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Revision 1.428 by root, Thu May 30 18:51:57 2013 UTC vs.
Revision 1.459 by root, Wed Jan 22 01:50:42 2020 UTC

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
103details 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
104watcher. 106watcher.
105 107
106=head2 FEATURES 108=head2 FEATURES
107 109
108Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the 110Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific aio and C<epoll>
109BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms 111interfaces, the BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port
110for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface 112mechanisms for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify>
111(for C<ev_stat>), Linux eventfd/signalfd (for faster and cleaner 113interface (for C<ev_stat>), Linux eventfd/signalfd (for faster and cleaner
112inter-thread wakeup (C<ev_async>)/signal handling (C<ev_signal>)) relative 114inter-thread wakeup (C<ev_async>)/signal handling (C<ev_signal>)) relative
113timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers with customised rescheduling 115timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers with customised rescheduling
114(C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals (C<ev_signal>), process status 116(C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals (C<ev_signal>), process status
115change events (C<ev_child>), and event watchers dealing with the event 117change events (C<ev_child>), and event watchers dealing with the event
116loop 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
157When 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
158it 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,
159so C<NDEBUG> will disable this checking): these are programming errors in 161so C<NDEBUG> will disable this checking): these are programming errors in
160the libev caller and need to be fixed there. 162the libev caller and need to be fixed there.
161 163
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
162Libev 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
163extensive consistency checking code. These do not trigger under normal
164circumstances, as they indicate either a bug in libev or worse. 169trigger under normal circumstances, as they indicate either a bug in libev
170or worse.
165 171
166 172
167=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 173=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
168 174
169These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 175These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
263 269
264You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 270You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
265free 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,
266or 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.
267 273
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
268Example: 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
269retries (example requires a standards-compliant C<realloc>). 289retries.
270 290
271 static void * 291 static void *
272 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size) 292 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
273 { 293 {
294 if (!size)
295 {
296 free (ptr);
297 return 0;
298 }
299
274 for (;;) 300 for (;;)
275 { 301 {
276 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size); 302 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size);
277 303
278 if (newptr) 304 if (newptr)
409make 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.
410 436
411This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 437This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
412and 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
413iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 439iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
414GNU/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
415without 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
416C<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).
417 444
418The 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
419forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this 446forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking, although you still
420flag. 447have to ignore C<SIGPIPE>) when you use this flag.
421 448
422This 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>
423environment variable. 450environment variable.
424 451
425=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY> 452=item C<EVFLAG_NOINOTIFY>
453unblocking the signals. 480unblocking the signals.
454 481
455It's also required by POSIX in a threaded program, as libev calls 482It's also required by POSIX in a threaded program, as libev calls
456C<sigprocmask>, whose behaviour is officially unspecified. 483C<sigprocmask>, whose behaviour is officially unspecified.
457 484
458This flag's behaviour will become the default in future versions of libev. 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.
459 495
460=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 496=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
461 497
462This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 498This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
463libev 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,
488This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and 524This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and
489C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>. 525C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>.
490 526
491=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 527=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
492 528
493Use 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
494kernels). 530kernels).
495 531
496For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, but 532For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, but
497it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like 533it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like
498O(total_fds) where total_fds is the total number of fds (or the highest 534O(total_fds) where total_fds is the total number of fds (or the highest
544All 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
545faster 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
546the usage. So sad. 582the usage. So sad.
547 583
548While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in 584While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
549all kernel versions tested so far. 585a lot of kernel revisions, but probably(!) works in current versions.
550 586
551This 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
552C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 588C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
553 589
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
554=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 634=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
555 635
556Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 636Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time this backend was
557was 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
558with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course 638work reliably with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin,
559it's completely useless). Unlike epoll, however, whose brokenness 639where of course it's completely useless). Unlike epoll, however, whose
560is by design, these kqueue bugs can (and eventually will) be fixed 640brokenness is by design, these kqueue bugs can be (and mostly have been)
561without 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
562"auto-detected" unless you explicitly specify it in the flags (i.e. using 642being "auto-detected" on all platforms unless you explicitly specify it
563C<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
564system like NetBSD. 644known-to-be-good (-enough) system like NetBSD.
