special problem of fork 1763=head3 The special problem of fork
1610 1764
1611Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit 1765Some backends (epoll, kqueue, linuxaio, iouring) do not support C<fork ()>
1612useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about 1766at all or exhibit useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs
1613it in the child. 1767to be told about it in the child if you want to continue to use it in the
1768child.
1614 1769
1615To support fork in your programs, you either have to call 1770To support fork in your child processes, you have to call C<ev_loop_fork
1616C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child, 1771()> after a fork in the child, enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to
1617enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or 1772C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1618C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1619 1773
1620=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE 1774=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1621 1775
1622While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about C<SIGPIPE>: 1776While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about C<SIGPIPE>:
1623when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets 1777when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets
1677 1831
1678Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to 1832Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to
1679receive events for and C<events> is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or 1833receive events for and C<events> is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
1680C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE>, to express the desire to receive the given events. 1834C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE>, to express the desire to receive the given events.
1681 1835
1682=item int fd [read-only] 1836=item ev_io_modify (ev_io *, int events)
1683 1837
1684The file descriptor being watched. 1838Similar to C<ev_io_set>, but only changes the event mask. Using this might
1839be faster with some backends, as libev can assume that the C<fd> still
1840refers to the same underlying file description, something it cannot do
1841when using C<ev_io_set>.
1685 1842
1843=item int fd [no-modify]
1844
1845The file descriptor being watched. While it can be read at any time, you
1846must not modify this member even when the watcher is stopped - always use
1847C<ev_io_set> for that.
1848
1686=item int events [read-only] 1849=item int events [no-modify]
1687 1850
1688The events being watched. 1851The set of events being watched, among other flags. This field is a
1852bit set - to test for C<EV_READ>, use C<< w->events & EV_READ >>, and
1853similarly for C<EV_WRITE>.
1854
1855As with C<fd>, you must not modify this member even when the watcher is
1856stopped, always use C<ev_io_set> or C<ev_io_modify> for that.
1689 1857
1690=back 1858=back
1691 1859
1692=head3 Examples 1860=head3 Examples
1693 1861
1721detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1889detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1722monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1890monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1723 1891
1724The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has 1892The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1725passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this 1893passed (not I<at>, so on systems with very low-resolution clocks this
1726might introduce a small delay). If multiple timers become ready during the 1894might introduce a small delay, see "the special problem of being too
1895early", below). If multiple timers become ready during the same loop
1727same loop iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked 1896iteration then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked before
1728before ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is 1897ones of the same priority with later time-out values (but this is no
1729no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively). 1898longer true when a callback calls C<ev_run> recursively).
1730 1899
1731=head3 Be smart about timeouts 1900=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1732 1901
1733Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error 1902Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1734recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs, 1903recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1809 1978
1810In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone, 1979In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone,
1811but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only 1980but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only
1812within the callback: 1981within the callback:
1813 1982
1983 ev_tstamp timeout = 60.;
1814 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity 1984 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity
1985 ev_timer timer;
1815 1986
1816 static void 1987 static void
1817 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1988 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1818 { 1989 {
1819 ev_tstamp now = ev_now (EV_A); 1990 // calculate when the timeout would happen
1820 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.; 1991 ev_tstamp after = last_activity - ev_now (EV_A) + timeout;
1821 1992
1822 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out 1993 // if negative, it means we the timeout already occurred
1823 if (timeout < now) 1994 if (after < 0.)
1824 { 1995 {
1825 // timeout occurred, take action 1996 // timeout occurred, take action
1826 } 1997 }
1827 else 1998 else
1828 { 1999 {
1829 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm 2000 // callback was invoked, but there was some recent
1830 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is 2001 // activity. simply restart the timer to time out
1831 // guaranteed to be in the future, so "again" is positive: 2002 // after "after" seconds, which is the earliest time
1832 w->repeat = timeout - now; 2003 // the timeout can occur.
2004 ev_timer_set (w, after, 0.);
1833 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ w); 2005 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ w);
1834 } 2006 }
1835 } 2007 }
1836 2008
1837To summarise the callback: first calculate the real timeout (defined 2009To summarise the callback: first calculate in how many seconds the
1838as "60 seconds after the last activity"), then check if that time has 2010timeout will occur (by calculating the absolute time when it would occur,
1839been reached, which means something I<did>, in fact, time out. Otherwise 2011C<last_activity + timeout>, and subtracting the current time, C<ev_now
1840the callback was invoked too early (C<timeout> is in the future), so 2012(EV_A)> from that).
1841re-schedule the timer to fire at that future time, to see if maybe we have
1842a timeout then.
1843 2013
1844Note how C<ev_timer_again> is used, taking advantage of the 2014If this value is negative, then we are already past the timeout, i.e. we
1845C<ev_timer_again> optimisation when the timer is already running. 2015timed out, and need to do whatever is needed in this case.
2016
2017Otherwise, we now the earliest time at which the timeout would trigger,
2018and simply start the timer with this timeout value.
2019
2020In other words, each time the callback is invoked it will check whether
2021the timeout occurred. If not, it will simply reschedule itself to check
2022again at the earliest time it could time out. Rinse. Repeat.
1846 2023
1847This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds 2024This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds
1848minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to 2025minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to
1849libev to change the timeout. 2026libev to change the timeout.
1850 2027
1851To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity> 2028To start the machinery, simply initialise the watcher and set
1852to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the 2029C<last_activity> to the current time (meaning there was some activity just
1853callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer: 2030now), then call the callback, which will "do the right thing" and start
2031the timer:
1854 2032
2033 last_activity = ev_now (EV_A);
1855 ev_init (timer, callback); 2034 ev_init (&timer, callback);
1856 last_activity = ev_now (loop); 2035 callback (EV_A_ &timer, 0);
1857 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMER);
1858 2036
1859And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in 2037When there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1860C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all: 2038C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1861 2039
2040 if (activity detected)
1862 last_activity = ev_now (loop); 2041 last_activity = ev_now (EV_A);
2042
2043When your timeout value changes, then the timeout can be changed by simply
2044providing a new value, stopping the timer and calling the callback, which
2045will again do the right thing (for example, time out immediately :).
2046
2047 timeout = new_value;
2048 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &timer);
2049 callback (EV_A_ &timer, 0);
1863 2050
1864This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the 2051This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1865time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient. 2052time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1866
1867Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1868callback :) - just change the timeout and invoke the callback, which will
1869fix things for you.
1870 2053
1871=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts. 2054=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts.
1872 2055
1873If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all 2056If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all
1874employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can 2057employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can
1901Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is 2084Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is
1902rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays 2085rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays
1903off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually 2086off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually
1904overkill :) 2087overkill :)
1905 2088
2089=head3 The special problem of being too early
2090
2091If you ask a timer to call your callback after three seconds, then
2092you expect it to be invoked after three seconds - but of course, this
2093cannot be guaranteed to infinite precision. Less obviously, it cannot be
2094guaranteed to any precision by libev - imagine somebody suspending the
2095process with a STOP signal for a few hours for example.
2096
2097So, libev tries to invoke your callback as soon as possible I<after> the
2098delay has occurred, but cannot guarantee this.
2099
2100A less obvious failure mode is calling your callback too early: many event
2101loops compare timestamps with a "elapsed delay >= requested delay", but
2102this can cause your callback to be invoked much earlier than you would
2103expect.
2104
2105To see why, imagine a system with a clock that only offers full second
2106resolution (think windows if you can't come up with a broken enough OS
2107yourself). If you schedule a one-second timer at the time 500.9, then the
2108event loop will schedule your timeout to elapse at a system time of 500
2109(500.9 truncated to the resolution) + 1, or 501.
2110
2111If an event library looks at the timeout 0.1s later, it will see "501 >=
2112501" and invoke the callback 0.1s after it was started, even though a
2113one-second delay was requested - this is being "too early", despite best
2114intentions.
2115
2116This is the reason why libev will never invoke the callback if the elapsed
2117delay equals the requested delay, but only when the elapsed delay is
2118larger than the requested delay. In the example above, libev would only invoke
2119the callback at system time 502, or 1.1s after the timer was started.
2120
2121So, while libev cannot guarantee that your callback will be invoked
2122exactly when requested, it I<can> and I<does> guarantee that the requested
2123delay has actually elapsed, or in other words, it always errs on the "too
2124late" side of things.
2125
1906=head3 The special problem of time updates 2126=head3 The special problem of time updates
1907 2127
1908Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at 2128Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes
1909least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current 2129at least one system call): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1910time only before and after C<ev_run> collects new events, which causes a 2130time only before and after C<ev_run> collects new events, which causes a
1911growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling 2131growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1912lots of events in one iteration. 2132lots of events in one iteration.
1913 2133
1914The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 2134The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1915time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 2135time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1916of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If 2136of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If
1917you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the 2137you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the
1918timeout on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this: 2138timeout on the current time, use something like the following to adjust
2139for it:
1919 2140
1920 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 2141 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + (ev_time () - ev_now ()), 0.);
1921 2142
1922If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an 2143If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
1923update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update 2144update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
1924()>. 2145()>, although that will push the event time of all outstanding events
2146further into the future.
