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4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
8 8
9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10
11 #include <ev.h>
12
13 ev_io stdin_watcher;
14 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
15
16 /* called when data readable on stdin */
17 static void
18 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents)
19 {
20 /* puts ("stdin ready"); */
21 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); /* just a syntax example */
22 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); /* leave all loop calls */
23 }
24
25 static void
26 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
27 {
28 /* puts ("timeout"); */
29 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); /* leave one loop call */
30 }
31
32 int
33 main (void)
34 {
35 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
36
37 /* initialise an io watcher, then start it */
38 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
39 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
40
41 /* simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout */
42 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
43 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
44
45 /* loop till timeout or data ready */
46 ev_loop (loop, 0);
47
48 return 0;
49 }
50
9=head1 DESCRIPTION 51=head1 DESCRIPTION
10 52
53The newest version of this document is also available as a html-formatted
54web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
55time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>.
56
11Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 57Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
12file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage 58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
13these event sources and provide your program with events. 59these event sources and provide your program with events.
14 60
15To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process 61To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process
16(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then 62(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then
17communicate events via a callback mechanism. 63communicate events via a callback mechanism.
19You register interest in certain events by registering so-called I<event 65You register interest in certain events by registering so-called I<event
20watchers>, which are relatively small C structures you initialise with the 66watchers>, which are relatively small C structures you initialise with the
21details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the 67details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the
22watcher. 68watcher.
23 69
24=head1 FEATURES 70=head2 FEATURES
25 71
26Libev supports select, poll, the linux-specific epoll and the bsd-specific 72Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
27kqueue mechanisms for file descriptor events, relative timers, absolute 73BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
28timers with customised rescheduling, signal events, process status change 74for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
29events (related to SIGCHLD), and event watchers dealing with the event 75(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers
30loop mechanism itself (idle, prepare and check watchers). It also is quite 76with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals
77(C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and event
78watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>,
79C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as
80file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events
81(C<ev_fork>).
82
83It also is quite fast (see this
31fast (see this L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing 84L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
32it to libevent for example). 85for example).
33 86
34=head1 CONVENTIONS 87=head2 CONVENTIONS
35 88
36Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration 89Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will
37will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info 90be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about
38about various configuration options please have a look at the file 91various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in
39F<README.embed> in the libev distribution. If libev was configured without 92this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event
40support for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial 93loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop>
41argument of name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) 94(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument.
42will not have this argument.
43 95
44=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION 96=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
45 97
46Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 98Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
47(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 99(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
48the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 100the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
49called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 101called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
50to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 102to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
51it, you should treat it as such. 103it, you should treat it as some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name
52 104component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
105throughout libev.
53 106
54=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 107=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
55 108
56These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 109These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
57library in any way. 110library in any way.
62 115
63Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 116Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
64C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp 117C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
65you actually want to know. 118you actually want to know.
66 119
120=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
121
122Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
123either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
124this is a subsecond-resolution C<sleep ()>.
125
67=item int ev_version_major () 126=item int ev_version_major ()
68 127
69=item int ev_version_minor () 128=item int ev_version_minor ()
70 129
71You can find out the major and minor version numbers of the library 130You can find out the major and minor ABI version numbers of the library
72you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and 131you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and
73C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global 132C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global
74symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the 133symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the
75version of the library your program was compiled against. 134version of the library your program was compiled against.
76 135
136These version numbers refer to the ABI version of the library, not the
137release version.
138
77Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch, 139Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch,
78as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 140as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
79compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 141compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
80not a problem. 142not a problem.
81 143
82Example: make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 144Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
83version: 145version.
84 146
85 assert (("libev version mismatch", 147 assert (("libev version mismatch",
86 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 148 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
87 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 149 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
88 150
118 180
119See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 181See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
120 182
121=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 183=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
122 184
123Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar to the 185Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
124realloc C function, the semantics are identical). It is used to allocate 186semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to
125and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when memory 187allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when
126needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some potentially 188memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some
127destructive action. The default is your system realloc function. 189potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc
190function.
128 191
129You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 192You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
130free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 193free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
131or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 194or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
132 195
133Example: replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 196Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
134retries: better than mine). 197retries).
135 198
136 static void * 199 static void *
137 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, long size) 200 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
138 { 201 {
139 for (;;) 202 for (;;)
140 { 203 {
141 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size); 204 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size);
142 205
158callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 221callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no
159matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 222matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
160requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 223requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
161(such as abort). 224(such as abort).
162 225
163Example: do the same thing as libev does internally: 226Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
164 227
165 static void 228 static void
166 fatal_error (const char *msg) 229 fatal_error (const char *msg)
167 { 230 {
168 perror (msg); 231 perror (msg);
197flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 260flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards).
198 261
199If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 262If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
200function. 263function.
201 264
265The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and
266C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler
267for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your app you can either
268create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you
269can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling
270C<ev_default_init>.
271
202The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 272The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
203backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). 273backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
204 274
205The following flags are supported: 275The following flags are supported:
206 276
218C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 288C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
219override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 289override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
220useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 290useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
221around bugs. 291around bugs.
222 292
293=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
294
295Instead of calling C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork> manually after
296a fork, you can also make libev check for a fork in each iteration by
297enabling this flag.
298
299This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
300and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
301iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
302Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
303without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my Linux system also has
304C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
305
306The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
307forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
308flag.
309
310This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
311environment variable.
312
223=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 313=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
224 314
225This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 315This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
226libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 316libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
227but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 317but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
228using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its usually 318using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its
229the fastest backend for a low number of fds. 319usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.
320
321To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of
322parallelity (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are
323writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many
324connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have
325a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of
326readyness notifications you get per iteration.