565 645
566You 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
567only 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
568the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 648the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
569 649
570It 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
571kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 651kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
572course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 652course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
573cause 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
574two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad (you 654two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad (you
575might have to leak fd's on fork, but it's more sane than epoll) and it 655might have to leak fds on fork, but it's more sane than epoll) and it
576drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases. 656drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
577 657
578This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 658This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
579 659
580While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work 660While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
655Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is 735Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
656used if available. 736used if available.
657 737
658 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_loop_new (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE); 738 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_loop_new (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
659 739
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
660=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 746=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
661 747
662Destroys an event loop object (frees all memory and kernel state 748Destroys an event loop object (frees all memory and kernel state
663etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 749etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
664sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 750sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
680If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use C<ev_loop_new> 766If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use C<ev_loop_new>
681and C<ev_loop_destroy>. 767and C<ev_loop_destroy>.
682 768
683=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 769=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
684 770
685This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations to 771This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_run> iterations
686reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the 772to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite
687name, 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
688the child process. You I<must> call it (or use C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>) in the 774watchers (except inside an C<ev_prepare> callback), but it makes most
775sense after forking, in the child process. You I<must> call it (or use
689child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>. 776C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>) in the child before resuming or calling C<ev_run>.
690 777
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
691Again, 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
692a 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
693because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things 783because some kernel interfaces *cough* I<kqueue> *cough* do funny things
694during fork. 784during fork.
695 785
696On 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
1454 1544
1455Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small 1545Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small
1456integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation 1546integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation
1457between watchers in some way, all else being equal. 1547between watchers in some way, all else being equal.
1458 1548
1459In 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
1460description for the more technical details such as the actual priority 1550description for the more technical details such as the actual priority
1461range. 1551range.
1462 1552
1463There are two common ways how these these priorities are being interpreted 1553There are two common ways how these these priorities are being interpreted
1464by event loops: 1554by event loops:
1558 1648
1559This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 1649This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
1560information given in the last section. Any initialisation/set macros, 1650information given in the last section. Any initialisation/set macros,
1561functions and members specific to the watcher type are explained. 1651functions and members specific to the watcher type are explained.
1562 1652
1563Members are additionally marked with either I<[read-only]>, meaning that, 1653Most members are additionally marked with either I<[read-only]>, meaning
1564while 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
1565sensible 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
1566watcher is stopped to your hearts content), or I<[read-write]>, which 1656the watcher is stopped to your hearts content), or I<[read-write]>, which
1567means 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
1568is 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
1569sensible 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
1570not crash or malfunction in any way. 1660not crash or malfunction in any way.
1571 1661
1662In any case, the documentation for each member will explain what the
1663effects are, and if there are any additional access restrictions.
1572 1664
1573=head2 C<ev_io> - is this file descriptor readable or writable? 1665=head2 C<ev_io> - is this file descriptor readable or writable?
1574 1666
1575I/O watchers check whether a file descriptor is readable or writable 1667I/O watchers check whether a file descriptor is readable or writable
1576in each iteration of the event loop, or, more precisely, when reading 1668in each iteration of the event loop, or, more precisely, when reading
1603 1695
1604But really, best use non-blocking mode. 1696But really, best use non-blocking mode.
1605 1697
1606=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors 1698=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1607 1699
1608Some 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
1609descriptor (either due to calling C<close> explicitly or any other means, 1701a file descriptor (either due to calling C<close> explicitly or any other
1610such 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
1611descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop 1703file descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently
1612this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is 1704drop this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then
1613registered 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,
1614fact, a different file descriptor. 1706in fact, a different file descriptor.
