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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 // a single header file is required
12 #include <ev.h>
13
14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct
15 // with the name ev_<type>
16 ev_io stdin_watcher;
17 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
18
19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature
20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin
21 static void
22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents)
23 {
24 puts ("stdin ready");
25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
26 // with its corresponding stop function.
27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
28
29 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating
30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL);
31 }
32
33 // another callback, this time for a time-out
34 static void
35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
36 {
37 puts ("timeout");
38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating
39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE);
40 }
41
42 int
43 main (void)
44 {
45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
46 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
47
48 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
50 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
52
53 // initialise a timer watcher, then start it
54 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
55 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
56 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
57
58 // now wait for events to arrive
59 ev_loop (loop, 0);
60
61 // unloop was called, so exit
62 return 0;
63 }
64
9=head1 DESCRIPTION 65=head1 DESCRIPTION
10 66
67The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted
68web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
69time: L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod>.
70
11Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 71Libev 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 72file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
13these event sources and provide your program with events. 73these event sources and provide your program with events.
14 74
15To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process 75To 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 76(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then
17communicate events via a callback mechanism. 77communicate events via a callback mechanism.
19You register interest in certain events by registering so-called I<event 79You register interest in certain events by registering so-called I<event
20watchers>, which are relatively small C structures you initialise with the 80watchers>, 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 81details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the
22watcher. 82watcher.
23 83
24=head1 FEATURES 84=head2 FEATURES
25 85
26Libev supports select, poll, the linux-specific epoll and the bsd-specific 86Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
27kqueue mechanisms for file descriptor events, relative timers, absolute 87BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
28timers with customised rescheduling, signal events, process status change 88for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
29events (related to SIGCHLD), and event watchers dealing with the event 89(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers
30loop mechanism itself (idle, prepare and check watchers). It also is quite 90with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals
91(C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and event
92watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>,
93C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as
94file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events
95(C<ev_fork>).
96
97It also is quite fast (see this
31fast (see this L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing 98L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
32it to libevent for example). 99for example).
33 100
34=head1 CONVENTIONS 101=head2 CONVENTIONS
35 102
36Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration 103Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
37will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info 104configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
38about various configuration options please have a look at the file 105more info about various configuration options please have a look at
39F<README.embed> in the libev distribution. If libev was configured without 106B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
40support for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial 107for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of
41argument of name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) 108name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have
42will not have this argument. 109this argument.
43 110
44=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION 111=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
45 112
46Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
47(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 114(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
48the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 115the 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 116called 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 117to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
51it, you should treat it as such. 118it, you should treat it as some floating point value. Unlike the name
119component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
120throughout libev.
121
122=head1 ERROR HANDLING
123
124Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors
125and internal errors (bugs).
126
127When libev catches an operating system error it cannot handle (for example
128a system call indicating a condition libev cannot fix), it calls the callback
129set via C<ev_set_syserr_cb>, which is supposed to fix the problem or
130abort. The default is to print a diagnostic message and to call C<abort
131()>.
132
133When libev detects a usage error such as a negative timer interval, then
134it will print a diagnostic message and abort (via the C<assert> mechanism,
135so C<NDEBUG> will disable this checking): these are programming errors in
136the libev caller and need to be fixed there.
137
138Libev also has a few internal error-checking C<assert>ions, and also has
139extensive consistency checking code. These do not trigger under normal
140circumstances, as they indicate either a bug in libev or worse.
52 141
53 142
54=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 143=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
55 144
56These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 145These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
62 151
63Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 152Returns 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 153C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
65you actually want to know. 154you actually want to know.
66 155
156=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
157
158Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
159either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
160this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>.
161
67=item int ev_version_major () 162=item int ev_version_major ()
68 163
69=item int ev_version_minor () 164=item int ev_version_minor ()
70 165
71You can find out the major and minor version numbers of the library 166You 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 167you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and
73C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global 168C<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 169symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the
75version of the library your program was compiled against. 170version of the library your program was compiled against.
76 171
172These version numbers refer to the ABI version of the library, not the
173release version.
174
77Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch, 175Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch,
78as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 176as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
79compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 177compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
80not a problem. 178not a problem.
81 179
82Example: make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 180Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
83version: 181version.
84 182
85 assert (("libev version mismatch", 183 assert (("libev version mismatch",
86 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 184 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
87 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 185 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
88 186
102=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 200=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
103 201
104Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also 202Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also
105recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one 203recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one
106returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on 204returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on
107most BSDs and will not be autodetected unless you explicitly request it 205most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it
108(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that 206(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that
109libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 207libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
110 208
111=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 209=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
112 210
118 216
119See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 217See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
120 218
121=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 219=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
122 220
123Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar to the 221Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
124realloc C function, the semantics are identical). It is used to allocate 222semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
125and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when memory 223used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
126needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some potentially 224when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
127destructive action. The default is your system realloc function. 225or take some potentially destructive action.
226
227Since some systems (at least OpenBSD and Darwin) fail to implement
228correct C<realloc> semantics, libev will use a wrapper around the system
229C<realloc> and C<free> functions by default.
128 230
129You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 231You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
130free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 232free 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. 233or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
132 234
133Example: replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 235Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
134retries: better than mine). 236retries (example requires a standards-compliant C<realloc>).
135 237
136 static void * 238 static void *
137 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, long size) 239 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
138 { 240 {
139 for (;;) 241 for (;;)
140 { 242 {
141 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size); 243 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size);
142 244
150 ... 252 ...
151 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 253 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
152 254
153=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); 255=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg));
154 256
155Set the callback function to call on a retryable syscall error (such 257Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
156as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 258as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
157indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 259indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
158callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 260callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
159matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 261matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
160requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 262requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
161(such as abort). 263(such as abort).
162 264
163Example: do the same thing as libev does internally: 265Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
164 266
165 static void 267 static void
166 fatal_error (const char *msg) 268 fatal_error (const char *msg)
167 { 269 {
168 perror (msg); 270 perror (msg);
178 280
179An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two 281An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two
180types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child 282types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child
181events, and dynamically created loops which do not. 283events, and dynamically created loops which do not.
182 284
183If you use threads, a common model is to run the default event loop
184in your main thread (or in a separate thread) and for each thread you
185create, you also create another event loop. Libev itself does no locking
186whatsoever, so if you mix calls to the same event loop in different
187threads, make sure you lock (this is usually a bad idea, though, even if
188done correctly, because it's hideous and inefficient).
189
190=over 4 285=over 4
191 286
192=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 287=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
193 288
194This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised 289This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised
197flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 292flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards).
198 293
199If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 294If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
200function. 295function.
201 296
297Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
298from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely,
299as loops cannot bes hared easily between threads anyway).
300
301The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and
302C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler
303for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either
304create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you
305can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling
306C<ev_default_init>.
307
202The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 308The 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>). 309backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
204 310
205The following flags are supported: 311The following flags are supported:
206 312
211The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right 317The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right
212thing, believe me). 318thing, believe me).
213 319
214=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV> 320=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV>
215 321
216If this flag bit is ored into the flag value (or the program runs setuid 322If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid
217or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable 323or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
218C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 324C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
219override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 325override 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 326useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
221around bugs. 327around bugs.
222 328
329=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
330
331Instead of calling C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork> manually after
332a fork, you can also make libev check for a fork in each iteration by
333enabling this flag.
334
335This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
336and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
337iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
338GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
339without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has
340C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
341
342The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
343forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
344flag.
345
346This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
347environment variable.
348
223=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 349=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
224 350
225This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 351This 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, 352libev 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 353but 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 354using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its
229the fastest backend for a low number of fds. 355usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.
356
357To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of
358parallelism (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are
359writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many
360connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have
361a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of
362readiness notifications you get per iteration.
230 363
231=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows) 364=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
232 365
233And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated than 366And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
234select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial limit on the 367than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
235number of fds you can use (except it will slow down considerably with a 368limit 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). 369considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select,
370i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for
371performance tips.
237 372
238=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 373=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
239 374
240For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 375For 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 376but 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 377like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
243either O(1) or O(active_fds). 378epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number
379of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
380cases and requiring a system call per fd change, no fork support and bad
381support for dup.