230 327
231=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows) 328=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
232 329
233And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated than 330And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
234select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial limit on the 331than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
235number of fds you can use (except it will slow down considerably with a 332limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down
236lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, i.e. O(total_fds). 333considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select,
334i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for
335performance tips.
237 336
238=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 337=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
239 338
240For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 339For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
241but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like 340but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
242O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), epoll scales 341like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
243either O(1) or O(active_fds). 342epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number
343of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
344cases and rewiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad
345support for dup.
244 346
245While stopping and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration will 347While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
246result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 348will result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident
247(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 349(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
248best to avoid that. Also, dup()ed file descriptors might not work very 350best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
249well if you register events for both fds. 351very well if you register events for both fds.
250 352
251Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 353Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
252need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data 354need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
253(or space) is available. 355(or space) is available.
254 356
357Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
358watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e.
359keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times.
360
361While nominally embeddeble in other event loops, this feature is broken in
362all kernel versions tested so far.
363
255=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 364=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
256 365
257Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 366Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
258was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work with 367was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably
259anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course its 368with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
260completely useless). For this reason its not being "autodetected" 369it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected"
261unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 370unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using
262C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>). 371C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
372system like NetBSD.
373
374You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
375only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
376the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
263 377
264It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 378It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
265kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 379kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
266course). While starting and stopping an I/O watcher does not cause an 380course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
267extra syscall as with epoll, it still adds up to four event changes per 381cause an extra syscall as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
268incident, so its best to avoid that. 382two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it
383drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
384
385This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
386
387While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
388everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
389almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets
390(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop
391(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and using it only for
392sockets.
269 393
270=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 394=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
271 395
272This is not implemented yet (and might never be). 396This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an
397implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets
398and is not embeddable, which would limit the usefulness of this backend
399immensely.
273 400
274=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 401=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
275 402
276This uses the Solaris 10 port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 403This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
277it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 404it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
278 405
279Please note that solaris ports can result in a lot of spurious 406Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
280notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid 407notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
281blocking when no data (or space) is available. 408blocking when no data (or space) is available.
409
410While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
411file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
412descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
413might perform better.
414
415On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readyness notifications, this
416backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully
417embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends.
282 418
283=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 419=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
284 420
285Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 421Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
286with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 422with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
287C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 423C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
288 424
425It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
426
289=back 427=back
290 428
291If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 429If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these
292backends will be tried (in the reverse order as given here). If none are 430backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are
293specified, most compiled-in backend will be tried, usually in reverse 431specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
294order of their flag values :)
295 432
296The most typical usage is like this: 433The most typical usage is like this:
297 434
298 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 435 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
299 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 436 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
314Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 451Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
315always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 452always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
316handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by 453handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
317undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 454undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
318 455
319Example: try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 456Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
320 457
321 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 458 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
322 if (!epoller) 459 if (!epoller)
323 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 460 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
324 461
327Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 464Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
328etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 465etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
329sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 466sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
330responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 467responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before>
331calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 468calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
332the easiest thing, youc na just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 469the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
333for example). 470for example).
471
472Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by
473this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers)
474would need to be stopped manually.
475
476In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the
477rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling
478pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
479C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).
334 480
335=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 481=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
336 482
337Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 483Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
338earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 484earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
339 485
340=item ev_default_fork () 486=item ev_default_fork ()
341 487
488This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_loop> iterations
342This function reinitialises the kernel state for backends that have 489to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
343one. Despite the name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense 490name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in
344after forking, in either the parent or child process (or both, but that 491the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little
345again makes little sense). 492sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev
493functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration.
346 494
347You I<must> call this function in the child process after forking if and 495On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
348only if you want to use the event library in both processes. If you just 496process if and only if you want to use the event library in the child. If
349fork+exec, you don't have to call it. 497you just fork+exec, you don't have to call it at all.
350 498
351The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 499The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
352it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 500it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in
353quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>: 501quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
354 502
355 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 503 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork);
356 504
357At the moment, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL> are safe to use
358without calling this function, so if you force one of those backends you
359do not need to care.
360
361=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 505=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
362 506
363Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 507Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
364C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 508C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
365after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 509after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
510
511=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
512
513Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
514the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
515happily wraps around with enough iterations.
516
517This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
518"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
519C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls.
366 520
367=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 521=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
368 522
369Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 523Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
370use. 524use.
373 527
374Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop 528Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop
375received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 529received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
376change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 530change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base
377time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the 531time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
378event occuring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 532event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
379 533
380=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 534=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
381 535
382Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 536Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
383after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 537after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
404libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 558libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
405usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 559usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
406 560
407Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 561Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
408 562
409 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 563 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
410 - Queue prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 564 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
565 - If a fork was detected, queue and call all fork watchers.
566 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
411 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 567 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
412 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 568 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
413 - Update the "event loop time". 569 - Update the "event loop time".
414 - Calculate for how long to block. 570 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
571 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having
572 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
573 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
415 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 574 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
416 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 575 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
417 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling. 576 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling.
418 - Queue all outstanding timers. 577 - Queue all outstanding timers.
419 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 578 - Queue all outstanding periodics.
420 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 579 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
421 - Queue all check watchers. 580 - Queue all check watchers.
422 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 581 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
423 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 582 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
424 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 583 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
425 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 584 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
426 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *. 585 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise
586 continue with step *.
427 587
428Example: queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding 588Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
429anymore. 589anymore.
430 590
431 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 591 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
432 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 592 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
433 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 593 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
437 597
438Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 598Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it
439has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 599has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
440C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 600C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or
441C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 601C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.
602
603This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again.
442 604
443=item ev_ref (loop) 605=item ev_ref (loop)
444 606
445=item ev_unref (loop) 607=item ev_unref (loop)
446 608
451returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For 613returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For
452example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not 614example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not
453visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 615visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if
454no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 616no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent
455way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 617way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party
456libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>. 618libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>
619(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before,
620respectively).