1615 1707
1616To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows 1708To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows
1617the 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
1618will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise 1710will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise
1619it 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
1668when you rarely read from a file instead of from a socket, and want to 1760when you rarely read from a file instead of from a socket, and want to
1669reuse the same code path. 1761reuse the same code path.
1670 1762
1671=head3 The special problem of fork 1763=head3 The special problem of fork
1672 1764
1673Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit 1765Some backends (epoll, kqueue, linuxaio, iouring) do not support C<fork ()>
1674useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about 1766at all or exhibit useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs
1675it in the child if you want to continue to use it in the child. 1767to be told about it in the child if you want to continue to use it in the
1768child.
1676 1769
1677To support fork in your child processes, you have to call C<ev_loop_fork 1770To support fork in your child processes, you have to call C<ev_loop_fork
1678()> after a fork in the child, enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to 1771()> after a fork in the child, enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to
1679C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 1772C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1680 1773
1738 1831
1739Configures 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
1740receive 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
1741C<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.
1742 1835
1743=item int fd [read-only] 1836=item ev_io_modify (ev_io *, int events)
1744 1837
1745The 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>.
1746 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
1747=item int events [read-only] 1849=item int events [no-modify]
1748 1850
1749The 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.
1750 1857
1751=back 1858=back
1752 1859
1753=head3 Examples 1860=head3 Examples
1754 1861
2026 2133
2027The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 2134The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
2028time. 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
2029of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If 2136of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If
2030you 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
2031timeout 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:
2032 2140
2033 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 2141 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + (ev_time () - ev_now ()), 0.);
2034 2142
2035If 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
2036update 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
2037()>. 2145()>, although that will push the event time of all outstanding events
2146further into the future.
2038 2147
2039=head3 The special problem of unsynchronised clocks 2148=head3 The special problem of unsynchronised clocks
2040 2149
2041Modern systems have a variety of clocks - libev itself uses the normal 2150Modern systems have a variety of clocks - libev itself uses the normal
2042"wall clock" clock and, if available, the monotonic clock (to avoid time 2151"wall clock" clock and, if available, the monotonic clock (to avoid time
2105 2214
2106=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)
2107 2216
2108=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)
2109 2218
2110Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat> 2219Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds (fractional and
2111is 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
2112reached. If it is positive, then the timer will automatically be 2221automatically be stopped once the timeout is reached. If it is positive,
2113configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds later, again, and again, 2222then the timer will automatically be configured to trigger again C<repeat>
2114until stopped manually. 2223seconds later, again, and again, until stopped manually.
2115 2224
2116The 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
2117you 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
2118trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot 2227trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot
2119keep 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
2201Periodic 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
2202(and unfortunately a bit complex). 2311(and unfortunately a bit complex).
2203 2312
2204Unlike 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
2205relative time, the physical time that passes) but on wall clock time 2314relative time, the physical time that passes) but on wall clock time
2206(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
2207difference 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
2208time, 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
2209wrist-watch). 2318wrist-watch).
2210 2319
2211You can tell a periodic watcher to trigger after some specific point 2320You can tell a periodic watcher to trigger after some specific point
2216C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger roughly 10 seconds after starting 2325C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger roughly 10 seconds after starting
2217it, as it uses a relative timeout). 2326it, as it uses a relative timeout).
2218 2327
2219C<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
2220timers, such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or 2329timers, such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or
2221other complicated rules. This cannot be done with C<ev_timer> watchers, as 2330other complicated rules. This cannot easily be done with C<ev_timer>
2222those cannot react to time jumps. 2331watchers, as those cannot react to time jumps.
2223 2332
2224As 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
2225point 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
2226timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with 2335timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with
2227earlier 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
2313 2422
2314NOTE: 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
2315equal to the passed C<now> value >>. 2424equal to the passed C<now> value >>.