244 382
245While stopping and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration will 383While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
246result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 384will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such incident
247(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 385(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 386best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
249well if you register events for both fds. 387very well if you register events for both fds.
250 388
251Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 389Please 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 390need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
253(or space) is available. 391(or space) is available.
254 392
393Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
394watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e.
395keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times.
396
397While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
398all kernel versions tested so far.
399
255=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 400=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
256 401
257Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 402Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
258was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work with 403was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably
259anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course its 404with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
260completely useless). For this reason its not being "autodetected" 405it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "auto-detected"
261unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 406unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using
262C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>). 407C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
408system like NetBSD.
409
410You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
411only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
412the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
263 413
264It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 414It 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 415kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
266course). While starting and stopping an I/O watcher does not cause an 416course). 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 417cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
268incident, so its best to avoid that. 418two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it
419drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
420
421This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
422
423While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
424everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
425almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets
426(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop
427(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and using it only for
428sockets.
269 429
270=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 430=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
271 431
272This is not implemented yet (and might never be). 432This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an
433implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets
434and is not embeddable, which would limit the usefulness of this backend
435immensely.
273 436
274=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 437=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
275 438
276This uses the Solaris 10 port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 439This 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)). 440it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
278 441
279Please note that solaris ports can result in a lot of spurious 442Please 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 443notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
281blocking when no data (or space) is available. 444blocking when no data (or space) is available.
445
446While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
447file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
448descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
449might perform better.
450
451On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readiness notifications, this
452backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully
453embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends.
282 454
283=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 455=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
284 456
285Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 457Try 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 458with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
287C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 459C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
288 460
461It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
462
289=back 463=back
290 464
291If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 465If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these
292backends will be tried (in the reverse order as given here). If none are 466backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are
293specified, most compiled-in backend will be tried, usually in reverse 467specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
294order of their flag values :)
295 468
296The most typical usage is like this: 469The most typical usage is like this:
297 470
298 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 471 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
299 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 472 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 487Similar 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 488always 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 489handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
317undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 490undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
318 491
492Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and the recommended way to use
493libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
494default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
495
319Example: try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 496Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
320 497
321 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 498 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
322 if (!epoller) 499 if (!epoller)
323 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 500 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
324 501
325=item ev_default_destroy () 502=item ev_default_destroy ()
326 503
327Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 504Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
328etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 505etc.). 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 506sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
330responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 507responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
331calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 508calling 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 509the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
333for example). 510for example).
511
512Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by
513this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers)
514would need to be stopped manually.
515
516In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the
517rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling
518pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
519C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).
334 520
335=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 521=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
336 522
337Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 523Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
338earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 524earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
339 525
340=item ev_default_fork () 526=item ev_default_fork ()
341 527
528This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_loop> iterations
342This function reinitialises the kernel state for backends that have 529to 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 530name, 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 531the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little
345again makes little sense). 532sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev
533functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration.
346 534
347You I<must> call this function in the child process after forking if and 535On 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 536process if and only if you want to use the event library in the child. If
349fork+exec, you don't have to call it. 537you just fork+exec, you don't have to call it at all.
350 538
351The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 539The 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 540it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in
353quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>: 541quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
354 542
355 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 543 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork);
356 544
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) 545=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
362 546
363Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 547Like 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 548C<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. 549after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
550
551=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
552
553Returns true when the given loop actually is the default loop, false otherwise.
554
555=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
556
557Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
558the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
559happily wraps around with enough iterations.
560
561This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
562"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
563C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls.
366 564
367=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 565=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
368 566
369Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 567Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
370use. 568use.
373 571
374Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop 572Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop
375received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 573received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
376change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 574change 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 575time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
378event occuring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 576event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
379 577
380=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 578=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
381 579
382Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 580Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
383after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 581after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
395A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 593A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle
396those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in 594those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in
397case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop. 595case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop.
398 596
399A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 597A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if
400neccessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block 598necessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block
401your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after 599your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after
402one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some 600one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some
403external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other 601external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other
404libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 602libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
405usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 603usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
406 604
407Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 605Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
408 606
409 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 607 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
410 - Queue prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 608 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
609 - If a fork was detected, queue and call all fork watchers.
610 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
411 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 611 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
412 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 612 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
413 - Update the "event loop time". 613 - Update the "event loop time".
414 - Calculate for how long to block. 614 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
615 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having
616 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
617 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
415 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 618 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
416 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 619 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
417 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling. 620 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling.
418 - Queue all outstanding timers. 621 - Queue all outstanding timers.
419 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 622 - Queue all outstanding periodics.
420 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 623 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
421 - Queue all check watchers. 624 - Queue all check watchers.
422 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 625 - 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 626 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
424 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 627 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
425 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 628 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
426 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *. 629 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise
630 continue with step *.
427 631
428Example: queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding 632Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
429anymore. 633anymore.
430 634
431 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 635 ... 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..) 636 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
433 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 637 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
437 641
438Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 642Can 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 643has 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 644C<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. 645C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.
646
647This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again.
442 648
443=item ev_ref (loop) 649=item ev_ref (loop)
444 650
445=item ev_unref (loop) 651=item ev_unref (loop)
446 652
451returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For 657returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For
452example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not 658example, 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 659visible 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 660no 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 661way 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>. 662libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>
663(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before,
664respectively).
457 665
458Example: create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 666Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
459running when nothing else is active. 667running when nothing else is active.
460 668
461 struct dv_signal exitsig; 669 struct ev_signal exitsig;
462 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 670 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
463 ev_signal_start (myloop, &exitsig); 671 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
464 evf_unref (myloop); 672 evf_unref (loop);
465 673
466Example: for some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 674Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
467 675
468 ev_ref (myloop); 676 ev_ref (loop);
469 ev_signal_stop (myloop, &exitsig); 677 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
678
679=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
680
681=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
682
683These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
684for events. Both are by default C<0>, meaning that libev will try to
685invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency.
686
687Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>)
688allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks to
689increase efficiency of loop iterations.
690
691The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to
692handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes
693the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
694events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
695overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
696
697By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
698time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
699at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
700C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
701introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations.
702
703Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
704to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
705latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers
706will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce
707any overhead in libev.
708
709Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect
710interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
711interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
712usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
713as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems.
714
715=item ev_loop_verify (loop)
716
717This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
718compiled in. It tries to go through all internal structures and checks
719them for validity. If anything is found to be inconsistent, it will print
720an error message to standard error and call C<abort ()>.
721
722This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal
723circumstances, this function will never abort as of course libev keeps its
724data structures consistent.
470 725
471=back 726=back
472 727
473 728
474=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 729=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
494watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack, 749watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack,
495although this can sometimes be quite valid). 750although this can sometimes be quite valid).
496 751
497Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 752Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init
498(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 753(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This
499callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of io 754callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O
500watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 755watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given
501is readable and/or writable). 756is readable and/or writable).
502 757
503Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro 758Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro
504with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro 759with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro
544The signal specified in the C<ev_signal> watcher has been received by a thread. 799The signal specified in the C<ev_signal> watcher has been received by a thread.
545 800
546=item C<EV_CHILD> 801=item C<EV_CHILD>
547 802
548The pid specified in the C<ev_child> watcher has received a status change. 803The pid specified in the C<ev_child> watcher has received a status change.
804
805=item C<EV_STAT>
806
807The path specified in the C<ev_stat> watcher changed its attributes somehow.
549 808
550=item C<EV_IDLE> 809=item C<EV_IDLE>
551 810
552The C<ev_idle> watcher has determined that you have nothing better to do. 811The C<ev_idle> watcher has determined that you have nothing better to do.
553 812
561received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 820received 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 821many 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 822(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep
564C<ev_loop> from blocking). 823C<ev_loop> from blocking).
565 824
825=item C<EV_EMBED>
826
827The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
828
829=item C<EV_FORK>
830
831The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
832C<ev_fork>).
833
834=item C<EV_ASYNC>
835
836The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
837
566=item C<EV_ERROR> 838=item C<EV_ERROR>
567 839
568An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 840An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
569happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 841happen 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 842ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
571problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping 843problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping
572with the watcher being stopped. 844with the watcher being stopped.