457 621
458Example: create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 622Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
459running when nothing else is active. 623running when nothing else is active.
460 624
461 struct dv_signal exitsig; 625 struct ev_signal exitsig;
462 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 626 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
463 ev_signal_start (myloop, &exitsig); 627 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
464 evf_unref (myloop); 628 evf_unref (loop);
465 629
466Example: for some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 630Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
467 631
468 ev_ref (myloop); 632 ev_ref (loop);
469 ev_signal_stop (myloop, &exitsig); 633 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
634
635=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
636
637=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
638
639These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
640for events. Both are by default C<0>, meaning that libev will try to
641invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency.
642
643Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>)
644allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks to
645increase efficiency of loop iterations.
646
647The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to
648handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes
649the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
650events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
651overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
652
653By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
654time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
655at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
656C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
657introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations.
658
659Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
660to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
661latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers
662will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce
663any overhead in libev.
664
665Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect
666interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
667interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
668usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
669as this approsaches the timing granularity of most systems.
470 670
471=back 671=back
472 672
473 673
474=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 674=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
544The signal specified in the C<ev_signal> watcher has been received by a thread. 744The signal specified in the C<ev_signal> watcher has been received by a thread.
545 745
546=item C<EV_CHILD> 746=item C<EV_CHILD>
547 747
548The pid specified in the C<ev_child> watcher has received a status change. 748The pid specified in the C<ev_child> watcher has received a status change.
749
750=item C<EV_STAT>
751
752The path specified in the C<ev_stat> watcher changed its attributes somehow.
549 753
550=item C<EV_IDLE> 754=item C<EV_IDLE>
551 755
552The C<ev_idle> watcher has determined that you have nothing better to do. 756The C<ev_idle> watcher has determined that you have nothing better to do.
553 757
561received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 765received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as
562many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account 766many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account
563(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep 767(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep
564C<ev_loop> from blocking). 768C<ev_loop> from blocking).
565 769
770=item C<EV_EMBED>
771
772The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
773
774=item C<EV_FORK>
775
776The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
777C<ev_fork>).
778
566=item C<EV_ERROR> 779=item C<EV_ERROR>
567 780
568An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 781An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might
569happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 782happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
570ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 783ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
641=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher) 854=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
642 855
643Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding 856Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding
644events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher 857events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher
645is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but 858is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but
646C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe) and you must make sure the watcher is available to 859C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
647libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 860make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
861it).
648 862
649=item callback = ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 863=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
650 864
651Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 865Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
652 866
653=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 867=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
654 868
655Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 869Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
656(modulo threads). 870(modulo threads).
871
872=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority)
873
874=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
875
876Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
877integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
878(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
879before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
880from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
881
882This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
883invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
884example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
885watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
886
887If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
888you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
889
890You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
891pending.
892
893The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
894always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
895
896Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
897fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
898or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
899
900=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
901
902Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
903C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
904can deal with that fact.
905
906=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
907
908If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status
909and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
910watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
657 911
658=back 912=back
659 913
660 914
661=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 915=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
682 { 936 {
683 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 937 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
684 ... 938 ...
685 } 939 }
686 940
687More interesting and less C-conformant ways of catsing your callback type 941More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
688have been omitted.... 942instead have been omitted.
943
944Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple
945watchers:
946
947 struct my_biggy
948 {
949 int some_data;
950 ev_timer t1;
951 ev_timer t2;
952 }
953
954In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated,
955you need to use C<offsetof>:
956
957 #include <stddef.h>
958
959 static void
960 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
961 {
962 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
963 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
964 }
965
966 static void
967 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
968 {
969 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
970 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
971 }
689 972
690 973
691=head1 WATCHER TYPES 974=head1 WATCHER TYPES
692 975
693This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 976This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
694information given in the last section. 977information given in the last section. Any initialisation/set macros,
978functions and members specific to the watcher type are explained.
979
980Members are additionally marked with either I<[read-only]>, meaning that,
981while the watcher is active, you can look at the member and expect some
982sensible content, but you must not modify it (you can modify it while the
983watcher is stopped to your hearts content), or I<[read-write]>, which
984means you can expect it to have some sensible content while the watcher
985is active, but you can also modify it. Modifying it may not do something
986sensible or take immediate effect (or do anything at all), but libev will
987not crash or malfunction in any way.
695 988
696 989
697=head2 C<ev_io> - is this file descriptor readable or writable? 990=head2 C<ev_io> - is this file descriptor readable or writable?
698 991
699I/O watchers check whether a file descriptor is readable or writable 992I/O watchers check whether a file descriptor is readable or writable
706 999
707In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 1000In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
708fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 1001fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
709descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1002descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
710required if you know what you are doing). 1003required if you know what you are doing).
711
712You have to be careful with dup'ed file descriptors, though. Some backends
713(the linux epoll backend is a notable example) cannot handle dup'ed file
714descriptors correctly if you register interest in two or more fds pointing
715to the same underlying file/socket/etc. description (that is, they share
716the same underlying "file open").
717 1004
718If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 1005If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend
719(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and 1006(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and
720C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1007C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
721 1008
728it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 1015it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
729C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 1016C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
730 1017
731If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 1018If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not
732play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 1019play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test
733wether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 1020whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface
734such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 1021such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
735its own, so its quite safe to use). 1022its own, so its quite safe to use).
1023
1024=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1025
1026Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
1027descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means,
1028such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
1029descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
1030this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
1031registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
1032fact, a different file descriptor.
1033
1034To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows
1035the following policy: Each time C<ev_io_set> is being called, libev
1036will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise
1037it is assumed that the file descriptor stays the same. That means that
1038you I<have> to call C<ev_io_set> (or C<ev_io_init>) when you change the
1039descriptor even if the file descriptor number itself did not change.