2316 2425
2317This 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
2318triggers on "next midnight, local time". To do this, you would calculate the 2427triggers on "next midnight, local time". To do this, you would calculate
2319next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How 2428the next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for
2320you 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
2321reason 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).
2322 2449
2323=back 2450=back
2324 2451
2325=item ev_periodic_again (loop, ev_periodic *) 2452=item ev_periodic_again (loop, ev_periodic *)
2326 2453
2391 2518
2392 ev_periodic hourly_tick; 2519 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
2393 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 2520 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
2394 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 2521 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
2395 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 2522 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
2396 2523
2397 2524
2398=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 2525=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
2399 2526
2400Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 2527Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
2401signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 2528signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
2411only 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
2412default 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
2413C<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
2414the moment, C<SIGCHLD> is permanently tied to the default loop. 2541the moment, C<SIGCHLD> is permanently tied to the default loop.
2415 2542
2416When the first watcher gets started will libev actually register something 2543Only after the first watcher for a signal is started will libev actually
2417with 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
2418you 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.
2419 2546
2420If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with 2547If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
2421C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should 2548C<SA_RESTART> (or equivalent) behaviour enabled, so system calls should
2422not 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
2423interrupted 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
2905 3032
2906Prepare and check watchers are often (but not always) used in pairs: 3033Prepare and check watchers are often (but not always) used in pairs:
2907prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 3034prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
2908afterwards. 3035afterwards.
2909 3036
2910You 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
2911the 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
2912watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The 3039C<ev_check> watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine,
2913rationale 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
2914those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking, 3041for recursion in those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be
2915C<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
2916called in pairs bracketing the blocking call. 3043kind they will always be called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.
2917 3044
2918Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and 3045Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and
2919their 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
2920variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a 3047variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a
2921coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if 3048coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if
3211used). 3338used).
3212 3339
3213 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 3340 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
3214 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 3341 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
3215 ev_embed embed; 3342 ev_embed embed;
3216 3343
3217 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 3344 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
3218 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 3345 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
3219 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 3346 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
3220 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 3347 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
3221 : 0; 3348 : 0;
3235C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 3362C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
3236 3363
3237 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 3364 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
3238 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 3365 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
3239 ev_embed embed; 3366 ev_embed embed;
3240 3367
3241 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 3368 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
3242 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 3369 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
3243 { 3370 {
3244 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 3371 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
3245 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed); 3372 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
3261and calls it in the wrong process, the fork handlers will be invoked, too, 3388and calls it in the wrong process, the fork handlers will be invoked, too,
3262of course. 3389of course.
3263 3390
3264=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?
3265 3392
3266Most 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
3267up/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
3268sequence should be handled by libev without any problems. 3395sequence should be handled by libev without any problems.
3269 3396
3270This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling 3397This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling
3271in 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
3509 3636
3510There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now. 3637There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now.
3511 3638
3512=over 4 3639=over 4
3513 3640
3514=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)
3515 3642
3516This 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
3517callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stops both 3644callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stops both
3518watchers. 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
3519or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 3646or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
3895To embed libev, see L</EMBEDDING>, but in short, it's easiest to create two 4022To embed libev, see L</EMBEDDING>, but in short, it's easiest to create two
3896files, F<my_ev.h> and F<my_ev.c> that include the respective libev files: 4023files, F<my_ev.h> and F<my_ev.c> that include the respective libev files:
3897 4024
3898 // my_ev.h 4025 // my_ev.h
3899 #define EV_CB_DECLARE(type) struct my_coro *cb; 4026 #define EV_CB_DECLARE(type) struct my_coro *cb;
3900 #define EV_CB_INVOKE(watcher) switch_to ((watcher)->cb); 4027 #define EV_CB_INVOKE(watcher) switch_to ((watcher)->cb)
3901 #include "../libev/ev.h" 4028 #include "../libev/ev.h"
3902 4029
3903 // my_ev.c 4030 // my_ev.c
3904 #define EV_H "my_ev.h" 4031 #define EV_H "my_ev.h"
3905 #include "../libev/ev.c" 4032 #include "../libev/ev.c"
3951The normal C API should work fine when used from C++: both ev.h and the 4078The normal C API should work fine when used from C++: both ev.h and the
3952libev sources can be compiled as C++. Therefore, code that uses the C API 4079libev sources can be compiled as C++. Therefore, code that uses the C API
3953will work fine. 4080will work fine.