573 845
574Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, 846Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error,
575for example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if 847for example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if
576your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope 848your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope
577with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multithreaded 849with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
578programs, though, so beware. 850programs, though, so beware.
579 851
580=back 852=back
581 853
582=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 854=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
612Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments 884Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
613(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro. 885(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
614 886
615=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args]) 887=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
616 888
617This convinience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro 889This convenience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro
618calls into a single call. This is the most convinient method to initialise 890calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise
619a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course. 891a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
620 892
621=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 893=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
622 894
623Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 895Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
641=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher) 913=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
642 914
643Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding 915Returns 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 916events 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 917is 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 918C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
647libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 919make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
920it).
648 921
649=item callback = ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 922=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
650 923
651Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 924Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
652 925
653=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 926=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
654 927
655Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 928Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
656(modulo threads). 929(modulo threads).
930
931=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority)
932
933=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
934
935Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
936integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
937(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
938before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
939from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
940
941This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
942invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
943example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
944watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
945
946If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
947you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
948
949You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
950pending.
951
952The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
953always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
954
955Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
956fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
957or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
958
959=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
960
961Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
962C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
963can deal with that fact.
964
965=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
966
967If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status
968and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
969watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
657 970
658=back 971=back
659 972
660 973
661=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 974=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
682 { 995 {
683 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 996 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
684 ... 997 ...
685 } 998 }
686 999
687More interesting and less C-conformant ways of catsing your callback type 1000More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
688have been omitted.... 1001instead have been omitted.
1002
1003Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple
1004watchers:
1005
1006 struct my_biggy
1007 {
1008 int some_data;
1009 ev_timer t1;
1010 ev_timer t2;
1011 }
1012
1013In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated,
1014you need to use C<offsetof>:
1015
1016 #include <stddef.h>
1017
1018 static void
1019 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
1020 {
1021 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
1022 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
1023 }
1024
1025 static void
1026 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
1027 {
1028 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
1029 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1030 }
689 1031
690 1032
691=head1 WATCHER TYPES 1033=head1 WATCHER TYPES
692 1034
693This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 1035This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
694information given in the last section. 1036information given in the last section. Any initialisation/set macros,
1037functions and members specific to the watcher type are explained.
1038
1039Members are additionally marked with either I<[read-only]>, meaning that,
1040while the watcher is active, you can look at the member and expect some
1041sensible content, but you must not modify it (you can modify it while the
1042watcher is stopped to your hearts content), or I<[read-write]>, which
1043means you can expect it to have some sensible content while the watcher
1044is active, but you can also modify it. Modifying it may not do something
1045sensible or take immediate effect (or do anything at all), but libev will
1046not crash or malfunction in any way.
695 1047
696 1048
697=head2 C<ev_io> - is this file descriptor readable or writable? 1049=head2 C<ev_io> - is this file descriptor readable or writable?
698 1050
699I/O watchers check whether a file descriptor is readable or writable 1051I/O watchers check whether a file descriptor is readable or writable
707In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 1059In 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 1060fd 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 1061descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
710required if you know what you are doing). 1062required if you know what you are doing).
711 1063
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
718If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 1064If 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 1065(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and
720C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1066C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
721 1067
722Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1068Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
723receive "spurious" readyness notifications, that is your callback might 1069receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
724be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1070be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
725because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1071because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
726lot of those (for example solaris ports), it is very easy to get into 1072lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into
727this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1073this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus
728it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 1074it 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. 1075C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
730 1076
731If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 1077If 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 1078play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately re-test
733wether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 1079whether 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 1080such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
735its own, so its quite safe to use). 1081its own, so its quite safe to use).
736 1082
1083=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1084
1085Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
1086descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means,
1087such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
1088descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
1089this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
1090registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
1091fact, a different file descriptor.
1092
1093To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows
1094the following policy: Each time C<ev_io_set> is being called, libev
1095will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise
1096it is assumed that the file descriptor stays the same. That means that
1097you I<have> to call C<ev_io_set> (or C<ev_io_init>) when you change the
1098descriptor even if the file descriptor number itself did not change.
1099
1100This is how one would do it normally anyway, the important point is that
1101the libev application should not optimise around libev but should leave
1102optimisations to libev.
1103
1104=head3 The special problem of dup'ed file descriptors
1105
1106Some backends (e.g. epoll), cannot register events for file descriptors,
1107but only events for the underlying file descriptions. That means when you
1108have C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors or weirder constellations, and register
1109events for them, only one file descriptor might actually receive events.
1110
1111There is no workaround possible except not registering events
1112for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to
1113C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1114
1115=head3 The special problem of fork
1116
1117Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit
1118useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about
1119it in the child.
1120
1121To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
1122C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,
1123enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1124C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1125
1126=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1127
1128While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about SIGPIPE:
1129when reading from a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program
1130gets send a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most
1131programs this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually
1132undesirable.
1133
1134So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1135ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1136somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1137
1138
1139=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1140
737=over 4 1141=over 4
738 1142
739=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1143=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
740 1144
741=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 1145=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
742 1146
743Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to 1147Configures 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 1148receive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
745C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 1149C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events.
746 1150
1151=item int fd [read-only]
1152
1153The file descriptor being watched.
1154
1155=item int events [read-only]
1156
1157The events being watched.
1158
747=back 1159=back
748 1160
1161=head3 Examples
1162
749Example: call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1163Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
750readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1164readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
751attempt to read a whole line in the callback: 1165attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
752 1166
753 static void 1167 static void
754 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1168 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
755 { 1169 {
756 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1170 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
769 1183
770Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1184Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
771given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 1185given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
772 1186
773The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that 1187The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that
774times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to last years 1188times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to January last
775time, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because 1189year, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because
776detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1190detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
777monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1191monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
778 1192
779The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1193The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
780time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1194time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
782you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the timeout 1196you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the timeout
783on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this: 1197on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:
784 1198
785 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 1199 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
786 1200
787The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1201The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only after its timeout has passed,
788but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1202but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
789order of execution is undefined. 1203order of execution is undefined.
790 1204
1205=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1206
791=over 4 1207=over 4
792 1208
793=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1209=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
794 1210
795=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1211=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
796 1212
797Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat> is 1213Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat>
798C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped. If it is positive, then the 1214is C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped once the timeout is
799timer will automatically be configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds 1215reached. If it is positive, then the timer will automatically be
800later, again, and again, until stopped manually. 1216configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds later, again, and again,
1217until stopped manually.
801 1218
802The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if you 1219The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if
803configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at 1220you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally
804exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with 1221trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot
805the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the 1222keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to
806timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 1223do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
807 1224
808=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1225=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
809 1226
810This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1227This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
811repeating. The exact semantics are: 1228repeating. The exact semantics are:
812 1229
1230If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1231
813If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it. 1232If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
814 1233
815If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat 1234If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
816value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value. 1235C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
817 1236
818This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1237This 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 1238example: 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 1239timeout, 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 1240seconds 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 1241configure 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 1242C<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 1243you 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. 1244socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
1245automatically restart it if need be.
1246
1247That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
1248altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
1249
1250 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
1251 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1252 ...
1253 timer->again = 17.;
1254 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1255 ...
1256 timer->again = 10.;
1257 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1258
1259This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1260you want to modify its timeout value.
1261
1262=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1263
1264The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1265or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
1266which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
826 1267
827=back 1268=back
828 1269
1270=head3 Examples
1271
829Example: create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1272Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
830 1273
831 static void 1274 static void
832 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1275 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
833 { 1276 {
834 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1277 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
836 1279
837 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1280 struct ev_timer mytimer;
838 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1281 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
839 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1282 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
840 1283
841Example: create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1284Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
842inactivity. 1285inactivity.
843 1286
844 static void 1287 static void
845 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1288 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
846 { 1289 {
861 1304
862Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 1305Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
863(and unfortunately a bit complex). 1306(and unfortunately a bit complex).
864 1307
865Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 1308Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time)
866but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1309but on wall clock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
867to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1310to trigger after 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 () 1311periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifying e.g. C<ev_now ()
869+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 1312+ 10.>, that is, an absolute time not a delay) and then reset your system
1313clock to January of the previous year, then it will take more than year
870take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger 1314to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger
871roughly 10 seconds later and of course not if you reset your system time 1315roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout).
872again).