2147
2148=head3 The special problem of unsynchronised clocks
2149
2150Modern systems have a variety of clocks - libev itself uses the normal
2151"wall clock" clock and, if available, the monotonic clock (to avoid time
2152jumps).
2153
2154Neither of these clocks is synchronised with each other or any other clock
2155on the system, so C<ev_time ()> might return a considerably different time
2156than C<gettimeofday ()> or C<time ()>. On a GNU/Linux system, for example,
2157a call to C<gettimeofday> might return a second count that is one higher
2158than a directly following call to C<time>.
2159
2160The moral of this is to only compare libev-related timestamps with
2161C<ev_time ()> and C<ev_now ()>, at least if you want better precision than
2162a second or so.
2163
2164One more problem arises due to this lack of synchronisation: if libev uses
2165the system monotonic clock and you compare timestamps from C<ev_time>
2166or C<ev_now> from when you started your timer and when your callback is
2167invoked, you will find that sometimes the callback is a bit "early".
2168
2169This is because C<ev_timer>s work in real time, not wall clock time, so
2170libev makes sure your callback is not invoked before the delay happened,
2171I<measured according to the real time>, not the system clock.
2172
2173If your timeouts are based on a physical timescale (e.g. "time out this
2174connection after 100 seconds") then this shouldn't bother you as it is
2175exactly the right behaviour.
2176
2177If you want to compare wall clock/system timestamps to your timers, then
2178you need to use C<ev_periodic>s, as these are based on the wall clock
2179time, where your comparisons will always generate correct results.
1925 2180
1926=head3 The special problems of suspended animation 2181=head3 The special problems of suspended animation
1927 2182
1928When you leave the server world it is quite customary to hit machines that 2183When you leave the server world it is quite customary to hit machines that
1929can suspend/hibernate - what happens to the clocks during such a suspend? 2184can suspend/hibernate - what happens to the clocks during such a suspend?
1959 2214
1960=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 2215=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1961 2216
1962=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 2217=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1963 2218
1964Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat> 2219Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds (fractional and
1965is C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped once the timeout is 2220negative values are supported). If C<repeat> is C<0.>, then it will
1966reached. If it is positive, then the timer will automatically be 2221automatically be stopped once the timeout is reached. If it is positive,
1967configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds later, again, and again, 2222then the timer will automatically be configured to trigger again C<repeat>
1968until stopped manually. 2223seconds later, again, and again, until stopped manually.
1969 2224
1970The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if 2225The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if
1971you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally 2226you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally
1972trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot 2227trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot
1973keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to 2228keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to
1974do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 2229do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
1975 2230
1976=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *) 2231=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
1977 2232
1978This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 2233This will act as if the timer timed out, and restarts it again if it is
1979repeating. The exact semantics are: 2234repeating. It basically works like calling C<ev_timer_stop>, updating the
2235timeout to the C<repeat> value and calling C<ev_timer_start>.
1980 2236
2237The exact semantics are as in the following rules, all of which will be
2238applied to the watcher:
2239
2240=over 4
2241
1981If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 2242=item If the timer is pending, the pending status is always cleared.
1982 2243
1983If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 2244=item If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed
2245out, without invoking it).
1984 2246
1985If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 2247=item If the timer is repeating, make the C<repeat> value the new timeout
1986C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 2248and start the timer, if necessary.
1987 2249
2250=back
2251
1988This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a 2252This sounds a bit complicated, see L</Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a
1989usage example. 2253usage example.
1990 2254
1991=item ev_tstamp ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *) 2255=item ev_tstamp ev_timer_remaining (loop, ev_timer *)
1992 2256
1993Returns the remaining time until a timer fires. If the timer is active, 2257Returns the remaining time until a timer fires. If the timer is active,
2046Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 2310Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
2047(and unfortunately a bit complex). 2311(and unfortunately a bit complex).
2048 2312
2049Unlike C<ev_timer>, periodic watchers are not based on real time (or 2313Unlike C<ev_timer>, periodic watchers are not based on real time (or
2050relative time, the physical time that passes) but on wall clock time 2314relative time, the physical time that passes) but on wall clock time
2051(absolute time, the thing you can read on your calender or clock). The 2315(absolute time, the thing you can read on your calendar or clock). The
2052difference is that wall clock time can run faster or slower than real 2316difference is that wall clock time can run faster or slower than real
2053time, and time jumps are not uncommon (e.g. when you adjust your 2317time, and time jumps are not uncommon (e.g. when you adjust your
2054wrist-watch). 2318wrist-watch).
2055 2319
2056You can tell a periodic watcher to trigger after some specific point 2320You can tell a periodic watcher to trigger after some specific point
2061C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger roughly 10 seconds after starting 2325C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger roughly 10 seconds after starting
2062it, as it uses a relative timeout). 2326it, as it uses a relative timeout).
2063 2327
2064C<ev_periodic> watchers can also be used to implement vastly more complex 2328C<ev_periodic> watchers can also be used to implement vastly more complex
2065timers, such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or 2329timers, such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or
2066other complicated rules. This cannot be done with C<ev_timer> watchers, as 2330other complicated rules. This cannot easily be done with C<ev_timer>
2067those cannot react to time jumps. 2331watchers, as those cannot react to time jumps.
2068 2332
2069As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the 2333As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
2070point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple 2334point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple
2071timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with 2335timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with
2072earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values 2336earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values
2113 2377
2114Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 2378Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
2115C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 2379C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
2116time where C<time = offset (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 2380time where C<time = offset (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
2117 2381
2118For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<offset> value is near 2382The C<interval> I<MUST> be positive, and for numerical stability, the
2119C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for 2383interval value should be higher than C<1/8192> (which is around 100
2120this value, and in fact is often specified as zero. 2384microseconds) and C<offset> should be higher than C<0> and should have
2385at most a similar magnitude as the current time (say, within a factor of
2386ten). Typical values for offset are, in fact, C<0> or something between
2387C<0> and C<interval>, which is also the recommended range.
2121 2388
2122Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU 2389Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
2123speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability 2390speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
2124will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one 2391will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
2125millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough). 2392millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
2155 2422
2156NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is higher than or 2423NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is higher than or
2157equal to the passed C<now> value >>. 2424equal to the passed C<now> value >>.
2158 2425
2159This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that 2426This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that
2160triggers on "next midnight, local time". To do this, you would calculate the 2427triggers on "next midnight, local time". To do this, you would calculate
2161next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How 2428the next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for
2162you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main 2429this. Here is a (completely untested, no error checking) example on how to
2163reason I omitted it as an example). 2430do this:
2431
2432 #include <time.h>
2433
2434 static ev_tstamp
2435 my_rescheduler (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
2436 {
2437 time_t tnow = (time_t)now;
2438 struct tm tm;
2439 localtime_r (&tnow, &tm);
2440
2441 tm.tm_sec = tm.tm_min = tm.tm_hour = 0; // midnight current day
2442 ++tm.tm_mday; // midnight next day
2443
2444 return mktime (&tm);
2445 }
2446
2447Note: this code might run into trouble on days that have more then two
2448midnights (beginning and end).
2164 2449
2165=back 2450=back
2166 2451
2167=item ev_periodic_again (loop, ev_periodic *) 2452=item ev_periodic_again (loop, ev_periodic *)
2168 2453
2233 2518
2234 ev_periodic hourly_tick; 2519 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
2235 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 2520 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
2236 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 2521 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
2237 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 2522 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
2238 2523
2239 2524
2240=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 2525=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
2241 2526
2242Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 2527Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
2243signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 2528signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
2244will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 2529will try its best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
2245normal event processing, like any other event. 2530normal event processing, like any other event.
2246 2531
2247If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use 2532If you want signals to be delivered truly asynchronously, just use
2248C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing 2533C<sigaction> as you would do without libev and forget about sharing
2249the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to 2534the signal. You can even use C<ev_async> from a signal handler to
2253only within the same loop, i.e. you can watch for C<SIGINT> in your 2538only within the same loop, i.e. you can watch for C<SIGINT> in your
2254default loop and for C<SIGIO> in another loop, but you cannot watch for 2539default loop and for C<SIGIO> in another loop, but you cannot watch for
2255C<SIGINT> in both the default loop and another loop at the same time. At 2540C<SIGINT> in both the default loop and another loop at the same time. At
2256the moment, C<SIGCHLD> is permanently tied to the default loop. 2541the moment, C<SIGCHLD> is permanently tied to the default loop.
2257 2542
2258When the first watcher gets started will libev actually register something 2543Only after the first watcher for a signal is started will libev actually
2259with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as 2544register something with the kernel. It thus coexists with your own signal
2260you don't register any with libev for the same signal). 2545handlers as long as you don't register any with libev for the same signal.