1040
1041This is how one would do it normally anyway, the important point is that
1042the libev application should not optimise around libev but should leave
1043optimisations to libev.
1044
1045=head3 The special problem of dup'ed file descriptors
1046
1047Some backends (e.g. epoll), cannot register events for file descriptors,
1048but only events for the underlying file descriptions. That means when you
1049have C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors or weirder constellations, and register
1050events for them, only one file descriptor might actually receive events.
1051
1052There is no workaround possible except not registering events
1053for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to
1054C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1055
1056=head3 The special problem of fork
1057
1058Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit
1059useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about
1060it in the child.
1061
1062To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
1063C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,
1064enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1065C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1066
1067
1068=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
736 1069
737=over 4 1070=over 4
738 1071
739=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1072=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
740 1073
742 1075
743Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to 1076Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to
744rceeive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or 1077rceeive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
745C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 1078C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events.
746 1079
1080=item int fd [read-only]
1081
1082The file descriptor being watched.
1083
1084=item int events [read-only]
1085
1086The events being watched.
1087
747=back 1088=back
748 1089
1090=head3 Examples
1091
749Example: call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1092Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
750readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1093readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
751attempt to read a whole line in the callback: 1094attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
752 1095
753 static void 1096 static void
754 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1097 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
755 { 1098 {
756 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1099 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
786 1129
787The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1130The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed,
788but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1131but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
789order of execution is undefined. 1132order of execution is undefined.
790 1133
1134=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1135
791=over 4 1136=over 4
792 1137
793=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1138=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
794 1139
795=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1140=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
808=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1153=item ev_timer_again (loop)
809 1154
810This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1155This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
811repeating. The exact semantics are: 1156repeating. The exact semantics are:
812 1157
1158If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1159
813If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it. 1160If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
814 1161
815If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat 1162If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
816value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value. 1163C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
817 1164
818This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1165This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
819example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle 1166example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle
820timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60 1167timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
821seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to 1168seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
822configure an C<ev_timer> with after=repeat=60 and calling ev_timer_again each 1169configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
823time you successfully read or write some data. If you go into an idle 1170C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
824state where you do not expect data to travel on the socket, you can stop 1171you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
825the timer, and again will automatically restart it if need be. 1172socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
1173automatically restart it if need be.
1174
1175That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
1176altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
1177
1178 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
1179 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1180 ...
1181 timer->again = 17.;
1182 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1183 ...
1184 timer->again = 10.;
1185 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1186
1187This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1188you want to modify its timeout value.
1189
1190=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1191
1192The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1193or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
1194which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
826 1195
827=back 1196=back
828 1197
1198=head3 Examples
1199
829Example: create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1200Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
830 1201
831 static void 1202 static void
832 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1203 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
833 { 1204 {
834 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1205 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
836 1207
837 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1208 struct ev_timer mytimer;
838 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1209 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
839 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1210 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
840 1211
841Example: create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1212Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
842inactivity. 1213inactivity.
843 1214
844 static void 1215 static void
845 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1216 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
846 { 1217 {
866but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1237but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
867to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1238to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
868periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now () 1239periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now ()
869+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 1240+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will
870take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger 1241take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger
871roughly 10 seconds later and of course not if you reset your system time 1242roughly 10 seconds later).
872again).
873 1243
874They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1244They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as
875triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 1245triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated,
1246rules.
876 1247
877As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1248As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the
878time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1249time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
879during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1250during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
880 1251
1252=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1253
881=over 4 1254=over 4
882 1255
883=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1256=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
884 1257
885=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1258=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb)
887Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1260Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
888operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1261operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
889 1262
890=over 4 1263=over 4
891 1264
892=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1265=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
893 1266
894In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1267In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time
895C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1268C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs,
896that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1269that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the
897system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1270system time reaches or surpasses this time.
898 1271
899=item * non-repeating interval timer (interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1272=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
900 1273
901In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1274In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
902C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N) and then repeat, regardless 1275C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
903of any time jumps. 1276and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
904 1277
905This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1278This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system
906time: 1279time:
907 1280
908 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1281 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
914 1287
915Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1288Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
916C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1289C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
917time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1290time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
918 1291
1292For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1293C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1294this value.
1295
919=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 1296=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
920 1297
921In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1298In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
922ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1299ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
923reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1300reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
924current time as second argument. 1301current time as second argument.
925 1302
926NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1303NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
927ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1304ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it,
928return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by 1305return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
929starting a prepare watcher). 1306starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
930 1307
931Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1308Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,
932ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1309ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
933 1310
934 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1311 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
957Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1334Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
958when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1335when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
959a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1336a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
960program when the crontabs have changed). 1337program when the crontabs have changed).
961 1338
1339=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1340
1341When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1342absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1343
1344Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1345timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1346
1347=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1348
1349The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1350take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1351called.
1352
1353=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1354
1355The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1356switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1357the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1358
1359=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1360
1361When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1362trigger next.
1363
962=back 1364=back
963 1365
1366=head3 Examples
1367
964Example: call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1368Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
965system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1369system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
966potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1370potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability.
967 1371
968 static void 1372 static void
969 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1373 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
973 1377
974 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1378 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
975 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1379 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
976 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1380 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
977 1381
978Example: the same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1382Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
979 1383
980 #include <math.h> 1384 #include <math.h>
981 1385
982 static ev_tstamp 1386 static ev_tstamp
983 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1387 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
985 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1389 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;
986 } 1390 }
987 1391
988 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1392 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
989 1393
990Example: call a callback every hour, starting now: 1394Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
991 1395
992 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1396 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
993 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1397 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
994 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1398 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
995 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1399 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1007with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1411with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long
1008as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1412as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal
1009watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1413watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
1010SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1414SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1011 1415
1416=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1417
1012=over 4 1418=over 4
1013 1419
1014=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 1420=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
1015 1421
1016=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum) 1422=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)
1017 1423
1018Configures the watcher to trigger on the given signal number (usually one 1424Configures the watcher to trigger on the given signal number (usually one
1019of the C<SIGxxx> constants). 1425of the C<SIGxxx> constants).