873 1316
874They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1317C<ev_periodic>s can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers,
875triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 1318such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or other
1319complicated, rules.
876 1320
877As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1321As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
878time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1322time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
879during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1323during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
1324
1325=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
880 1326
881=over 4 1327=over 4
882 1328
883=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1329=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
884 1330
887Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1333Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
888operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1334operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
889 1335
890=over 4 1336=over 4
891 1337
892=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1338=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
893 1339
894In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1340In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock
895C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1341time C<at> has passed and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time
896that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1342jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will
897system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1343run when the system time reaches or surpasses this time.
898 1344
899=item * non-repeating interval timer (interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1345=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
900 1346
901In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1347In 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 1348C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
903of any time jumps. 1349and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
904 1350
905This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1351This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system
906time: 1352time, for example, here is a C<ev_periodic> that triggers each hour, on
1353the hour:
907 1354
908 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1355 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
909 1356
910This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers, 1357This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers,
911but only that the the callback will be called when the system time shows a 1358but only that the callback will be called when the system time shows a
912full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible 1359full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
913by 3600. 1360by 3600.
914 1361
915Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1362Another 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 1363C<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. 1364time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
918 1365
1366For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1367C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1368this value, and in fact is often specified as zero.
1369
1370Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
1371speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
1372will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
1373millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
1374
919=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 1375=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
920 1376
921In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1377In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
922ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1378ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
923reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1379reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
924current time as second argument. 1380current time as second argument.
925 1381
926NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1382NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
927ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1383ever, or make ANY event loop modifications whatsoever>.
928return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
929starting a prepare watcher).
930 1384
1385If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop
1386it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the
1387only event loop modification you are allowed to do).
1388
931Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1389The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic
932ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1390*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
933 1391
934 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1392 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
935 { 1393 {
936 return now + 60.; 1394 return now + 60.;
937 } 1395 }
939It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value 1397It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value
940(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It 1398(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It
941will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but 1399will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but
942might be called at other times, too. 1400might be called at other times, too.
943 1401
944NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is later than the 1402NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is higher than or
945passed C<now> value >>. Not even C<now> itself will do, it I<must> be larger. 1403equal to the passed C<now> value >>.
946 1404
947This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that 1405This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that
948triggers on each midnight, local time. To do this, you would calculate the 1406triggers on "next midnight, local time". To do this, you would calculate the
949next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How 1407next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How
950you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main 1408you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main
951reason I omitted it as an example). 1409reason I omitted it as an example).
952 1410
953=back 1411=back
957Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1415Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
958when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1416when 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 1417a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
960program when the crontabs have changed). 1418program when the crontabs have changed).
961 1419
1420=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *)
1421
1422When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1423trigger next.
1424
1425=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1426
1427When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1428absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1429
1430Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1431timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1432
1433=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1434
1435The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1436take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1437called.
1438
1439=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1440
1441The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1442switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1443the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1444
962=back 1445=back
963 1446
1447=head3 Examples
1448
964Example: call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1449Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
965system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1450system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
966potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1451potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
967 1452
968 static void 1453 static void
969 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1454 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
970 { 1455 {
971 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 1456 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
973 1458
974 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1459 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
975 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1460 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
976 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1461 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
977 1462
978Example: the same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1463Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
979 1464
980 #include <math.h> 1465 #include <math.h>
981 1466
982 static ev_tstamp 1467 static ev_tstamp
983 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1468 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
985 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1470 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;
986 } 1471 }
987 1472
988 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1473 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
989 1474
990Example: call a callback every hour, starting now: 1475Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
991 1476
992 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1477 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
993 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1478 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
994 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1479 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
995 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1480 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1007with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1492with 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 1493as 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 1494watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
1010SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1495SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1011 1496
1497If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1498C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly
1499interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by
1500signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock
1501them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
1502
1503=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1504
1012=over 4 1505=over 4
1013 1506
1014=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 1507=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
1015 1508
1016=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum) 1509=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)
1017 1510
1018Configures the watcher to trigger on the given signal number (usually one 1511Configures the watcher to trigger on the given signal number (usually one
1019of the C<SIGxxx> constants). 1512of the C<SIGxxx> constants).
1020 1513
1514=item int signum [read-only]
1515
1516The signal the watcher watches out for.
1517
1021=back 1518=back
1022 1519
1520=head3 Examples
1521
1522Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1523
1524 static void
1525 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1526 {
1527 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1528 }
1529
1530 struct ev_signal signal_watcher;
1531 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1532 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb);
1533
1023 1534
1024=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1535=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1025 1536
1026Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1537Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1027some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1538some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). It
1539is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child has been
1540forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long as the event
1541loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher).
1542
1543Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
1544you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
1545
1546=head3 Process Interaction
1547
1548Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
1549initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if
1550the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
1551of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
1552synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
1553children, even ones not watched.
1554
1555=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
1556
1557Libev offers no special support for overriding the built-in child
1558processing, but if your application collides with libev's default child
1559handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for
1560C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the
1561default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an
1562event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for
1563that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely.
1564
1565=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1028 1566
1029=over 4 1567=over 4
1030 1568
1031=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 1569=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid, int trace)
1032 1570
1033=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid) 1571=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid, int trace)
1034 1572
1035Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or 1573Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or
1036I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look 1574I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look
1037at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see 1575at 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 1576the 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 1577C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the
1040process causing the status change. 1578process causing the status change. C<trace> must be either C<0> (only
1579activate the watcher when the process terminates) or C<1> (additionally
1580activate the watcher when the process is stopped or continued).
1581
1582=item int pid [read-only]
1583
1584The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id.
1585
1586=item int rpid [read-write]
1587
1588The process id that detected a status change.
1589
1590=item int rstatus [read-write]
1591
1592The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1593C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1041 1594
1042=back 1595=back
1043 1596
1044Example: try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1597=head3 Examples
1598
1599Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for
1600its completion.
1601
1602 ev_child cw;
1045 1603
1046 static void 1604 static void
1047 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1605 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents)
1048 { 1606 {
1049 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1607 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
1608 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1050 } 1609 }
1051 1610
1052 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1611 pid_t pid = fork ();
1053 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1612
1054 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1613 if (pid < 0)
1614 // error
1615 else if (pid == 0)
1616 {
1617 // the forked child executes here
1618 exit (1);
1619 }
1620 else
1621 {
1622 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0);
1623 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw);
1624 }
1625
1626
1627=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1628
1629This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1630C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed
1631compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did.
1632
1633The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1634not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1635not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is
1636otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of
1637the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1638
1639The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1640relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1641
1642Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply
1643calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You
1644can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify
1645a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,
1646unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around
1647five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also
1648impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats
1649usually overkill.
1650
1651This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1652as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1653resource-intensive.
1654
1655At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1656implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the
1657reader, note, however, that the author sees no way of implementing ev_stat
1658semantics with kqueue). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should
1659not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev
1660sometimes needs to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify,
1661but changes are usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there
1662will be no polling.
1663
1664=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1665
1666Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
1667compilation environment, which means that on systems with optionally
1668disabled large file support, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
1669structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to
1670use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to
1671compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is
1672obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is
1673most noticeably with ev_stat and large file support.
1674
1675=head3 Inotify
1676
1677When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only
1678available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up
1679change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily
1680when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1681
1682Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1683except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1684making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support
1685there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling.
1686
1687(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1688implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1689descriptor open on the object at all times).
1690
1691=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1692
1693The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably, and
1694even on systems where the resolution is higher, many file systems still
1695only support whole seconds.
1696
1697That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can
1698easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and
1699calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update
1700within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it as the stat
1701data does not change.
1702
1703The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for slightly more
1704than a second (or till slightly after the next full second boundary), using
1705a roughly one-second-delay C<ev_timer> (e.g. C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.02);
1706ev_timer_again (loop, w)>).
1707
1708The C<.02> offset is added to work around small timing inconsistencies
1709of some operating systems (where the second counter of the current time
1710might be be delayed. One such system is the Linux kernel, where a call to
1711C<gettimeofday> might return a timestamp with a full second later than
1712a subsequent C<time> call - if the equivalent of C<time ()> is used to
1713update file times then there will be a small window where the kernel uses
1714the previous second to update file times but libev might already execute
1715the timer callback).