2261 2546
2262If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with 2547If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
2263C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should 2548C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should
2264not be unduly interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting 2549not be unduly interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting
2265interrupted by signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher 2550interrupted by signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher
2268=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create 2553=head3 The special problem of inheritance over fork/execve/pthread_create
2269 2554
2270Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition 2555Both the signal mask (C<sigprocmask>) and the signal disposition
2271(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after 2556(C<sigaction>) are unspecified after starting a signal watcher (and after
2272stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal, 2557stopping it again), that is, libev might or might not block the signal,
2273and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler. 2558and might or might not set or restore the installed signal handler (but
2559see C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK>).
2274 2560
2275While this does not matter for the signal disposition (libev never 2561While this does not matter for the signal disposition (libev never
2276sets signals to C<SIG_IGN>, so handlers will be reset to C<SIG_DFL> on 2562sets signals to C<SIG_IGN>, so handlers will be reset to C<SIG_DFL> on
2277C<execve>), this matters for the signal mask: many programs do not expect 2563C<execve>), this matters for the signal mask: many programs do not expect
2278certain signals to be blocked. 2564certain signals to be blocked.
2291I<has> to modify the signal mask, at least temporarily. 2577I<has> to modify the signal mask, at least temporarily.
2292 2578
2293So I can't stress this enough: I<If you do not reset your signal mask when 2579So I can't stress this enough: I<If you do not reset your signal mask when
2294you expect it to be empty, you have a race condition in your code>. This 2580you expect it to be empty, you have a race condition in your code>. This
2295is not a libev-specific thing, this is true for most event libraries. 2581is not a libev-specific thing, this is true for most event libraries.
2582
2583=head3 The special problem of threads signal handling
2584
2585POSIX threads has problematic signal handling semantics, specifically,
2586a lot of functionality (sigfd, sigwait etc.) only really works if all
2587threads in a process block signals, which is hard to achieve.
2588
2589When you want to use sigwait (or mix libev signal handling with your own
2590for the same signals), you can tackle this problem by globally blocking
2591all signals before creating any threads (or creating them with a fully set
2592sigprocmask) and also specifying the C<EVFLAG_NOSIGMASK> when creating
2593loops. Then designate one thread as "signal receiver thread" which handles
2594these signals. You can pass on any signals that libev might be interested
2595in by calling C<ev_feed_signal>.
2296 2596
2297=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2597=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2298 2598
2299=over 4 2599=over 4
2300 2600
2435 2735
2436=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 2736=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
2437 2737
2438This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 2738This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
2439C<stat> on that path in regular intervals (or when the OS says it changed) 2739C<stat> on that path in regular intervals (or when the OS says it changed)
2440and sees if it changed compared to the last time, invoking the callback if 2740and sees if it changed compared to the last time, invoking the callback
2441it did. 2741if it did. Starting the watcher C<stat>'s the file, so only changes that
2742happen after the watcher has been started will be reported.
2442 2743
2443The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 2744The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
2444not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does not 2745not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does not
2445exist" (or more correctly "path cannot be stat'ed") is signified by the 2746exist" (or more correctly "path cannot be stat'ed") is signified by the
2446C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is otherwise always forced to be at 2747C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is otherwise always forced to be at
2676Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 2977Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
2677effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do 2978effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do
2678"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 2979"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
2679event loop has handled all outstanding events. 2980event loop has handled all outstanding events.
2680 2981
2982=head3 Abusing an C<ev_idle> watcher for its side-effect
2983
2984As long as there is at least one active idle watcher, libev will never
2985sleep unnecessarily. Or in other words, it will loop as fast as possible.
2986For this to work, the idle watcher doesn't need to be invoked at all - the
2987lowest priority will do.
2988
2989This mode of operation can be useful together with an C<ev_check> watcher,
2990to do something on each event loop iteration - for example to balance load
2991between different connections.
2992
2993See L</Abusing an ev_check watcher for its side-effect> for a longer
2994example.
2995
2681=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2996=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2682 2997
2683=over 4 2998=over 4
2684 2999
2685=item ev_idle_init (ev_idle *, callback) 3000=item ev_idle_init (ev_idle *, callback)
2696callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 3011callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
2697 3012
2698 static void 3013 static void
2699 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents) 3014 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents)
2700 { 3015 {
3016 // stop the watcher
3017 ev_idle_stop (loop, w);
3018
3019 // now we can free it
2701 free (w); 3020 free (w);
3021
2702 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 3022 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
2703 // no longer anything immediate to do. 3023 // no longer anything immediate to do.
2704 } 3024 }
2705 3025
2706 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle)); 3026 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle));
2708 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_watcher); 3028 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_watcher);
2709 3029
2710 3030
2711=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 3031=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
2712 3032
2713Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs: 3033Prepare and check watchers are often (but not always) used in pairs:
2714prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 3034prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
2715afterwards. 3035afterwards.
2716 3036
2717You I<must not> call C<ev_run> or similar functions that enter 3037You I<must not> call C<ev_run> (or similar functions that enter the
2718the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 3038current event loop) or C<ev_loop_fork> from either C<ev_prepare> or
2719watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The 3039C<ev_check> watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine,
2720rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in 3040however. The rationale behind this is that you do not need to check
2721those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking, 3041for recursion in those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be
2722C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be 3042C<ev_prepare>, blocking, C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each
2723called in pairs bracketing the blocking call. 3043kind they will always be called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.
2724 3044
2725Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and 3045Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and
2726their use is somewhat advanced. They could be used, for example, to track 3046their use is somewhat advanced. They could be used, for example, to track
2727variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a 3047variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a
2728coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if 3048coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if
2746with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 3066with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine
2747of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event 3067of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
2748loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 3068loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
2749low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 3069low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
2750 3070
2751It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) 3071When used for this purpose, it is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers
2752priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers 3072highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) priority, to ensure that they are being run before
2753after the poll (this doesn't matter for C<ev_prepare> watchers). 3073any other watchers after the poll (this doesn't matter for C<ev_prepare>
3074watchers).
2754 3075
2755Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, too) should not 3076Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, too) should not
2756activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully supports this, they 3077activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully supports this, they
2757might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers did their job. As 3078might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers did their job. As
2758C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other (non-libev) event 3079C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other (non-libev) event
2759loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their 3080loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
2760C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with 3081C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
2761others). 3082others).
3083
3084=head3 Abusing an C<ev_check> watcher for its side-effect
3085
3086C<ev_check> (and less often also C<ev_prepare>) watchers can also be
3087useful because they are called once per event loop iteration. For
3088example, if you want to handle a large number of connections fairly, you
3089normally only do a bit of work for each active connection, and if there
3090is more work to do, you wait for the next event loop iteration, so other
3091connections have a chance of making progress.
3092
3093Using an C<ev_check> watcher is almost enough: it will be called on the
3094next event loop iteration. However, that isn't as soon as possible -
3095without external events, your C<ev_check> watcher will not be invoked.
3096
3097This is where C<ev_idle> watchers come in handy - all you need is a
3098single global idle watcher that is active as long as you have one active
3099C<ev_check> watcher. The C<ev_idle> watcher makes sure the event loop
3100will not sleep, and the C<ev_check> watcher makes sure a callback gets
3101invoked. Neither watcher alone can do that.
2762 3102
2763=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 3103=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2764 3104
2765=over 4 3105=over 4
2766 3106
2967 3307
2968=over 4 3308=over 4
2969 3309
2970=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 3310=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
2971 3311
2972=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 3312=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
2973 3313
2974Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 3314Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
2975embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be 3315embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
2976invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback 3316invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
2977to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done, 3317to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
2998used). 3338used).
2999 3339
3000 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 3340 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
3001 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 3341 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
3002 ev_embed embed; 3342 ev_embed embed;
3003 3343
3004 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 3344 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
3005 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 3345 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
3006 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 3346 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
3007 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 3347 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
3008 : 0; 3348 : 0;
3022C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 3362C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
3023 3363
3024 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 3364 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
3025 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 3365 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
3026 ev_embed embed; 3366 ev_embed embed;
3027 3367
3028 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 3368 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
3029 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 3369 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
3030 { 3370 {
3031 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 3371 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
3032 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed); 3372 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
3040 3380
3041=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 3381=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
3042 3382
3043Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 3383Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
3044whoever is a good citizen cared to tell libev about it by calling 3384whoever is a good citizen cared to tell libev about it by calling
3045C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork>). The invocation is done before the 3385C<ev_loop_fork>). The invocation is done before the event loop blocks next
3046event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 3386and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, and only in the child
3047and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling 3387after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling C<ev_default_fork> cheats
3048C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 3388and calls it in the wrong process, the fork handlers will be invoked, too,
3049handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 3389of course.
3050 3390
3051=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible? 3391=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible?
3052 3392
3053Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to set 3393Most uses of C<fork ()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to set
3054up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This 3394up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This
3055sequence should be handled by libev without any problems. 3395sequence should be handled by libev without any problems.
3056 3396
3057This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling 3397This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling
3058in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the 3398in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the
3074disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support 3414disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support
3075signal watchers). 3415signal watchers).
3076 3416
3077When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for 3417When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for
3078other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call 3418other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call
3079C<ev_default_destroy ()> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>. Destroying 3419C<ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT)> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>.