1020 1426
1427=item int signum [read-only]
1428
1429The signal the watcher watches out for.
1430
1021=back 1431=back
1022 1432
1023 1433
1024=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1434=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1025 1435
1026Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1436Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1027some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1437some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies).
1438
1439=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1028 1440
1029=over 4 1441=over 4
1030 1442
1031=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 1443=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid)
1032 1444
1037at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see 1449at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see
1038the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems 1450the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems
1039C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the 1451C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the
1040process causing the status change. 1452process causing the status change.
1041 1453
1454=item int pid [read-only]
1455
1456The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id.
1457
1458=item int rpid [read-write]
1459
1460The process id that detected a status change.
1461
1462=item int rstatus [read-write]
1463
1464The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1465C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1466
1042=back 1467=back
1043 1468
1469=head3 Examples
1470
1044Example: try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1471Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1045 1472
1046 static void 1473 static void
1047 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1474 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1048 { 1475 {
1049 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1476 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1052 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1479 struct ev_signal signal_watcher;
1053 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1480 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1054 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1481 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb);
1055 1482
1056 1483
1484=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1485
1486This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1487C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed
1488compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did.
1489
1490The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1491not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1492not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is
1493otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of
1494the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1495
1496The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1497relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1498
1499Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply
1500calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You
1501can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify
1502a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,
1503unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around
1504five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also
1505impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats
1506usually overkill.
1507
1508This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1509as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1510resource-intensive.
1511
1512At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1513implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the
1514reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the
1515semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
1516to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1517usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1518polling.
1519
1520=head3 Inotify
1521
1522When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only
1523available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up
1524change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily
1525when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1526
1527Inotify presense does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1528except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1529making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presense of inotify support
1530there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling.
1531
1532(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1533implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1534descriptor open on the object at all times).
1535
1536=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1537
1538The C<stat ()> syscall only supports full-second resolution portably, and
1539even on systems where the resolution is higher, many filesystems still
1540only support whole seconds.
1541
1542That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you might
1543miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and calls
1544your callback, which does something. When there is another update within
1545the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it.
1546
1547The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for a second (or till
1548the next second boundary), using a roughly one-second delay C<ev_timer>
1549(C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.01); ev_timer_again (loop, w)>). The C<.01>
1550is added to work around small timing inconsistencies of some operating
1551systems.
1552
1553=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1554
1555=over 4
1556
1557=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1558
1559=item ev_stat_set (ev_stat *, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1560
1561Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of the given
1562C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to
1563be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose
1564a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1565path for as long as the watcher is active.
1566
1567The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected,
1568relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the
1569last change was detected).
1570
1571=item ev_stat_stat (ev_stat *)
1572
1573Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1574watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid
1575detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be
1576useful simply to find out the new values.
1577
1578=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1579
1580The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of
1581C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types
1582suitable for your system. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there
1583was some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1584
1585=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1586
1587The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1588C<prev> != C<attr>.
1589
1590=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1591
1592The specified interval.
1593
1594=item const char *path [read-only]
1595
1596The filesystem path that is being watched.
1597
1598=back
1599
1600=head3 Examples
1601
1602Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1603
1604 static void
1605 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1606 {
1607 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1608 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1609 {
1610 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1611 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1612 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1613 }
1614 else
1615 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1616 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1617 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1618 }
1619
1620 ...
1621 ev_stat passwd;
1622
1623 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1624 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1625
1626Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1627miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1628one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1629C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1630
1631 static ev_stat passwd;
1632 static ev_timer timer;
1633
1634 static void
1635 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1636 {
1637 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1638
1639 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1640 }
1641
1642 static void
1643 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1644 {
1645 /* reset the one-second timer */
1646 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1647 }
1648
1649 ...
1650 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1651 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1652 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.01);
1653
1654
1057=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1655=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1058 1656
1059Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1657Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1060(prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count). That is, as long 1658priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
1061as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1659count).
1062imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1660
1063watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration - 1661That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1662(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1663triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1664are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1064until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1665iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1065busy. 1666and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
1066 1667
1067The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 1668The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
1068active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1669active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
1069 1670
1070Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1671Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1071effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do 1672effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do
1072"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 1673"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
1073event loop has handled all outstanding events. 1674event loop has handled all outstanding events.
1074 1675
1676=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1677
1075=over 4 1678=over 4
1076 1679
1077=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1680=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1078 1681
1079Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any 1682Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any
1080kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 1683kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1081believe me. 1684believe me.
1082 1685
1083=back 1686=back
1084 1687
1688=head3 Examples
1689
1085Example: dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle>, start it, and in the 1690Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1086callback, free it. Alos, use no error checking, as usual. 1691callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1087 1692
1088 static void 1693 static void
1089 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1694 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1090 { 1695 {
1091 free (w); 1696 free (w);
1136with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 1741with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine
1137of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event 1742of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
1138loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 1743loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1139low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 1744low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1140 1745
1746It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1747priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1748after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1749too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1750supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers
1751did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other
1752(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable
1753state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to
1754coexist peacefully with others).
1755
1756=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1757
1141=over 4 1758=over 4
1142 1759
1143=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1760=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
1144 1761
1145=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1762=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1148parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 1765parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1149macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1766macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1150 1767
1151=back 1768=back
1152 1769
1153Example: To include a library such as adns, you would add IO watchers 1770=head3 Examples
1154and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, as required by libadns, and 1771
1772There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1773into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1774(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1775use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib>
1776embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV
1777into the Glib event loop).