1716
1717=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1718
1719=over 4
1720
1721=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1722
1723=item ev_stat_set (ev_stat *, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1724
1725Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of the given
1726C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to
1727be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose
1728a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1729path for as long as the watcher is active.
1730
1731The callback will receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, relative
1732to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the last change
1733was detected).
1734
1735=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1736
1737Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1738watched path in your callback, you could call this function to avoid
1739detecting this change (while introducing a race condition if you are not
1740the only one changing the path). Can also be useful simply to find out the
1741new values.
1742
1743=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1744
1745The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is
1746C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types
1747suitable for your system, but you can only rely on the POSIX-standardised
1748members to be present. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there was
1749some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1750
1751=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1752
1753The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1754C<prev> != C<attr>, or, more precisely, one or more of these members
1755differ: C<st_dev>, C<st_ino>, C<st_mode>, C<st_nlink>, C<st_uid>,
1756C<st_gid>, C<st_rdev>, C<st_size>, C<st_atime>, C<st_mtime>, C<st_ctime>.
1757
1758=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1759
1760The specified interval.
1761
1762=item const char *path [read-only]
1763
1764The file system path that is being watched.
1765
1766=back
1767
1768=head3 Examples
1769
1770Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1771
1772 static void
1773 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1774 {
1775 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1776 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1777 {
1778 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1779 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1780 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1781 }
1782 else
1783 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1784 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1785 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1786 }
1787
1788 ...
1789 ev_stat passwd;
1790
1791 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1792 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1793
1794Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1795miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1796one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1797C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1798
1799 static ev_stat passwd;
1800 static ev_timer timer;
1801
1802 static void
1803 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1804 {
1805 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1806
1807 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1808 }
1809
1810 static void
1811 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1812 {
1813 /* reset the one-second timer */
1814 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1815 }
1816
1817 ...
1818 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1819 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1820 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.02);
1055 1821
1056 1822
1057=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1823=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1058 1824
1059Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1825Idle 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 1826priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
1061as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1827count).
1062imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1828
1063watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration - 1829That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1830(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1831triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1832are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1064until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1833iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1065busy. 1834and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
1066 1835
1067The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 1836The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
1068active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1837active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
1069 1838
1070Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1839Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1071effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do 1840effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do
1072"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 1841"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
1073event loop has handled all outstanding events. 1842event loop has handled all outstanding events.
1074 1843
1844=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1845
1075=over 4 1846=over 4
1076 1847
1077=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1848=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1078 1849
1079Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any 1850Initialises 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, 1851kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1081believe me. 1852believe me.
1082 1853
1083=back 1854=back
1084 1855
1856=head3 Examples
1857
1085Example: dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle>, start it, and in the 1858Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1086callback, free it. Alos, use no error checking, as usual. 1859callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1087 1860
1088 static void 1861 static void
1089 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1862 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1090 { 1863 {
1091 free (w); 1864 free (w);
1092 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 1865 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1093 // no longer asnything immediate to do. 1866 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1094 } 1867 }
1095 1868
1096 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 1869 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle));
1097 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 1870 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1098 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 1871 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1122 1895
1123This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 1896This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need
1124to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for 1897to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for
1125them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries 1898them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries
1126provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for 1899provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for
1127any events that occured (by checking the pending status of all watchers 1900any events that occurred (by checking the pending status of all watchers
1128and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer 1901and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer
1129callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless, 1902callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless,
1130because you never know, you know?). 1903because you never know, you know?).
1131 1904
1132As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate 1905As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate
1136with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 1909with 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 1910of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
1138loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 1911loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1139low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 1912low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1140 1913
1914It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1915priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1916after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1917too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1918supports this, they might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers
1919did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other
1920(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable
1921state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to
1922coexist peacefully with others).
1923
1924=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1925
1141=over 4 1926=over 4
1142 1927
1143=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1928=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
1144 1929
1145=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1930=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1148parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 1933parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1149macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1934macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1150 1935
1151=back 1936=back
1152 1937
1153Example: To include a library such as adns, you would add IO watchers 1938=head3 Examples
1154and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, as required by libadns, and 1939
1940There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1941into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1942(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1943use as a working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> embeds a
1944Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV into the
1945Glib event loop).
1946
1947Method 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 1948and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1156pseudo-code only of course: 1949is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1950priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1951the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1157 1952
1158 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1953 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1159 static ev_timer tw; 1954 static ev_timer tw;
1160 1955
1161 static void 1956 static void
1162 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1957 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1163 { 1958 {
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 } 1959 }
1170 1960
1171 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1961 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1172 static void 1962 static void
1173 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1963 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1174 { 1964 {
1175 int timeout = 3600000;truct pollfd fds [nfd]; 1965 int timeout = 3600000;
1966 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1176 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 1967 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1177 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 1968 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1178 1969
1179 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 1970 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1180 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1971 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1181 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 1972 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1182 1973
1183 // create on ev_io per pollfd 1974 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1184 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1975 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1185 { 1976 {
1186 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 1977 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1187 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 1978 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1188 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 1979 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1189 1980
1190 fds [i].revents = 0; 1981 fds [i].revents = 0;
1191 iow [i].data = fds + i;
1192 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 1982 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1193 } 1983 }
1194 } 1984 }
1195 1985
1196 // stop all watchers after blocking 1986 // stop all watchers after blocking
1198 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 1988 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1199 { 1989 {
1200 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 1990 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1201 1991
1202 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1992 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1993 {
1994 // set the relevant poll flags
1995 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1996 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1997 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1998 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1999 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
2000
2001 // now stop the watcher
1203 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 2002 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
2003 }
1204 2004
1205 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 2005 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
2006 }
2007
2008Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
2009in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
2010
2011Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
2012notification (libadns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
2013callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
2014
2015 static void
2016 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2017 {
2018 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
2019 update_now (EV_A);
2020
2021 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
2022 }
2023
2024 static void
2025 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
2026 {
2027 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
2028 update_now (EV_A);
2029
2030 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
2031 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
2032 }
2033
2034 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
2035
2036Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
2037want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, you can override
2038their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
2039loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
2040this.
2041
2042 static gint
2043 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
2044 {
2045 int got_events = 0;
2046
2047 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
2048 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
2049
2050 if (timeout >= 0)
2051 // create/start timer
2052
2053 // poll
2054 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2055
2056 // stop timer again
2057 if (timeout >= 0)
2058 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
2059
2060 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
2061 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
2062 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
2063
2064 return got_events;
1206 } 2065 }
1207 2066
1208 2067
1209=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 2068=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1210 2069
1253portable one. 2112portable one.
1254 2113
1255So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared 2114So 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 2115that 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 2116this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to
1258create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything: 2117create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.
2118
2119=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2120
2121=over 4
2122
2123=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
2124
2125=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
2126
2127Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
2128embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
2129invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
2130to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
2131if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
2132
2133=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2134
2135Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2136similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
2137appropriate way for embedded loops.
2138
2139=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2140
2141The embedded event loop.
2142
2143=back
2144
2145=head3 Examples
2146
2147Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default
2148event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default
2149loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the embeddable loop is stored in
2150C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
2151used).
1259 2152
1260 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2153 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
1261 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 2154 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
1262 struct ev_embed embed; 2155 struct ev_embed embed;
1263 2156
1274 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 2167 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1275 } 2168 }
1276 else 2169 else
1277 loop_lo = loop_hi; 2170 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1278 2171
2172Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
2173a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
2174kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2175C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2176
2177 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2178 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2179 struct ev_embed embed;
2180
2181 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2182 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2183 {
2184 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2185 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2186 }
2187
2188 if (!loop_socket)
2189 loop_socket = loop;
2190
2191 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
2192
2193
2194=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
2195
2196Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
2197whoever is a good citizen cared to tell libev about it by calling
2198C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork>). The invocation is done before the
2199event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
2200and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
2201C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
2202handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
2203
2204=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2205
1279=over 4 2206=over 4
1280 2207
1281=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2208=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1282 2209
1283=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2210Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
2211kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2212believe me.