3080the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered watchers, so you 3420Destroying the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered
3081have to be careful not to execute code that modifies those watchers. Note 3421watchers, so you have to be careful not to execute code that modifies
3082also that in that case, you have to re-register any signal watchers. 3422those watchers. Note also that in that case, you have to re-register any
3423signal watchers.
3083 3424
3084=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 3425=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
3085 3426
3086=over 4 3427=over 4
3087 3428
3088=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 3429=item ev_fork_init (ev_fork *, callback)
3089 3430
3090Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 3431Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
3091kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 3432kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
3092believe me. 3433really.
3093 3434
3094=back 3435=back
3095 3436
3096 3437
3438=head2 C<ev_cleanup> - even the best things end
3439
3440Cleanup watchers are called just before the event loop is being destroyed
3441by a call to C<ev_loop_destroy>.
3442
3443While there is no guarantee that the event loop gets destroyed, cleanup
3444watchers provide a convenient method to install cleanup hooks for your
3445program, worker threads and so on - you just to make sure to destroy the
3446loop when you want them to be invoked.
3447
3448Cleanup watchers are invoked in the same way as any other watcher. Unlike
3449all other watchers, they do not keep a reference to the event loop (which
3450makes a lot of sense if you think about it). Like all other watchers, you
3451can call libev functions in the callback, except C<ev_cleanup_start>.
3452
3453=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
3454
3455=over 4
3456
3457=item ev_cleanup_init (ev_cleanup *, callback)
3458
3459Initialises and configures the cleanup watcher - it has no parameters of
3460any kind. There is a C<ev_cleanup_set> macro, but using it is utterly
3461pointless, I assure you.
3462
3463=back
3464
3465Example: Register an atexit handler to destroy the default loop, so any
3466cleanup functions are called.
3467
3468 static void
3469 program_exits (void)
3470 {
3471 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
3472 }
3473
3474 ...
3475 atexit (program_exits);
3476
3477
3097=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop 3478=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up an event loop
3098 3479
3099In general, you cannot use an C<ev_run> from multiple threads or other 3480In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other
3100asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event 3481asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
3101loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads). 3482loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
3102 3483
3103Sometimes, however, you need to wake up an event loop you do not control, 3484Sometimes, however, you need to wake up an event loop you do not control,
3104for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what C<ev_async> 3485for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what C<ev_async>
3106it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe. 3487it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal safe.
3107 3488
3108This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals, 3489This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
3109too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed 3490too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
3110(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of 3491(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
3111C<ev_async_sent> calls). 3492C<ev_async_send> calls). In fact, you could use signal watchers as a kind
3112 3493of "global async watchers" by using a watcher on an otherwise unused
3113Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not 3494signal, and C<ev_feed_signal> to signal this watcher from another thread,
3114just the default loop. 3495even without knowing which loop owns the signal.
3115 3496
3116=head3 Queueing 3497=head3 Queueing
3117 3498
3118C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason 3499C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
3119is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a 3500is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
3211trust me. 3592trust me.
3212 3593
3213=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *) 3594=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
3214 3595
3215Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds 3596Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
3216an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike 3597an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop, and instantly
3598returns.
3599
3217C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or 3600Unlike C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads,
3218similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding 3601signal or similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the
3219section below on what exactly this means). 3602embedding section below on what exactly this means).
3220 3603
3221Note that, as with other watchers in libev, multiple events might get 3604Note that, as with other watchers in libev, multiple events might get
3222compressed into a single callback invocation (another way to look at this 3605compressed into a single callback invocation (another way to look at
3223is that C<ev_async> watchers are level-triggered, set on C<ev_async_send>, 3606this is that C<ev_async> watchers are level-triggered: they are set on
3224reset when the event loop detects that). 3607C<ev_async_send>, reset when the event loop detects that).
3225 3608
3226This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per event loop 3609This call incurs the overhead of at most one extra system call per event
3227iteration, so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to 3610loop iteration, if the event loop is blocked, and no syscall at all if
3228repeated calls to C<ev_async_send> for the same event loop. 3611the event loop (or your program) is processing events. That means that
3612repeated calls are basically free (there is no need to avoid calls for
3613performance reasons) and that the overhead becomes smaller (typically
3614zero) under load.
3229 3615
3230=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *) 3616=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
3231 3617
3232Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the 3618Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
3233watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the 3619watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
3250 3636
3251There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now. 3637There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now.
3252 3638
3253=over 4 3639=over 4
3254 3640
3255=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback) 3641=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback, arg)
3256 3642
3257This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your 3643This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your
3258callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stops both 3644callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stops both
3259watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd 3645watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd
3260or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 3646or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
3288 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 3674 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
3289 3675
3290=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents) 3676=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents)
3291 3677
3292Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 3678Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
3293the given events it. 3679the given events.
3294 3680
3295=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum) 3681=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum)
3296 3682
3297Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default 3683Feed an event as if the given signal occurred. See also C<ev_feed_signal>,
3298loop!). 3684which is async-safe.
3299 3685
3300=back 3686=back
3687
3688
3689=head1 COMMON OR USEFUL IDIOMS (OR BOTH)
3690
3691This section explains some common idioms that are not immediately
3692obvious. Note that examples are sprinkled over the whole manual, and this
3693section only contains stuff that wouldn't fit anywhere else.
3694
3695=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
3696
3697Each watcher has, by default, a C<void *data> member that you can read
3698or modify at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
3699to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
3700don't want to allocate memory separately and store a pointer to it in that
3701data member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
3702data:
3703
3704 struct my_io
3705 {
3706 ev_io io;
3707 int otherfd;
3708 void *somedata;
3709 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
3710 };
3711
3712 ...
3713 struct my_io w;
3714 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
3715
3716And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
3717can cast it back to your own type:
3718
3719 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
3720 {
3721 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
3722 ...
3723 }
3724
3725More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback
3726function type instead have been omitted.
3727
3728=head2 BUILDING YOUR OWN COMPOSITE WATCHERS
3729
3730Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
3731embedded watchers, in effect creating your own watcher that combines
3732multiple libev event sources into one "super-watcher":
3733
3734 struct my_biggy
3735 {
3736 int some_data;
3737 ev_timer t1;
3738 ev_timer t2;
3739 }
3740
3741In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
3742complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct in
3743the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies or C++ coders), or you need
3744to use some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for
3745real programmers):
3746
3747 #include <stddef.h>
3748
3749 static void
3750 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
3751 {
3752 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
3753 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
3754 }
3755
3756 static void
3757 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
3758 {
3759 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *)
3760 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
3761 }
3762
3763=head2 AVOIDING FINISHING BEFORE RETURNING
3764
3765Often you have structures like this in event-based programs:
3766
3767 callback ()
3768 {
3769 free (request);
3770 }
3771
3772 request = start_new_request (..., callback);
3773
3774The intent is to start some "lengthy" operation. The C<request> could be
3775used to cancel the operation, or do other things with it.
3776
3777It's not uncommon to have code paths in C<start_new_request> that
3778immediately invoke the callback, for example, to report errors. Or you add
3779some caching layer that finds that it can skip the lengthy aspects of the
3780operation and simply invoke the callback with the result.
3781
3782The problem here is that this will happen I<before> C<start_new_request>
3783has returned, so C<request> is not set.
3784
3785Even if you pass the request by some safer means to the callback, you
3786might want to do something to the request after starting it, such as
3787canceling it, which probably isn't working so well when the callback has
3788already been invoked.
3789
3790A common way around all these issues is to make sure that
3791C<start_new_request> I<always> returns before the callback is invoked. If
3792C<start_new_request> immediately knows the result, it can artificially
3793delay invoking the callback by using a C<prepare> or C<idle> watcher for
3794example, or more sneakily, by reusing an existing (stopped) watcher and
3795pushing it into the pending queue:
3796
3797 ev_set_cb (watcher, callback);
3798 ev_feed_event (EV_A_ watcher, 0);
3799
3800This way, C<start_new_request> can safely return before the callback is
3801invoked, while not delaying callback invocation too much.
3802
3803=head2 MODEL/NESTED EVENT LOOP INVOCATIONS AND EXIT CONDITIONS
3804
3805Often (especially in GUI toolkits) there are places where you have
3806I<modal> interaction, which is most easily implemented by recursively
3807invoking C<ev_run>.
3808
3809This brings the problem of exiting - a callback might want to finish the
3810main C<ev_run> call, but not the nested one (e.g. user clicked "Quit", but
3811a modal "Are you sure?" dialog is still waiting), or just the nested one
3812and not the main one (e.g. user clocked "Ok" in a modal dialog), or some
3813other combination: In these cases, a simple C<ev_break> will not work.