3954 4081
3955Proper exception specifications might have to be added to callbacks passed 4082Proper exception specifications might have to be added to callbacks passed
3956to libev: exceptions may be thrown only from watcher callbacks, all 4083to libev: exceptions may be thrown only from watcher callbacks, all other
3957other callbacks (allocator, syserr, loop acquire/release and periodic 4084callbacks (allocator, syserr, loop acquire/release and periodic reschedule
3958reschedule callbacks) must not throw exceptions, and might need a C<throw 4085callbacks) must not throw exceptions, and might need a C<noexcept>
3959()> specification. If you have code that needs to be compiled as both C 4086specification. If you have code that needs to be compiled as both C and
3960and C++ you can use the C<EV_THROW> macro for this: 4087C++ you can use the C<EV_NOEXCEPT> macro for this:
3961 4088
3962 static void 4089 static void
3963 fatal_error (const char *msg) EV_THROW 4090 fatal_error (const char *msg) EV_NOEXCEPT
3964 { 4091 {
3965 perror (msg); 4092 perror (msg);
3966 abort (); 4093 abort ();
3967 } 4094 }
3968 4095
4095 void operator() (ev::io &w, int revents) 4222 void operator() (ev::io &w, int revents)
4096 { 4223 {
4097 ... 4224 ...
4098 } 4225 }
4099 } 4226 }
4100 4227
4101 myfunctor f; 4228 myfunctor f;
4102 4229
4103 ev::io w; 4230 ev::io w;
4104 w.set (&f); 4231 w.set (&f);
4105 4232
4378 ev_vars.h 4505 ev_vars.h
4379 ev_wrap.h 4506 ev_wrap.h
4380 4507
4381 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 4508 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
4382 4509
4383 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default) 4510 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled
4384 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 4511 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled
4385 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
4386 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 4515 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled
4387 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
4388 4517
4389F<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
4390to compile this single file. 4519to compile this single file.
4391 4520
4392=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 4521=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
4511available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This will improve 4640available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This will improve
4512C<ev_signal> and C<ev_async> performance and reduce resource consumption. 4641C<ev_signal> and C<ev_async> performance and reduce resource consumption.
4513If 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
45142.7 or newer, otherwise disabled. 46432.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
4515 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
4516=item EV_USE_SELECT 4669=item EV_USE_SELECT
4517 4670
4518If 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
4519C<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
4520other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend 4673other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
4580If 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
4581C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime, 4734C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
4582otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred 4735otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
4583backend 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
4584headers 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.
4585 4751
4586=item EV_USE_KQUEUE 4752=item EV_USE_KQUEUE
4587 4753
4588If 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
4589C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime, 4755C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,
4867called. 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
4868called 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
4869verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down 5035verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
4870libev considerably. 5036libev considerably.
4871 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.
5040
4872The 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
4873will be C<0>. 5042will be C<0>.
4874 5043
4875=item EV_COMMON 5044=item EV_COMMON
4876 5045
5292structure (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
5293assumes 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
5294callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev 5463callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
5295calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally. 5464calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
5296 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
5297=item pointer accesses must be thread-atomic 5471=item pointer accesses must be thread-atomic
5298 5472
5299Accessing a pointer value must be atomic, it must both be readable and 5473Accessing a pointer value must be atomic, it must both be readable and
5300writable in one piece - this is the case on all current architectures. 5474writable in one piece - this is the case on all current architectures.
5301 5475

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