1284 2213
1285Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 2214=back
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 2215
1291=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1292 2216
1293Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 2217=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up another event loop
1294similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 2218
1295apropriate way for embedded loops. 2219In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other
2220asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
2221loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
2222
2223Sometimes, however, you need to wake up another event loop you do not
2224control, for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what
2225C<ev_async> watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you
2226can signal it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal
2227safe.
2228
2229This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
2230too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
2231(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
2232C<ev_async_sent> calls).
2233
2234Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not
2235just the default loop.
2236
2237=head3 Queueing
2238
2239C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
2240is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
2241multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2242need elaborate support such as pthreads.
2243
2244That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own
2245queue. But at least I can tell you would implement locking around your
2246queue:
2247
2248=over 4
2249
2250=item queueing from a signal handler context
2251
2252To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal
2253handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is an example that does that for
2254some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler:
2255
2256 static ev_async mysig;
2257
2258 static void
2259 sigusr1_handler (void)
2260 {
2261 sometype data;
2262
2263 // no locking etc.
2264 queue_put (data);
2265 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2266 }
2267
2268 static void
2269 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2270 {
2271 sometype data;
2272 sigset_t block, prev;
2273
2274 sigemptyset (&block);
2275 sigaddset (&block, SIGUSR1);
2276 sigprocmask (SIG_BLOCK, &block, &prev);
2277
2278 while (queue_get (&data))
2279 process (data);
2280
2281 if (sigismember (&prev, SIGUSR1)
2282 sigprocmask (SIG_UNBLOCK, &block, 0);
2283 }
2284
2285(Note: pthreads in theory requires you to use C<pthread_setmask>
2286instead of C<sigprocmask> when you use threads, but libev doesn't do it
2287either...).
2288
2289=item queueing from a thread context
2290
2291The strategy for threads is different, as you cannot (easily) block
2292threads but you can easily preempt them, so to queue safely you need to
2293employ a traditional mutex lock, such as in this pthread example:
2294
2295 static ev_async mysig;
2296 static pthread_mutex_t mymutex = PTHREAD_MUTEX_INITIALIZER;
2297
2298 static void
2299 otherthread (void)
2300 {
2301 // only need to lock the actual queueing operation
2302 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2303 queue_put (data);
2304 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2305
2306 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2307 }
2308
2309 static void
2310 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2311 {
2312 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2313
2314 while (queue_get (&data))
2315 process (data);
2316
2317 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2318 }
2319
2320=back
2321
2322
2323=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2324
2325=over 4
2326
2327=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback)
2328
2329Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any
2330kind. There is a C<ev_asynd_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2331believe me.
2332
2333=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2334
2335Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2336an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike
2337C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do in other threads, signal or
2338similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2339section below on what exactly this means).
2340
2341This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per loop iteration,
2342so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to repeated
2343calls to C<ev_async_send>.
2344
2345=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
2346
2347Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
2348watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
2349event loop.
2350
2351C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When
2352the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active,
2353it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very
2354quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
2355
2356Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending, only
2357whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending.
1296 2358
1297=back 2359=back
1298 2360
1299 2361
1300=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2362=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
1311or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 2373or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
1312more watchers yourself. 2374more watchers yourself.
1313 2375
1314If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events 2376If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events
1315is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and 2377is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and
1316C<events> set will be craeted and started. 2378C<events> set will be created and started.
1317 2379
1318If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 2380If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
1319started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 2381started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
1320repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of 2382repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of
1321dubious value. 2383dubious value.
1346Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 2408Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
1347the given events it. 2409the given events it.
1348 2410
1349=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum) 2411=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum)
1350 2412
1351Feed an event as if the given signal occured (C<loop> must be the default 2413Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
1352loop!). 2414loop!).
1353 2415
1354=back 2416=back
1355 2417
1356 2418
1372 2434
1373=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 2435=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
1374will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 2436will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
1375is an ev_pri field. 2437is an ev_pri field.
1376 2438
2439=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
2440first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals.
2441
1377=item * Other members are not supported. 2442=item * Other members are not supported.
1378 2443
1379=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 2444=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
1380to use the libev header file and library. 2445to use the libev header file and library.
1381 2446
1382=back 2447=back
1383 2448
1384=head1 C++ SUPPORT 2449=head1 C++ SUPPORT
1385 2450
1386Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 2451Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
1387you to use some convinience methods to start/stop watchers and also change 2452you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
1388the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 2453the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
1389 2454
1390To use it, 2455To use it,
1391 2456
1392 #include <ev++.h> 2457 #include <ev++.h>
1393 2458
1394(it is not installed by default). This automatically includes F<ev.h> 2459This 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 2460of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1396namespace. All C++ specific things are put into the C<ev> namespace. 2461put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2462options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
1397 2463
1398It should support all the same embedding options as F<ev.h>, most notably 2464Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
1399C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 2465classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
2466that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
2467you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
2468
2469Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be
2470used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only
2471need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other
2472types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing
2473it).
1400 2474
1401Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 2475Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1402 2476
1403=over 4 2477=over 4
1404 2478
1420 2494
1421All of those classes have these methods: 2495All of those classes have these methods:
1422 2496
1423=over 4 2497=over 4
1424 2498
1425=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *) 2499=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1426 2500
1427=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *, struct ev_loop *) 2501=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1428 2502
1429=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 2503=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1430 2504
1431The constructor takes a pointer to an object and a method pointer to 2505The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1432the event handler callback to call in this class. The constructor calls 2506with. 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 2507
1434before starting it. If you do not specify a loop then the constructor 2508The constructor calls C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the
1435automatically associates the default loop with this watcher. 2509C<set> method before starting it.
2510
2511It will not set a callback, however: You have to call the templated C<set>
2512method to set a callback before you can start the watcher.
2513
2514(The reason why you have to use a method is a limitation in C++ which does
2515not allow explicit template arguments for constructors).
1436 2516
1437The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active. 2517The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active.
2518
2519=item w->set<class, &class::method> (object *)
2520
2521This method sets the callback method to call. The method has to have a
2522signature of C<void (*)(ev_TYPE &, int)>, it receives the watcher as
2523first argument and the C<revents> as second. The object must be given as
2524parameter and is stored in the C<data> member of the watcher.
2525
2526This method synthesizes efficient thunking code to call your method from
2527the C callback that libev requires. If your compiler can inline your
2528callback (i.e. it is visible to it at the place of the C<set> call and
2529your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2530thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2531
2532Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2533
2534 struct myclass
2535 {
2536 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2537 }
2538
2539 myclass obj;
2540 ev::io iow;
2541 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2542
2543=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2544
2545Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2546callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2547C<data> member and is free for you to use.
2548
2549The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2550
2551See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2552
2553Example:
2554
2555 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2556 iow.set <io_cb> ();
1438 2557
1439=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2558=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1440 2559
1441Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2560Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
1442do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2561do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1443 2562
1444=item w->set ([args]) 2563=item w->set ([arguments])
1445 2564
1446Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2565Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be
1447called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 2566called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1448automatically stopped and restarted. 2567automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2568method.
1449 2569
1450=item w->start () 2570=item w->start ()
1451 2571
1452Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument as the 2572Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
1453constructor already takes the loop. 2573constructor already stores the event loop.
1454 2574
1455=item w->stop () 2575=item w->stop ()
1456 2576
1457Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 2577Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1458 2578
1459=item w->again () C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only 2579=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
1460 2580
1461For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding 2581For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding
1462C<ev_TYPE_again> function. 2582C<ev_TYPE_again> function.
1463 2583
1464=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only 2584=item w->sweep () (C<ev::embed> only)
1465 2585
1466Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>. 2586Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
2587
2588=item w->update () (C<ev::stat> only)
2589
2590Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
1467 2591
1468=back 2592=back
1469 2593
1470=back 2594=back
1471 2595
1472Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 2596Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
1473the constructor. 2597the constructor.
1474 2598
1475 class myclass 2599 class myclass
1476 { 2600 {
1477 ev_io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 2601 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
1478 ev_idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 2602 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
1479 2603
1480 myclass (); 2604 myclass (int fd)
2605 {
2606 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2607 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2608
2609 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
2610 }
2611 };
2612
2613
2614=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
2615
2616Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a
2617number of languages exist in the form of third-party packages. If you know
2618any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop
2619me a note.
2620
2621=over 4
2622
2623=item Perl
2624
2625The EV module implements the full libev API and is actually used to test
2626libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module,
2627there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces
2628to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>), C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the
2629C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV> and C<EV::Glib>).