3814
3815The solution is to maintain "break this loop" variable for each C<ev_run>
3816invocation, and use a loop around C<ev_run> until the condition is
3817triggered, using C<EVRUN_ONCE>:
3818
3819 // main loop
3820 int exit_main_loop = 0;
3821
3822 while (!exit_main_loop)
3823 ev_run (EV_DEFAULT_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3824
3825 // in a modal watcher
3826 int exit_nested_loop = 0;
3827
3828 while (!exit_nested_loop)
3829 ev_run (EV_A_ EVRUN_ONCE);
3830
3831To exit from any of these loops, just set the corresponding exit variable:
3832
3833 // exit modal loop
3834 exit_nested_loop = 1;
3835
3836 // exit main program, after modal loop is finished
3837 exit_main_loop = 1;
3838
3839 // exit both
3840 exit_main_loop = exit_nested_loop = 1;
3841
3842=head2 THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE
3843
3844Here is a fictitious example of how to run an event loop in a different
3845thread from where callbacks are being invoked and watchers are
3846created/added/removed.
3847
3848For a real-world example, see the C<EV::Loop::Async> perl module,
3849which uses exactly this technique (which is suited for many high-level
3850languages).
3851
3852The example uses a pthread mutex to protect the loop data, a condition
3853variable to wait for callback invocations, an async watcher to notify the
3854event loop thread and an unspecified mechanism to wake up the main thread.
3855
3856First, you need to associate some data with the event loop:
3857
3858 typedef struct {
3859 mutex_t lock; /* global loop lock */
3860 ev_async async_w;
3861 thread_t tid;
3862 cond_t invoke_cv;
3863 } userdata;
3864
3865 void prepare_loop (EV_P)
3866 {
3867 // for simplicity, we use a static userdata struct.
3868 static userdata u;
3869
3870 ev_async_init (&u->async_w, async_cb);
3871 ev_async_start (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
3872
3873 pthread_mutex_init (&u->lock, 0);
3874 pthread_cond_init (&u->invoke_cv, 0);
3875
3876 // now associate this with the loop
3877 ev_set_userdata (EV_A_ u);
3878 ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (EV_A_ l_invoke);
3879 ev_set_loop_release_cb (EV_A_ l_release, l_acquire);
3880
3881 // then create the thread running ev_run
3882 pthread_create (&u->tid, 0, l_run, EV_A);
3883 }
3884
3885The callback for the C<ev_async> watcher does nothing: the watcher is used
3886solely to wake up the event loop so it takes notice of any new watchers
3887that might have been added:
3888
3889 static void
3890 async_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
3891 {
3892 // just used for the side effects
3893 }
3894
3895The C<l_release> and C<l_acquire> callbacks simply unlock/lock the mutex
3896protecting the loop data, respectively.
3897
3898 static void
3899 l_release (EV_P)
3900 {
3901 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3902 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
3903 }
3904
3905 static void
3906 l_acquire (EV_P)
3907 {
3908 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3909 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
3910 }
3911
3912The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
3913into C<ev_run>:
3914
3915 void *
3916 l_run (void *thr_arg)
3917 {
3918 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg;
3919
3920 l_acquire (EV_A);
3921 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0);
3922 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
3923 l_release (EV_A);
3924
3925 return 0;
3926 }
3927
3928Instead of invoking all pending watchers, the C<l_invoke> callback will
3929signal the main thread via some unspecified mechanism (signals? pipe
3930writes? C<Async::Interrupt>?) and then waits until all pending watchers
3931have been called (in a while loop because a) spurious wakeups are possible
3932and b) skipping inter-thread-communication when there are no pending
3933watchers is very beneficial):
3934
3935 static void
3936 l_invoke (EV_P)
3937 {
3938 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3939
3940 while (ev_pending_count (EV_A))
3941 {
3942 wake_up_other_thread_in_some_magic_or_not_so_magic_way ();
3943 pthread_cond_wait (&u->invoke_cv, &u->lock);
3944 }
3945 }
3946
3947Now, whenever the main thread gets told to invoke pending watchers, it
3948will grab the lock, call C<ev_invoke_pending> and then signal the loop
3949thread to continue:
3950
3951 static void
3952 real_invoke_pending (EV_P)
3953 {
3954 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3955
3956 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
3957 ev_invoke_pending (EV_A);
3958 pthread_cond_signal (&u->invoke_cv);
3959 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
3960 }
3961
3962Whenever you want to start/stop a watcher or do other modifications to an
3963event loop, you will now have to lock:
3964
3965 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
3966 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
3967
3968 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
3969
3970 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
3971 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ &timeout_watcher);
3972 ev_async_send (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
3973 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
3974
3975Note that sending the C<ev_async> watcher is required because otherwise
3976an event loop currently blocking in the kernel will have no knowledge
3977about the newly added timer. By waking up the loop it will pick up any new
3978watchers in the next event loop iteration.
3979
3980=head2 THREADS, COROUTINES, CONTINUATIONS, QUEUES... INSTEAD OF CALLBACKS
3981
3982While the overhead of a callback that e.g. schedules a thread is small, it
3983is still an overhead. If you embed libev, and your main usage is with some
3984kind of threads or coroutines, you might want to customise libev so that
3985doesn't need callbacks anymore.
3986
3987Imagine you have coroutines that you can switch to using a function
3988C<switch_to (coro)>, that libev runs in a coroutine called C<libev_coro>
3989and that due to some magic, the currently active coroutine is stored in a
3990global called C<current_coro>. Then you can build your own "wait for libev
3991event" primitive by changing C<EV_CB_DECLARE> and C<EV_CB_INVOKE> (note
3992the differing C<;> conventions):
3993
3994 #define EV_CB_DECLARE(type) struct my_coro *cb;
3995 #define EV_CB_INVOKE(watcher) switch_to ((watcher)->cb)
3996
3997That means instead of having a C callback function, you store the
3998coroutine to switch to in each watcher, and instead of having libev call
3999your callback, you instead have it switch to that coroutine.
4000
4001A coroutine might now wait for an event with a function called
4002C<wait_for_event>. (the watcher needs to be started, as always, but it doesn't
4003matter when, or whether the watcher is active or not when this function is
4004called):
4005
4006 void
4007 wait_for_event (ev_watcher *w)
4008 {
4009 ev_set_cb (w, current_coro);
4010 switch_to (libev_coro);
4011 }
4012
4013That basically suspends the coroutine inside C<wait_for_event> and
4014continues the libev coroutine, which, when appropriate, switches back to
4015this or any other coroutine.
4016
4017You can do similar tricks if you have, say, threads with an event queue -
4018instead of storing a coroutine, you store the queue object and instead of
4019switching to a coroutine, you push the watcher onto the queue and notify
4020any waiters.
4021
4022To embed libev, see L</EMBEDDING>, but in short, it's easiest to create two
4023files, F<my_ev.h> and F<my_ev.c> that include the respective libev files:
4024
4025 // my_ev.h
4026 #define EV_CB_DECLARE(type) struct my_coro *cb;
4027 #define EV_CB_INVOKE(watcher) switch_to ((watcher)->cb)
4028 #include "../libev/ev.h"
4029
4030 // my_ev.c
4031 #define EV_H "my_ev.h"
4032 #include "../libev/ev.c"
4033
4034And then use F<my_ev.h> when you would normally use F<ev.h>, and compile
4035F<my_ev.c> into your project. When properly specifying include paths, you
4036can even use F<ev.h> as header file name directly.
3301 4037
3302 4038
3303=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION 4039=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION
3304 4040
3305Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot 4041Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot
3306emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints: 4042emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints:
3307 4043
3308=over 4 4044=over 4
4045
4046=item * Only the libevent-1.4.1-beta API is being emulated.
4047
4048This was the newest libevent version available when libev was implemented,
4049and is still mostly unchanged in 2010.
3309 4050
3310=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual. 4051=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual.
3311 4052
3312=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback, 4053=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback,
3313ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events. 4054ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events.
3319=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 4060=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
3320will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 4061will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
3321is an ev_pri field. 4062is an ev_pri field.
3322 4063
3323=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the 4064=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
3324first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals. 4065base that registered the signal gets the signals.
3325 4066
3326=item * Other members are not supported. 4067=item * Other members are not supported.
3327 4068
3328=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 4069=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
3329to use the libev header file and library. 4070to use the libev header file and library.
3330 4071
3331=back 4072=back
3332 4073
3333=head1 C++ SUPPORT 4074=head1 C++ SUPPORT
4075
4076=head2 C API
4077
4078The normal C API should work fine when used from C++: both ev.h and the
4079libev sources can be compiled as C++. Therefore, code that uses the C API
4080will work fine.
4081
4082Proper exception specifications might have to be added to callbacks passed
4083to libev: exceptions may be thrown only from watcher callbacks, all other
4084callbacks (allocator, syserr, loop acquire/release and periodic reschedule
4085callbacks) must not throw exceptions, and might need a C<noexcept>
4086specification. If you have code that needs to be compiled as both C and
4087C++ you can use the C<EV_NOEXCEPT> macro for this:
4088
4089 static void
4090 fatal_error (const char *msg) EV_NOEXCEPT
4091 {
4092 perror (msg);
4093 abort ();
4094 }
4095
4096 ...
4097 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error);
4098
4099The only API functions that can currently throw exceptions are C<ev_run>,
4100C<ev_invoke>, C<ev_invoke_pending> and C<ev_loop_destroy> (the latter
4101because it runs cleanup watchers).