1778
1779Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1155in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows is 1780and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1156pseudo-code only of course: 1781is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1782priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1783the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1157 1784
1158 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1785 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1159 static ev_timer tw; 1786 static ev_timer tw;
1160 1787
1161 static void 1788 static void
1162 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1789 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1163 { 1790 {
1164 // set the relevant poll flags
1165 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1166 struct pollfd *fd = (struct pollfd *)w->data;
1167 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1168 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1169 } 1791 }
1170 1792
1171 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1793 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1172 static void 1794 static void
1173 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1795 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1174 { 1796 {
1175 int timeout = 3600000;truct pollfd fds [nfd]; 1797 int timeout = 3600000;
1798 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1176 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 1799 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1177 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 1800 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1178 1801
1179 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 1802 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1180 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1803 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1181 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 1804 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1182 1805
1183 // create on ev_io per pollfd 1806 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1184 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1807 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1185 { 1808 {
1186 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 1809 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1187 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 1810 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1188 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 1811 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1189 1812
1190 fds [i].revents = 0; 1813 fds [i].revents = 0;
1191 iow [i].data = fds + i;
1192 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 1814 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1193 } 1815 }
1194 } 1816 }
1195 1817
1196 // stop all watchers after blocking 1818 // stop all watchers after blocking
1198 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 1820 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1199 { 1821 {
1200 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 1822 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1201 1823
1202 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1824 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1825 {
1826 // set the relevant poll flags
1827 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1828 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1829 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1830 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1831 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1832
1833 // now stop the watcher
1203 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 1834 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1835 }
1204 1836
1205 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 1837 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1838 }
1839
1840Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1841in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1842
1843Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1844notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1845callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1846
1847 static void
1848 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1849 {
1850 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1851 update_now (EV_A);
1852
1853 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1854 }
1855
1856 static void
1857 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1858 {
1859 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1860 update_now (EV_A);
1861
1862 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1863 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1864 }
1865
1866 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1867
1868Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1869want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override
1870their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
1871loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
1872this.
1873
1874 static gint
1875 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1876 {
1877 int got_events = 0;
1878
1879 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1880 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1881
1882 if (timeout >= 0)
1883 // create/start timer
1884
1885 // poll
1886 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1887
1888 // stop timer again
1889 if (timeout >= 0)
1890 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1891
1892 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1893 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1894 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1895
1896 return got_events;
1206 } 1897 }
1207 1898
1208 1899
1209=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 1900=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1210 1901
1253portable one. 1944portable one.
1254 1945
1255So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared 1946So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared
1256that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around 1947that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around
1257this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to 1948this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to
1258create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything: 1949create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.
1950
1951=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1952
1953=over 4
1954
1955=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1956
1957=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1958
1959Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
1960embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1961invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1962to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
1963if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1964
1965=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1966
1967Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1968similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1969apropriate way for embedded loops.
1970
1971=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
1972
1973The embedded event loop.
1974
1975=back
1976
1977=head3 Examples
1978
1979Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default
1980event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default
1981loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the mebeddable loop is stored in
1982C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the acse no embeddable loop can be
1983used).
1259 1984
1260 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 1985 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
1261 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 1986 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
1262 struct ev_embed embed; 1987 struct ev_embed embed;
1263 1988
1274 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 1999 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1275 } 2000 }
1276 else 2001 else
1277 loop_lo = loop_hi; 2002 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1278 2003
2004Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
2005a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
2006kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2007C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2008
2009 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2010 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2011 struct ev_embed embed;
2012
2013 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2014 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2015 {
2016 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2017 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2018 }
2019
2020 if (!loop_socket)
2021 loop_socket = loop;
2022
2023 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
2024
2025
2026=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
2027
2028Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
2029whoever is a good citizen cared to tell libev about it by calling
2030C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork>). The invocation is done before the
2031event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
2032and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
2033C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
2034handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
2035
2036=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2037
1279=over 4 2038=over 4
1280 2039
1281=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2040=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1282 2041
1283=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2042Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
1284 2043kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1285Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 2044believe me.
1286embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1287invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1288to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
1289if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1290
1291=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1292
1293Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1294similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1295apropriate way for embedded loops.
1296 2045
1297=back 2046=back
1298 2047
1299 2048
1300=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2049=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
1389 2138
1390To use it, 2139To use it,
1391 2140
1392 #include <ev++.h> 2141 #include <ev++.h>
1393 2142
1394(it is not installed by default). This automatically includes F<ev.h> 2143This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
1395and puts all of its definitions (many of them macros) into the global 2144of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1396namespace. All C++ specific things are put into the C<ev> namespace. 2145put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2146options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
1397 2147
1398It should support all the same embedding options as F<ev.h>, most notably 2148Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
1399C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 2149classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
2150that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
2151you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
2152
2153Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be
2154used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only
2155need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other
2156types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing
2157it).
1400 2158
1401Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 2159Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1402 2160
1403=over 4 2161=over 4
1404 2162
1420 2178
1421All of those classes have these methods: 2179All of those classes have these methods:
1422 2180
1423=over 4 2181=over 4
1424 2182
1425=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *) 2183=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1426 2184
1427=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *, struct ev_loop *) 2185=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1428 2186
1429=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 2187=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1430 2188
1431The constructor takes a pointer to an object and a method pointer to 2189The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1432the event handler callback to call in this class. The constructor calls 2190with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
1433C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the C<set> method 2191
1434before starting it. If you do not specify a loop then the constructor 2192The constructor calls C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the
1435automatically associates the default loop with this watcher. 2193C<set> method before starting it.
2194
2195It will not set a callback, however: You have to call the templated C<set>
2196method to set a callback before you can start the watcher.