2630
2631It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is found at
2632L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
2633
2634=item Ruby
2635
2636Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
2637of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and
2638more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
2639L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
2640
2641=item D
2642
2643Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
2644be found at L<http://git.llucax.com.ar/?p=software/ev.d.git;a=summary>.
2645
2646=back
2647
2648
2649=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2650
2651Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamental
2652of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
2653functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2654
2655To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2656following macros are defined:
2657
2658=over 4
2659
2660=item C<EV_A>, C<EV_A_>
2661
2662This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2663loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
2664C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2665
2666 ev_unref (EV_A);
2667 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2668 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2669
2670It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2671which is often provided by the following macro.
2672
2673=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2674
2675This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2676loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
2677C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2678
2679 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
2680 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2681
2682 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
2683 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2684
2685It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
2686suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2687
2688=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2689
2690Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
2691loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
2692
2693=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_>
2694
2695Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the
2696default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour
2697is undefined when the default loop has not been initialised by a previous
2698execution of C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> or C<ev_default_init (...)>.
2699
2700It is often prudent to use C<EV_DEFAULT> when initialising the first
2701watcher in a function but use C<EV_DEFAULT_UC> afterwards.
2702
2703=back
2704
2705Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2706macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2707or not.
2708
2709 static void
2710 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2711 {
2712 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
1481 } 2713 }
1482 2714
1483 myclass::myclass (int fd) 2715 ev_check check;
1484 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb), 2716 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
1485 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb) 2717 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
1486 { 2718 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1487 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
1488 }
1489 2719
1490=head1 EMBEDDING 2720=head1 EMBEDDING
1491 2721
1492Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2722Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1493applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2723applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1494Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe) 2724Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe)
1495and rxvt-unicode. 2725and rxvt-unicode.
1496 2726
1497The goal is to enable you to just copy the neecssary files into your 2727The 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 2728source 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 2729you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of
1500libev somewhere in your source tree). 2730libev somewhere in your source tree).
1501 2731
1502=head2 FILESETS 2732=head2 FILESETS
1503 2733
1504Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files 2734Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files
1505in your app. 2735in your application.
1506 2736
1507=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP 2737=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP
1508 2738
1509To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual 2739To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual
1510configuration (no autoconf): 2740configuration (no autoconf):
1533 ev_vars.h 2763 ev_vars.h
1534 ev_wrap.h 2764 ev_wrap.h
1535 2765
1536 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2766 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1537 2767
1538 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is by default) 2768 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) 2769 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) 2770 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) 2771 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) 2772 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1543 2773
1561 event.h 2791 event.h
1562 event.c 2792 event.c
1563 2793
1564=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT 2794=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT
1565 2795
1566Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in 2796Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your configuration in
1567whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your 2797whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your
1568F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then 2798F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then
1569include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly. 2799include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.
1570 2800
1571For this of course you need the m4 file: 2801For this of course you need the m4 file:
1572 2802
1573 libev.m4 2803 libev.m4
1574 2804
1575=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 2805=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
1576 2806
1577Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to define 2807Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
1578before including any of its files. The default is not to build for multiplicity 2808define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of
1579and only include the select backend. 2809autoconf is noted for every option.
1580 2810
1581=over 4 2811=over 4
1582 2812
1583=item EV_STANDALONE 2813=item EV_STANDALONE
1584 2814
1589F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 2819F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
1590 2820
1591=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 2821=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
1592 2822
1593If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2823If 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 2824monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no use
1595of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 2825of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
1596usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2826usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
1597the functionality isn't available is safe, though, althoguh you have 2827the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
1598to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 2828to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
1599function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2829function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
1600 2830
1601=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2831=item EV_USE_REALTIME
1602 2832
1603If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2833If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1604realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2834real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability at
1605runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2835runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock option will
1606be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2836be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
1607(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See tzhe note about libraries 2837(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
1608in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 2838note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2839
2840=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2841
2842If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2843and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
2844
2845=item EV_USE_EVENTFD
2846
2847If defined to be C<1>, then libev will assume that C<eventfd ()> is
2848available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This will improve
2849C<ev_signal> and C<ev_async> performance and reduce resource consumption.
2850If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc
28512.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
1609 2852
1610=item EV_USE_SELECT 2853=item EV_USE_SELECT
1611 2854
1612If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 2855If 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 2856C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at auto-detection will be done: if no
1614other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend 2857other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
1615will not be compiled in. 2858will not be compiled in.
1616 2859
1617=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET 2860=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
1618 2861
1619If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set> 2862If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set>
1620structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing 2863structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing
1621C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it misguesses the bitset layout on 2864C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it mis-guesses the bitset layout on
1622exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some 2865exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some
1623low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only 2866low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only
1624allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might 2867allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might
1625influence the size of the C<fd_set> used. 2868influence the size of the C<fd_set> used.
1626 2869
1632be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call 2875be 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, 2876C<_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 2877it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
1635on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms. 2878on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.
1636 2879
2880=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE
2881
2882If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map
2883file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the
2884default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually
2885correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management,
2886in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles.
2887
1637=item EV_USE_POLL 2888=item EV_USE_POLL
1638 2889
1639If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2) 2890If 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 2891backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
1641takes precedence over select. 2892takes precedence over select.
1642 2893
1643=item EV_USE_EPOLL 2894=item EV_USE_EPOLL
1644 2895
1645If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux 2896If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux
1646C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime, 2897C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
1647otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the 2898otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
1648preferred backend for GNU/Linux systems. 2899backend for GNU/Linux systems. If undefined, it will be enabled if the
2900headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
1649 2901
1650=item EV_USE_KQUEUE 2902=item EV_USE_KQUEUE
1651 2903
1652If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style 2904If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style
1653C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime, 2905C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,
1666otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred 2918otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
1667backend for Solaris 10 systems. 2919backend for Solaris 10 systems.
1668 2920
1669=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 2921=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
1670 2922
1671reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 2923Reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
2924
2925=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2926
2927If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2928interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2929be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers
2930indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2931
2932=item EV_ATOMIC_T
2933
2934Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
2935access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such
2936type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type
2937that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking"
2938as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
2939
2940In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
2941(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
1672 2942
1673=item EV_H 2943=item EV_H
1674 2944
1675The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 2945The 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 2946undefined 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. 2947used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
1678 2948
1679=item EV_CONFIG_H 2949=item EV_CONFIG_H
1680 2950
1681If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override 2951If 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 2952F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
1683C<EV_H>, above. 2953C<EV_H>, above.
1684 2954
1685=item EV_EVENT_H 2955=item EV_EVENT_H
1686 2956
1687Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea 2957Similarly 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. 2958of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">.
1689 2959
1690=item EV_PROTOTYPES 2960=item EV_PROTOTYPES
1691 2961
1692If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function 2962If 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 2963prototypes, 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 2970will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
1701additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 2971additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
1702for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 2972for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
1703argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 2973argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
1704 2974
2975=item EV_MINPRI
2976
2977=item EV_MAXPRI
2978
2979The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
2980C<EV_MAXPRI>, but otherwise there are no non-obvious limitations. You can
2981provide for more priorities by overriding those symbols (usually defined
2982to be C<-2> and C<2>, respectively).
2983
2984When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2985all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2986and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2987fine.
2988
2989If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2990C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
2991
1705=item EV_PERIODICS 2992=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
1706 2993
1707If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported, 2994If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
1708otherwise not. This saves a few kb of code. 2995defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2996code.
2997
2998=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE
2999
3000If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
3001defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
3002code.
3003
3004=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
3005
3006If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
3007defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3008
3009=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
3010
3011If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
3012defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3013
3014=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
3015
3016If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
3017defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3018
3019=item EV_ASYNC_ENABLE
3020
3021If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then async watchers are supported. If
3022defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3023
3024=item EV_MINIMAL
3025
3026If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
3027speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some
3028inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a
3029much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap.
3030
3031=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
3032
3033C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
3034pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
3035than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to
3036increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
3037
3038=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
3039
3040C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
3041inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
3042usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
3043watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
3044two).
3045
3046=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3047
3048Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3049timer and periodics heap, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3050to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has
3051noticeably faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3052
3053The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3054(disabled).