4102
4103Throwing exceptions in watcher callbacks is only supported if libev itself
4104is compiled with a C++ compiler or your C and C++ environments allow
4105throwing exceptions through C libraries (most do).
4106
4107=head2 C++ API
3334 4108
3335Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 4109Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
3336you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change 4110you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
3337the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 4111the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
3338 4112
3339To use it, 4113To use it,
3340 4114
3341 #include <ev++.h> 4115 #include <ev++.h>
3342 4116
3343This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many 4117This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
3344of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are 4118of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
3345put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding 4119put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
3348Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++ 4122Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
3349classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer 4123classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
3350that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if 4124that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
3351you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev). 4125you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
3352 4126
3353Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be 4127Currently, functions, static and non-static member functions and classes
3354used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only 4128with C<operator ()> can be used as callbacks. Other types should be easy
3355need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other 4129to add as long as they only need one additional pointer for context. If
3356types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing 4130you need support for other types of functors please contact the author
3357it). 4131(preferably after implementing it).
4132
4133For all this to work, your C++ compiler either has to use the same calling
4134conventions as your C compiler (for static member functions), or you have
4135to embed libev and compile libev itself as C++.
3358 4136
3359Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 4137Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
3360 4138
3361=over 4 4139=over 4
3362 4140
3372=item C<ev::io>, C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic>, C<ev::idle>, C<ev::sig> etc. 4150=item C<ev::io>, C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic>, C<ev::idle>, C<ev::sig> etc.
3373 4151
3374For each C<ev_TYPE> watcher in F<ev.h> there is a corresponding class of 4152For each C<ev_TYPE> watcher in F<ev.h> there is a corresponding class of
3375the same name in the C<ev> namespace, with the exception of C<ev_signal> 4153the same name in the C<ev> namespace, with the exception of C<ev_signal>
3376which is called C<ev::sig> to avoid clashes with the C<signal> macro 4154which is called C<ev::sig> to avoid clashes with the C<signal> macro
3377defines by many implementations. 4155defined by many implementations.
3378 4156
3379All of those classes have these methods: 4157All of those classes have these methods:
3380 4158
3381=over 4 4159=over 4
3382 4160
3444 void operator() (ev::io &w, int revents) 4222 void operator() (ev::io &w, int revents)
3445 { 4223 {
3446 ... 4224 ...
3447 } 4225 }
3448 } 4226 }
3449 4227
3450 myfunctor f; 4228 myfunctor f;
3451 4229
3452 ev::io w; 4230 ev::io w;
3453 w.set (&f); 4231 w.set (&f);
3454 4232
3472Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 4250Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
3473do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 4251do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
3474 4252
3475=item w->set ([arguments]) 4253=item w->set ([arguments])
3476 4254
3477Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Either this 4255Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set> (except for C<ev::embed> watchers>),
3478method or a suitable start method must be called at least once. Unlike the 4256with the same arguments. Either this method or a suitable start method
3479C counterpart, an active watcher gets automatically stopped and restarted 4257must be called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher
3480when reconfiguring it with this method. 4258gets automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
4259method.
4260
4261For C<ev::embed> watchers this method is called C<set_embed>, to avoid
4262clashing with the C<set (loop)> method.
3481 4263
3482=item w->start () 4264=item w->start ()
3483 4265
3484Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the 4266Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
3485constructor already stores the event loop. 4267constructor already stores the event loop.
3515watchers in the constructor. 4297watchers in the constructor.
3516 4298
3517 class myclass 4299 class myclass
3518 { 4300 {
3519 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 4301 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3520 ev::io2 io2 ; void io2_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 4302 ev::io io2 ; void io2_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
3521 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 4303 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
3522 4304
3523 myclass (int fd) 4305 myclass (int fd)
3524 { 4306 {
3525 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 4307 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
3576L<http://hackage.haskell.org/cgi-bin/hackage-scripts/package/hlibev>. 4358L<http://hackage.haskell.org/cgi-bin/hackage-scripts/package/hlibev>.
3577 4359
3578=item D 4360=item D
3579 4361
3580Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to 4362Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
3581be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>. 4363be found at L<http://www.llucax.com.ar/proj/ev.d/index.html>.
3582 4364
3583=item Ocaml 4365=item Ocaml
3584 4366
3585Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at 4367Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
3586L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>. 4368L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
3589 4371
3590Brian Maher has written a partial interface to libev for lua (at the 4372Brian Maher has written a partial interface to libev for lua (at the
3591time of this writing, only C<ev_io> and C<ev_timer>), to be found at 4373time of this writing, only C<ev_io> and C<ev_timer>), to be found at
3592L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>. 4374L<http://github.com/brimworks/lua-ev>.
3593 4375
4376=item Javascript
4377
4378Node.js (L<http://nodejs.org>) uses libev as the underlying event library.
4379
4380=item Others
4381
4382There are others, and I stopped counting.
4383
3594=back 4384=back
3595 4385
3596 4386
3597=head1 MACRO MAGIC 4387=head1 MACRO MAGIC
3598 4388
3634suitable for use with C<EV_A>. 4424suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
3635 4425
3636=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 4426=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
3637 4427
3638Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 4428Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
3639loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 4429loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). The default loop
4430will be initialised if it isn't already initialised.
4431
4432For non-multiplicity builds, these macros do nothing, so you always have
4433to initialise the loop somewhere.
3640 4434
3641=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_> 4435=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_>
3642 4436
3643Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the 4437Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the
3644default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour 4438default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour
3711 ev_vars.h 4505 ev_vars.h
3712 ev_wrap.h 4506 ev_wrap.h
3713 4507
3714 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 4508 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
3715 4509
3716 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default) 4510 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled
3717 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 4511 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled
3718 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 4512 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled
4513 ev_linuxaio.c only when the linux aio backend is enabled
4514 ev_iouring.c only when the linux io_uring backend is enabled
3719 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 4515 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled
3720 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 4516 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled
3721 4517
3722F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need 4518F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
3723to compile this single file. 4519to compile this single file.
3724 4520
3725=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 4521=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
3789supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in 4585supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in
3790F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 4586F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
3791 4587
3792In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the 4588In standalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the
3793configuration, but has to be more conservative. 4589configuration, but has to be more conservative.
4590
4591=item EV_USE_FLOOR
4592
4593If defined to be C<1>, libev will use the C<floor ()> function for its
4594periodic reschedule calculations, otherwise libev will fall back on a
4595portable (slower) implementation. If you enable this, you usually have to
4596link against libm or something equivalent. Enabling this when the C<floor>
4597function is not available will fail, so the safe default is to not enable
4598this.
3794 4599
3795=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 4600=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
3796 4601
3797If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 4602If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
3798monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no 4603monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no
3835available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This will improve 4640available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This will improve
3836C<ev_signal> and C<ev_async> performance and reduce resource consumption. 4641C<ev_signal> and C<ev_async> performance and reduce resource consumption.
3837If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 4642If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc
38382.7 or newer, otherwise disabled. 46432.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
3839 4644
4645=item EV_USE_SIGNALFD
4646
4647If defined to be C<1>, then libev will assume that C<signalfd ()> is
4648available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This enables
4649the use of EVFLAG_SIGNALFD for faster and simpler signal handling. If
4650undefined, it will be enabled if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc
46512.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
4652
4653=item EV_USE_TIMERFD
4654
4655If defined to be C<1>, then libev will assume that C<timerfd ()> is
4656available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This allows
4657libev to detect time jumps accurately. If undefined, it will be enabled
4658if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.8 or newer and define
4659C<TFD_TIMER_CANCEL_ON_SET>, otherwise disabled.
4660
4661=item EV_USE_EVENTFD
4662
4663If defined to be C<1>, then libev will assume that C<eventfd ()> is
4664available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This will improve
4665C<ev_signal> and C<ev_async> performance and reduce resource consumption.
4666If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc
46672.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
4668
3840=item EV_USE_SELECT 4669=item EV_USE_SELECT
3841 4670
3842If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 4671If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
3843C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at auto-detection will be done: if no 4672C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at auto-detection will be done: if no
3844other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend 4673other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
3884If programs implement their own fd to handle mapping on win32, then this 4713If programs implement their own fd to handle mapping on win32, then this
3885macro can be used to override the C<close> function, useful to unregister 4714macro can be used to override the C<close> function, useful to unregister
3886file descriptors again. Note that the replacement function has to close 4715file descriptors again. Note that the replacement function has to close
3887the underlying OS handle. 4716the underlying OS handle.
3888 4717
4718=item EV_USE_WSASOCKET
4719
4720If defined to be C<1>, libev will use C<WSASocket> to create its internal
4721communication socket, which works better in some environments. Otherwise,
4722the normal C<socket> function will be used, which works better in other
4723environments.
4724
3889=item EV_USE_POLL 4725=item EV_USE_POLL
3890 4726
3891If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2) 4727If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
3892backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 4728backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
3893takes precedence over select. 4729takes precedence over select.