2197
2198(The reason why you have to use a method is a limitation in C++ which does
2199not allow explicit template arguments for constructors).
1436 2200
1437The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active. 2201The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active.
2202
2203=item w->set<class, &class::method> (object *)
2204
2205This method sets the callback method to call. The method has to have a
2206signature of C<void (*)(ev_TYPE &, int)>, it receives the watcher as
2207first argument and the C<revents> as second. The object must be given as
2208parameter and is stored in the C<data> member of the watcher.
2209
2210This method synthesizes efficient thunking code to call your method from
2211the C callback that libev requires. If your compiler can inline your
2212callback (i.e. it is visible to it at the place of the C<set> call and
2213your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2214thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2215
2216Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2217
2218 struct myclass
2219 {
2220 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2221 }
2222
2223 myclass obj;
2224 ev::io iow;
2225 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2226
2227=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2228
2229Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2230callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2231C<data> member and is free for you to use.
2232
2233The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2234
2235See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2236
2237Example:
2238
2239 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2240 iow.set <io_cb> ();
1438 2241
1439=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2242=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1440 2243
1441Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2244Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
1442do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2245do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1443 2246
1444=item w->set ([args]) 2247=item w->set ([args])
1445 2248
1446Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2249Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be
1447called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 2250called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1448automatically stopped and restarted. 2251automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2252method.
1449 2253
1450=item w->start () 2254=item w->start ()
1451 2255
1452Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument as the 2256Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
1453constructor already takes the loop. 2257constructor already stores the event loop.
1454 2258
1455=item w->stop () 2259=item w->stop ()
1456 2260
1457Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 2261Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1458 2262
1459=item w->again () C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only 2263=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
1460 2264
1461For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding 2265For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding
1462C<ev_TYPE_again> function. 2266C<ev_TYPE_again> function.
1463 2267
1464=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only 2268=item w->sweep () (C<ev::embed> only)
1465 2269
1466Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>. 2270Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
2271
2272=item w->update () (C<ev::stat> only)
2273
2274Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
1467 2275
1468=back 2276=back
1469 2277
1470=back 2278=back
1471 2279
1479 2287
1480 myclass (); 2288 myclass ();
1481 } 2289 }
1482 2290
1483 myclass::myclass (int fd) 2291 myclass::myclass (int fd)
1484 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb),
1485 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb)
1486 { 2292 {
2293 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2294 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2295
1487 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2296 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
1488 } 2297 }
2298
2299
2300=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2301
2302Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal
2303of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
2304functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2305
2306To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2307following macros are defined:
2308
2309=over 4
2310
2311=item C<EV_A>, C<EV_A_>
2312
2313This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2314loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
2315C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2316
2317 ev_unref (EV_A);
2318 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2319 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2320
2321It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2322which is often provided by the following macro.
2323
2324=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2325
2326This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2327loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
2328C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2329
2330 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
2331 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2332
2333 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
2334 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2335
2336It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
2337suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2338
2339=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2340
2341Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
2342loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
2343
2344=back
2345
2346Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2347macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2348or not.
2349
2350 static void
2351 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2352 {
2353 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
2354 }
2355
2356 ev_check check;
2357 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
2358 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
2359 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1489 2360
1490=head1 EMBEDDING 2361=head1 EMBEDDING
1491 2362
1492Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2363Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1493applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2364applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1494Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe) 2365Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe)
1495and rxvt-unicode. 2366and rxvt-unicode.
1496 2367
1497The goal is to enable you to just copy the neecssary files into your 2368The goal is to enable you to just copy the necessary files into your
1498source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so 2369source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so
1499you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of 2370you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of
1500libev somewhere in your source tree). 2371libev somewhere in your source tree).
1501 2372
1502=head2 FILESETS 2373=head2 FILESETS
1533 ev_vars.h 2404 ev_vars.h
1534 ev_wrap.h 2405 ev_wrap.h
1535 2406
1536 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2407 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1537 2408
1538 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is by default) 2409 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
1539 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2410 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1540 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2411 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1541 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2412 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1542 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2413 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1543 2414
1592 2463
1593If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2464If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1594monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 2465monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use
1595of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 2466of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
1596usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2467usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
1597the functionality isn't available is safe, though, althoguh you have 2468the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
1598to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 2469to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
1599function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2470function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
1600 2471
1601=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2472=item EV_USE_REALTIME
1602 2473
1603If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2474If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1604realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2475realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at
1605runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2476runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will
1606be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2477be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
1607(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See tzhe note about libraries 2478(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
1608in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 2479note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2480
2481=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2482
2483If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2484and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
1609 2485
1610=item EV_USE_SELECT 2486=item EV_USE_SELECT
1611 2487
1612If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 2488If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
1613C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 2489C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no
1631wants osf handles on win32 (this is the case when the select to 2507wants osf handles on win32 (this is the case when the select to
1632be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call 2508be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call
1633C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise, 2509C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise,
1634it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even 2510it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
1635on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms. 2511on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.
2512
2513=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE
2514
2515If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map
2516file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the
2517default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually
2518correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management,
2519in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles.
1636 2520
1637=item EV_USE_POLL 2521=item EV_USE_POLL
1638 2522
1639If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2) 2523If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
1640backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 2524backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
1668 2552
1669=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 2553=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
1670 2554
1671reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 2555reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
1672 2556
2557=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2558
2559If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2560interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2561be detected at runtime.
2562
1673=item EV_H 2563=item EV_H
1674 2564
1675The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 2565The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
1676undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This 2566undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be
1677can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 2567used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
1678 2568
1679=item EV_CONFIG_H 2569=item EV_CONFIG_H
1680 2570
1681If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override 2571If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
1682F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to 2572F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
1683C<EV_H>, above. 2573C<EV_H>, above.