3055
3056=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3057
3058Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3059timer and periodics heap, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3060the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
3061which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
3062but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3063noticeably with with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3064
3065The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3066(disabled).
3067
3068=item EV_VERIFY
3069
3070Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will
3071be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
3072in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
3073called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
3074called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
3075verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3076libev considerably.
3077
3078The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be
3079C<0.>
1709 3080
1710=item EV_COMMON 3081=item EV_COMMON
1711 3082
1712By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 3083By 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 3084this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
1726 3097
1727=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb) 3098=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb)
1728 3099
1729Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher, 3100Can 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 3101and 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 3102definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
1732their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 3103their 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 3104avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
1734method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 3105method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
3106
3107=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
3108
3109If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a DLL) and you need a list of
3110exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
3111all public symbols, one per line:
3112
3113 Symbols.ev for libev proper
3114 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
3115
3116This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
3117multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
3118itself, but sometimes it is inconvenient to avoid this).
3119
3120A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
3121include before including F<ev.h>:
3122
3123 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
3124
3125This would create a file F<wrap.h> which essentially looks like this:
3126
3127 #define ev_backend myprefix_ev_backend
3128 #define ev_check_start myprefix_ev_check_start
3129 #define ev_check_stop myprefix_ev_check_stop
3130 ...
1735 3131
1736=head2 EXAMPLES 3132=head2 EXAMPLES
1737 3133
1738For a real-world example of a program the includes libev 3134For a real-world example of a program the includes libev
1739verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module 3135verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module
1742interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file 3138interface) 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 3139will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header
1744file. 3140file.
1745 3141
1746The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 3142The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
1747that everybody includes and which overrides some autoconf choices: 3143that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
1748 3144
3145 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
1749 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 3146 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
1750 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 3147 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
1751 #define EV_PERIODICS 0 3148 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
3149 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
3150 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
1752 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 3151 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
3152 #define EV_MINPRI 0
3153 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
1753 3154
1754 #include "ev++.h" 3155 #include "ev++.h"
1755 3156
1756And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 3157And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
1757 3158
1758 #include "ev_cpp.h" 3159 #include "ev_cpp.h"
1759 #include "ev.c" 3160 #include "ev.c"
3161
3162
3163=head1 THREADS AND COROUTINES
3164
3165=head2 THREADS
3166
3167Libev itself is completely thread-safe, but it uses no locking. This
3168means that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as
3169only one thread ever calls into one libev function with the same loop
3170parameter.
3171
3172Or put differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done in
3173parallel from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter must be
3174done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as only one
3175thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using a mutex
3176per loop).
3177
3178If you want to know which design is best for your problem, then I cannot
3179help you but by giving some generic advice:
3180
3181=over 4
3182
3183=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop
3184in that thread, or create a separate thread running only the default loop.
3185
3186This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev
3187themselves and don't care/know about threading.
3188
3189=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model.
3190
3191Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model
3192exists, but it is always a good start.
3193
3194=item * other models exist, such as the leader/follower pattern, where one
3195loop is handed through multiple threads in a kind of round-robin fashion.
3196
3197Choosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you can do
3198better than you currently do :-)
3199
3200=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the
3201event loop - C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other
3202threads safely (or from signal contexts...).
3203
3204=back
3205
3206=head2 COROUTINES
3207
3208Libev is much more accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3209libev fully supports nesting calls to it's functions from different
3210coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
3211different coroutines and switch freely between both coroutines running the
3212loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that
3213you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3214
3215Care has been invested into making sure that libev does not keep local
3216state inside C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow coroutine
3217switches.
1760 3218
1761 3219
1762=head1 COMPLEXITIES 3220=head1 COMPLEXITIES
1763 3221
1764In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 3222In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
1765libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 3223libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
1766documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 3224documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
1767 3225
3226All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
3227extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
3228happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
3229mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
3230it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
3231
1768=over 4 3232=over 4
1769 3233
1770=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 3234=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
1771 3235
3236This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
3237there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
3238have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
3239
1772=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 3240=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
1773 3241
3242That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
3243as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
3244
1774=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 3245=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1)
1775 3246
3247These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
3248
1776=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 3249=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1)
1777 3250
1778=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % 16)) 3251=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
1779 3252
3253These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
3254correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
3255have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
3256
1780=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 3257=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
3258
3259By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a
3260fixed position in the storage array.
1781 3261
1782=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 3262=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
1783 3263
1784=item Activating one watcher: O(1) 3264A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
3265libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
3266on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
3267
3268=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
3269
3270=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
3271
3272Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
3273priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
3274linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
3275watchers becomes O(1) w.r.t. priority handling.
3276
3277=item Sending an ev_async: O(1)
3278
3279=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
3280
3281=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
3282
3283Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
3284calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
3285involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
1785 3286
1786=back 3287=back
1787 3288
1788 3289
3290=head1 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
3291
3292Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
3293requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
3294model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
3295the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
3296descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
3297e.g. cygwin.
3298
3299Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
3300re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of
3301things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable
3302way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
3303
3304There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
3305embedding it into other applications.
3306
3307Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
3308accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
3309either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large,
3310so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a
3311megabyte seems safe, but thsi apparently depends on the amount of memory
3312available).
3313
3314Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and
3315the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
3316is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use
3317more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally
3318different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
3319notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
3320(Microsoft monopoly games).
3321
3322=over 4
3323
3324=item The winsocket select function
3325
3326The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
3327requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
3328also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
3329requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles. See the
3330discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and
3331C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor symbols for more info.
3332
3333The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the Microsoft runtime
3334libraries and raw winsocket select is:
3335
3336 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
3337 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
3338
3339Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
3340complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
3341
3342=item Limited number of file descriptors
3343
3344Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
3345
3346Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
3347of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
3348can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft
3349recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
3350previous thread in each. Great).
3351
3352Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
3353to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
3354call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own
3355select emulation on windows).
3356
3357Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime
3358libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish
3359or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this by calling
3360C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
3361arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft runtime
3362libraries.
3363
3364This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on
3365windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to
3366wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
3367calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
3368
3369=back
3370
3371
3372=head1 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
3373
3374In addition to a working ISO-C implementation, libev relies on a few
3375additional extensions:
3376
3377=over 4
3378
3379=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
3380
3381The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
3382C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic w.r.t. accesses from different
3383threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
3384believed to be sufficiently portable.
3385
3386=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment
3387
3388Libev uses C<sigprocmask> to temporarily block signals. This is not
3389allowed in a threaded program (C<pthread_sigmask> has to be used). Typical
3390pthread implementations will either allow C<sigprocmask> in the "main
3391thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would
3392be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and
3393C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however.
3394
3395The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads
3396except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as
3397well.
3398
3399=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
3400
3401To improve portability and simplify using libev, libev uses C<long>
3402internally instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On
3403non-POSIX systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but
3404is still at least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of
3405millions of watchers.
3406
3407=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
3408
3409The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
3410have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good
3411enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by
3412implementations implementing IEEE 754 (basically all existing ones).
3413
3414=back
3415
3416If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
3417
3418
3419=head1 COMPILER WARNINGS
3420
3421Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3422lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently
3423scared by this.
3424
3425However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler
3426has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding
3427warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when
3428targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version.
3429
3430Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate
3431workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
3432maintainable.
3433
3434And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3435wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3436seems to warn about).
3437
3438While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
3439"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
3440with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with
3441them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
3442warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
3443
3444
3445=head1 VALGRIND
3446
3447Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is
3448highly useful, but valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
3449
3450If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.)
3451in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like:
3452
3453 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3454 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3455 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3456
3457Then there is no memory leak. Similarly, under some circumstances,
3458valgrind might report kernel bugs as if it were a bug in libev, or it
3459might be confused (it is a very good tool, but only a tool).
3460
3461If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list
3462with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this is
3463a bug in libev. However, don't be annoyed when you get a brisk "this is
3464no bug" answer and take the chance of learning how to interpret valgrind
3465properly.
3466
3467If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project
3468I suggest using suppression lists.
3469
3470
1789=head1 AUTHOR 3471=head1 AUTHOR
1790 3472
1791Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 3473Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
1792 3474

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