3897If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux 4733If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux
3898C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime, 4734C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
3899otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred 4735otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
3900backend for GNU/Linux systems. If undefined, it will be enabled if the 4736backend for GNU/Linux systems. If undefined, it will be enabled if the
3901headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled. 4737headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
4738
4739=item EV_USE_LINUXAIO
4740
4741If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux aio
4742backend (C<EV_USE_EPOLL> must also be enabled). If undefined, it will be
4743enabled on linux, otherwise disabled.
4744
4745=item EV_USE_IOURING
4746
4747If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux
4748io_uring backend (C<EV_USE_EPOLL> must also be enabled). Due to it's
4749current limitations it has to be requested explicitly. If undefined, it
4750will be enabled on linux, otherwise disabled.
3902 4751
3903=item EV_USE_KQUEUE 4752=item EV_USE_KQUEUE
3904 4753
3905If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style 4754If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style
3906C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime, 4755C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,
3928If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 4777If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
3929interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will 4778interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
3930be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers 4779be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers
3931indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled. 4780indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
3932 4781
4782=item EV_NO_SMP
4783
4784If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that memory is always coherent
4785between threads, that is, threads can be used, but threads never run on
4786different cpus (or different cpu cores). This reduces dependencies
4787and makes libev faster.
4788
4789=item EV_NO_THREADS
4790
4791If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that it will never be called from
4792different threads (that includes signal handlers), which is a stronger
4793assumption than C<EV_NO_SMP>, above. This reduces dependencies and makes
4794libev faster.
4795
3933=item EV_ATOMIC_T 4796=item EV_ATOMIC_T
3934 4797
3935Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose 4798Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
3936access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such 4799access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No
3937type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type 4800such type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own
3938that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking" 4801type that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal
3939as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers. 4802handler "locking" as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async>
4803watchers.
3940 4804
3941In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 4805In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
3942(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms. 4806(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
3943 4807
3944=item EV_H (h) 4808=item EV_H (h)
3971will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 4835will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
3972additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 4836additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
3973for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 4837for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
3974argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 4838argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
3975 4839
4840Note that C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_> will no longer provide a
4841default loop when multiplicity is switched off - you always have to
4842initialise the loop manually in this case.
4843
3976=item EV_MINPRI 4844=item EV_MINPRI
3977 4845
3978=item EV_MAXPRI 4846=item EV_MAXPRI
3979 4847
3980The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to 4848The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
4016 #define EV_USE_POLL 1 4884 #define EV_USE_POLL 1
4017 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1 4885 #define EV_CHILD_ENABLE 1
4018 #define EV_ASYNC_ENABLE 1 4886 #define EV_ASYNC_ENABLE 1
4019 4887
4020The actual value is a bitset, it can be a combination of the following 4888The actual value is a bitset, it can be a combination of the following
4021values: 4889values (by default, all of these are enabled):
4022 4890
4023=over 4 4891=over 4
4024 4892
4025=item C<1> - faster/larger code 4893=item C<1> - faster/larger code
4026 4894
4030code size by roughly 30% on amd64). 4898code size by roughly 30% on amd64).
4031 4899
4032When optimising for size, use of compiler flags such as C<-Os> with 4900When optimising for size, use of compiler flags such as C<-Os> with
4033gcc is recommended, as well as C<-DNDEBUG>, as libev contains a number of 4901gcc is recommended, as well as C<-DNDEBUG>, as libev contains a number of
4034assertions. 4902assertions.
4903
4904The default is off when C<__OPTIMIZE_SIZE__> is defined by your compiler
4905(e.g. gcc with C<-Os>).
4035 4906
4036=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures 4907=item C<2> - faster/larger data structures
4037 4908
4038Replaces the small 2-heap for timer management by a faster 4-heap, larger 4909Replaces the small 2-heap for timer management by a faster 4-heap, larger
4039hash table sizes and so on. This will usually further increase code size 4910hash table sizes and so on. This will usually further increase code size
4040and can additionally have an effect on the size of data structures at 4911and can additionally have an effect on the size of data structures at
4041runtime. 4912runtime.
4042 4913
4914The default is off when C<__OPTIMIZE_SIZE__> is defined by your compiler
4915(e.g. gcc with C<-Os>).
4916
4043=item C<4> - full API configuration 4917=item C<4> - full API configuration
4044 4918
4045This enables priorities (sets C<EV_MAXPRI>=2 and C<EV_MINPRI>=-2), and 4919This enables priorities (sets C<EV_MAXPRI>=2 and C<EV_MINPRI>=-2), and
4046enables multiplicity (C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>=1). 4920enables multiplicity (C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>=1).
4047 4921
4077 4951
4078With an intelligent-enough linker (gcc+binutils are intelligent enough 4952With an intelligent-enough linker (gcc+binutils are intelligent enough
4079when you use C<-Wl,--gc-sections -ffunction-sections>) functions unused by 4953when you use C<-Wl,--gc-sections -ffunction-sections>) functions unused by
4080your program might be left out as well - a binary starting a timer and an 4954your program might be left out as well - a binary starting a timer and an
4081I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb. 4955I/O watcher then might come out at only 5Kb.
4956
4957=item EV_API_STATIC
4958
4959If this symbol is defined (by default it is not), then all identifiers
4960will have static linkage. This means that libev will not export any
4961identifiers, and you cannot link against libev anymore. This can be useful
4962when you embed libev, only want to use libev functions in a single file,
4963and do not want its identifiers to be visible.
4964
4965To use this, define C<EV_API_STATIC> and include F<ev.c> in the file that
4966wants to use libev.
4967
4968This option only works when libev is compiled with a C compiler, as C++
4969doesn't support the required declaration syntax.
4082 4970
4083=item EV_AVOID_STDIO 4971=item EV_AVOID_STDIO
4084 4972
4085If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio 4973If this is set to C<1> at compiletime, then libev will avoid using stdio
4086functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the code size 4974functions (printf, scanf, perror etc.). This will increase the code size
4144in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not 5032in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
4145called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be 5033called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
4146called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the 5034called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
4147verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down 5035verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
4148libev considerably. 5036libev considerably.
5037
5038Verification errors are reported via C's C<assert> mechanism, so if you
5039disable that (e.g. by defining C<NDEBUG>) then no errors will be reported.
4149 5040
4150The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it 5041The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_FEATURES> overrides it, in which case it
4151will be C<0>. 5042will be C<0>.
4152 5043
4153=item EV_COMMON 5044=item EV_COMMON
4230And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 5121And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
4231 5122
4232 #include "ev_cpp.h" 5123 #include "ev_cpp.h"
4233 #include "ev.c" 5124 #include "ev.c"
4234 5125
4235=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS OR LIBRARIES 5126=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS, LIBRARIES OR THE ENVIRONMENT
4236 5127
4237=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES 5128=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES
4238 5129
4239=head3 THREADS 5130=head3 THREADS
4240 5131
4291default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop 5182default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
4292watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal. 5183watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
4293 5184
4294=back 5185=back
4295 5186
4296=head4 THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE 5187See also L</THREAD LOCKING EXAMPLE>.
4297
4298Here is a fictitious example of how to run an event loop in a different
4299thread than where callbacks are being invoked and watchers are
4300created/added/removed.
4301
4302For a real-world example, see the C<EV::Loop::Async> perl module,
4303which uses exactly this technique (which is suited for many high-level
4304languages).
4305
4306The example uses a pthread mutex to protect the loop data, a condition
4307variable to wait for callback invocations, an async watcher to notify the
4308event loop thread and an unspecified mechanism to wake up the main thread.
4309
4310First, you need to associate some data with the event loop:
4311
4312 typedef struct {
4313 mutex_t lock; /* global loop lock */
4314 ev_async async_w;
4315 thread_t tid;
4316 cond_t invoke_cv;
4317 } userdata;
4318
4319 void prepare_loop (EV_P)
4320 {
4321 // for simplicity, we use a static userdata struct.
4322 static userdata u;
4323
4324 ev_async_init (&u->async_w, async_cb);
4325 ev_async_start (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4326
4327 pthread_mutex_init (&u->lock, 0);
4328 pthread_cond_init (&u->invoke_cv, 0);
4329
4330 // now associate this with the loop
4331 ev_set_userdata (EV_A_ u);
4332 ev_set_invoke_pending_cb (EV_A_ l_invoke);
4333 ev_set_loop_release_cb (EV_A_ l_release, l_acquire);
4334
4335 // then create the thread running ev_loop
4336 pthread_create (&u->tid, 0, l_run, EV_A);
4337 }
4338
4339The callback for the C<ev_async> watcher does nothing: the watcher is used
4340solely to wake up the event loop so it takes notice of any new watchers
4341that might have been added:
4342
4343 static void
4344 async_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
4345 {
4346 // just used for the side effects
4347 }
4348
4349The C<l_release> and C<l_acquire> callbacks simply unlock/lock the mutex
4350protecting the loop data, respectively.