1684 2574
1685=item EV_EVENT_H 2575=item EV_EVENT_H
1686 2576
1687Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea 2577Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
1688of how the F<event.h> header can be found. 2578of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">.
1689 2579
1690=item EV_PROTOTYPES 2580=item EV_PROTOTYPES
1691 2581
1692If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function 2582If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
1693prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is 2583prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
1700will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 2590will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
1701additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 2591additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
1702for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 2592for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
1703argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 2593argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
1704 2594
2595=item EV_MINPRI
2596
2597=item EV_MAXPRI
2598
2599The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
2600C<EV_MAXPRI>, but otherwise there are no non-obvious limitations. You can
2601provide for more priorities by overriding those symbols (usually defined
2602to be C<-2> and C<2>, respectively).
2603
2604When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2605all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2606and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2607fine.
2608
2609If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2610C<0> will save some memory and cpu.
2611
1705=item EV_PERIODICS 2612=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
1706 2613
1707If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported, 2614If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
1708otherwise not. This saves a few kb of code. 2615defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2616code.
2617
2618=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE
2619
2620If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
2621defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2622code.
2623
2624=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2625
2626If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
2627defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2628
2629=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
2630
2631If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
2632defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2633
2634=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
2635
2636If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
2637defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2638
2639=item EV_MINIMAL
2640
2641If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2642speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override
2643some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64.
2644
2645=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2646
2647C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2648pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2649than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to
2650increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
2651
2652=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
2653
2654C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2655inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2656usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2657watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2658two).
1709 2659
1710=item EV_COMMON 2660=item EV_COMMON
1711 2661
1712By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 2662By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
1713this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 2663this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
1726 2676
1727=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb) 2677=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb)
1728 2678
1729Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher, 2679Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher,
1730and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member 2680and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member
1731definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.v> header file for 2681definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
1732their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 2682their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
1733avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 2683avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
1734method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 2684method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2685
2686=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
2687
2688If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of
2689exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
2690all public symbols, one per line:
2691
2692 Symbols.ev for libev proper
2693 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
2694
2695This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
2696multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
2697itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this).
2698
2699A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
2700include before including F<ev.h>:
2701
2702 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
2703
2704This would create a file F<wrap.h> which essentially looks like this:
2705
2706 #define ev_backend myprefix_ev_backend
2707 #define ev_check_start myprefix_ev_check_start
2708 #define ev_check_stop myprefix_ev_check_stop
2709 ...
1735 2710
1736=head2 EXAMPLES 2711=head2 EXAMPLES
1737 2712
1738For a real-world example of a program the includes libev 2713For a real-world example of a program the includes libev
1739verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module 2714verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module
1742interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file 2717interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file
1743will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header 2718will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header
1744file. 2719file.
1745 2720
1746The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 2721The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
1747that everybody includes and which overrides some autoconf choices: 2722that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
1748 2723
2724 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
1749 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 2725 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
1750 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 2726 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
1751 #define EV_PERIODICS 0 2727 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2728 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2729 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
1752 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 2730 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2731 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2732 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
1753 2733
1754 #include "ev++.h" 2734 #include "ev++.h"
1755 2735
1756And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 2736And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
1757 2737
1763 2743
1764In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 2744In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
1765libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 2745libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
1766documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 2746documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
1767 2747
2748All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
2749extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
2750happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
2751mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
2752it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
2753
1768=over 4 2754=over 4
1769 2755
1770=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 2756=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
1771 2757
2758This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
2759there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
2760have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
2761
1772=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 2762=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
2763
2764That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
2765as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
1773 2766
1774=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 2767=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)
1775 2768
2769These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
2770
1776=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 2771=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)
1777 2772
1778=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % 16)) 2773=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
1779 2774
2775These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
2776correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2777have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
2778
1780=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 2779=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
2780
2781By virtue of using a binary heap, the next timer is always found at the
2782beginning of the storage array.
1781 2783
1782=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 2784=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
1783 2785
1784=item Activating one watcher: O(1) 2786A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2787libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
2788on backend and wether C<ev_io_set> was used).
2789
2790=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
2791
2792=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2793
2794Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2795priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2796linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
2797watchers becomes O(1) w.r.t. prioritiy handling.
1785 2798
1786=back 2799=back
1787 2800
1788 2801
2802=head1 Win32 platform limitations and workarounds
2803
2804Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
2805requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
2806model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
2807the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
2808descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
2809e.g. cygwin.
2810
2811There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
2812embedding it into other applications.
2813
2814Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and the
2815abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets is not
2816recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use more than
2817a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally different
2818implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX model, which cannot
2819be implemented efficiently on windows (microsoft monopoly games).
2820
2821=over 4
2822
2823=item The winsocket select function
2824
2825The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it requires
2826socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors>. This makes select
2827very inefficient, and also requires a mapping from file descriptors
2828to socket handles. See the discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>,
2829C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor
2830symbols for more info.
2831
2832The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the microsoft runtime
2833libraries and raw winsocket select is:
2834
2835 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
2836 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
2837
2838Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
2839complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
2840
2841=item Limited number of file descriptors
2842
2843Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. Early versions
2844of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a max. of C<64> handles
2845(probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels can only wait for
2846C<64> things at the same time internally; microsoft recommends spawning a
2847chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the previous thread in each).
2848
2849Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
2850to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
2851call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own
2852select emulation on windows).
2853
2854Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the microsoft runtime
2855libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish
2856or something like this inside microsoft). You can increase this by calling
2857C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
2858arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the microsoft runtime
2859libraries.
2860
2861This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on
2862windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to
2863wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
2864calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
2865
2866=back
2867
2868
1789=head1 AUTHOR 2869=head1 AUTHOR
1790 2870
1791Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 2871Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
1792 2872

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