4351
4352 static void
4353 l_release (EV_P)
4354 {
4355 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4356 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4357 }
4358
4359 static void
4360 l_acquire (EV_P)
4361 {
4362 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4363 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4364 }
4365
4366The event loop thread first acquires the mutex, and then jumps straight
4367into C<ev_run>:
4368
4369 void *
4370 l_run (void *thr_arg)
4371 {
4372 struct ev_loop *loop = (struct ev_loop *)thr_arg;
4373
4374 l_acquire (EV_A);
4375 pthread_setcanceltype (PTHREAD_CANCEL_ASYNCHRONOUS, 0);
4376 ev_run (EV_A_ 0);
4377 l_release (EV_A);
4378
4379 return 0;
4380 }
4381
4382Instead of invoking all pending watchers, the C<l_invoke> callback will
4383signal the main thread via some unspecified mechanism (signals? pipe
4384writes? C<Async::Interrupt>?) and then waits until all pending watchers
4385have been called (in a while loop because a) spurious wakeups are possible
4386and b) skipping inter-thread-communication when there are no pending
4387watchers is very beneficial):
4388
4389 static void
4390 l_invoke (EV_P)
4391 {
4392 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4393
4394 while (ev_pending_count (EV_A))
4395 {
4396 wake_up_other_thread_in_some_magic_or_not_so_magic_way ();
4397 pthread_cond_wait (&u->invoke_cv, &u->lock);
4398 }
4399 }
4400
4401Now, whenever the main thread gets told to invoke pending watchers, it
4402will grab the lock, call C<ev_invoke_pending> and then signal the loop
4403thread to continue:
4404
4405 static void
4406 real_invoke_pending (EV_P)
4407 {
4408 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4409
4410 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4411 ev_invoke_pending (EV_A);
4412 pthread_cond_signal (&u->invoke_cv);
4413 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4414 }
4415
4416Whenever you want to start/stop a watcher or do other modifications to an
4417event loop, you will now have to lock:
4418
4419 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
4420 userdata *u = ev_userdata (EV_A);
4421
4422 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
4423
4424 pthread_mutex_lock (&u->lock);
4425 ev_timer_start (EV_A_ &timeout_watcher);
4426 ev_async_send (EV_A_ &u->async_w);
4427 pthread_mutex_unlock (&u->lock);
4428
4429Note that sending the C<ev_async> watcher is required because otherwise
4430an event loop currently blocking in the kernel will have no knowledge
4431about the newly added timer. By waking up the loop it will pick up any new
4432watchers in the next event loop iteration.
4433 5188
4434=head3 COROUTINES 5189=head3 COROUTINES
4435 5190
4436Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 5191Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
4437libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different 5192libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
4602requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 5357requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
4603model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 5358model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
4604the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 5359the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
4605descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 5360descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
4606e.g. cygwin. Actually, it only applies to the microsofts own compilers, 5361e.g. cygwin. Actually, it only applies to the microsofts own compilers,
4607as every compielr comes with a slightly differently broken/incompatible 5362as every compiler comes with a slightly differently broken/incompatible
4608environment. 5363environment.
4609 5364
4610Lifting these limitations would basically require the full 5365Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
4611re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into this kind of thing, 5366re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into this kind of thing,
4612then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable way (note 5367then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable way (note
4706structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also 5461structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
4707assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher 5462assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
4708callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev 5463callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
4709calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally. 5464calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
4710 5465
5466=item null pointers and integer zero are represented by 0 bytes
5467
5468Libev uses C<memset> to initialise structs and arrays to C<0> bytes, and
5469relies on this setting pointers and integers to null.
5470
5471=item pointer accesses must be thread-atomic
5472
5473Accessing a pointer value must be atomic, it must both be readable and
5474writable in one piece - this is the case on all current architectures.
5475
4711=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well 5476=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
4712 5477
4713The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as 5478The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
4714C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different 5479C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
4715threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is 5480threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
4723thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would 5488thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would
4724be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and 5489be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and
4725C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however. 5490C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however.
4726 5491
4727The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads 5492The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads
4728except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as 5493except the initial one, and run the signal handling loop in the initial
4729well. 5494thread as well.
4730 5495
4731=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes 5496=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
4732 5497
4733To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally 5498To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally
4734instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX 5499instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX
4740 5505
4741The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to 5506The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
4742have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is 5507have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is
4743good enough for at least into the year 4000 with millisecond accuracy 5508good enough for at least into the year 4000 with millisecond accuracy
4744(the design goal for libev). This requirement is overfulfilled by 5509(the design goal for libev). This requirement is overfulfilled by
4745implementations using IEEE 754, which is basically all existing ones. With 5510implementations using IEEE 754, which is basically all existing ones.
5511
4746IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least 2200. 5512With IEEE 754 doubles, you get microsecond accuracy until at least the
5513year 2255 (and millisecond accuracy till the year 287396 - by then, libev
5514is either obsolete or somebody patched it to use C<long double> or
5515something like that, just kidding).
4747 5516
4748=back 5517=back
4749 5518
4750If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note. 5519If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
4751 5520
4813=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers) 5582=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
4814 5583
4815=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number) 5584=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
4816 5585
4817Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send> 5586Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
4818calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events 5587calls in the current loop iteration and the loop is currently
5588blocked. Checking for async and signal events involves iterating over all
4819involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers. 5589running async watchers or all signal numbers.
4820 5590
4821=back 5591=back
4822 5592
4823 5593
4824=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X 5594=head1 PORTING FROM LIBEV 3.X TO 4.X
4825 5595
4826The major version 4 introduced some minor incompatible changes to the API. 5596The major version 4 introduced some incompatible changes to the API.
4827 5597
4828At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file tries to implement superficial 5598At the moment, the C<ev.h> header file provides compatibility definitions
4829compatibility, so most programs should still compile. Those might be 5599for all changes, so most programs should still compile. The compatibility
4830removed in later versions of libev, so better update early than late. 5600layer might be removed in later versions of libev, so better update to the
5601new API early than late.
4831 5602
4832=over 4 5603=over 4
5604
5605=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
5606
5607The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
5608C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L</"PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS"> in the L</EMBEDDING>
5609section.
5610
5611=item C<ev_default_destroy> and C<ev_default_fork> have been removed
5612
5613These calls can be replaced easily by their C<ev_loop_xxx> counterparts:
5614
5615 ev_loop_destroy (EV_DEFAULT_UC);
5616 ev_loop_fork (EV_DEFAULT);
4833 5617
4834=item function/symbol renames 5618=item function/symbol renames
4835 5619
4836A number of functions and symbols have been renamed: 5620A number of functions and symbols have been renamed:
4837 5621
4856ev_loop> anymore and C<EV_TIMER> now follows the same naming scheme 5640ev_loop> anymore and C<EV_TIMER> now follows the same naming scheme
4857as all other watcher types. Note that C<ev_loop_fork> is still called 5641as all other watcher types. Note that C<ev_loop_fork> is still called
4858C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the C<ev_fork> 5642C<ev_loop_fork> because it would otherwise clash with the C<ev_fork>
4859typedef. 5643typedef.
4860 5644
4861=item C<EV_COMPAT3> backwards compatibility mechanism
4862
4863The backward compatibility mechanism can be controlled by
4864C<EV_COMPAT3>. See L<PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS> in the L<EMBEDDING>
4865section.
4866
4867=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES> 5645=item C<EV_MINIMAL> mechanism replaced by C<EV_FEATURES>
4868 5646
4869The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different 5647The preprocessor symbol C<EV_MINIMAL> has been replaced by a different
4870mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile 5648mechanism, C<EV_FEATURES>. Programs using C<EV_MINIMAL> usually compile
4871and work, but the library code will of course be larger. 5649and work, but the library code will of course be larger.
4878=over 4 5656=over 4
4879 5657
4880=item active 5658=item active
4881 5659
4882A watcher is active as long as it has been started and not yet stopped. 5660A watcher is active as long as it has been started and not yet stopped.
4883See L<WATCHER STATES> for details. 5661See L</WATCHER STATES> for details.
4884 5662
4885=item application 5663=item application
4886 5664
4887In this document, an application is whatever is using libev. 5665In this document, an application is whatever is using libev.
4888 5666
4924watchers and events. 5702watchers and events.
4925 5703
4926=item pending 5704=item pending
4927 5705
4928A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been 5706A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been
4929detected. See L<WATCHER STATES> for details. 5707detected. See L</WATCHER STATES> for details.
4930 5708
4931=item real time 5709=item real time
4932 5710
4933The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :) 5711The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
4934 5712
4935=item wall-clock time 5713=item wall-clock time
4936 5714
4937The time and date as shown on clocks. Unlike real time, it can actually 5715The time and date as shown on clocks. Unlike real time, it can actually
4938be wrong and jump forwards and backwards, e.g. when the you adjust your 5716be wrong and jump forwards and backwards, e.g. when you adjust your
4939clock. 5717clock.
4940 5718
4941=item watcher 5719=item watcher
4942 5720
4943A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need 5721A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need
4945 5723
4946=back 5724=back
4947 5725
4948=head1 AUTHOR 5726=head1 AUTHOR
4949 5727
4950Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson. 5728Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael
5729Magnusson and Emanuele Giaquinta, and minor corrections by many others.
4951 5730

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