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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=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10
11 #include <ev.h>
12
13 ev_io stdin_watcher;
14 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
15
16 /* called when data readable on stdin */
17 static void
18 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents)
19 {
20 /* puts ("stdin ready"); */
21 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); /* just a syntax example */
22 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); /* leave all loop calls */
23 }
24
25 static void
26 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
27 {
28 /* puts ("timeout"); */
29 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); /* leave one loop call */
30 }
31
32 int
33 main (void)
34 {
35 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
36
37 /* initialise an io watcher, then start it */
38 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
39 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
40
41 /* simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout */
42 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
43 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
44
45 /* loop till timeout or data ready */
46 ev_loop (loop, 0);
47
48 return 0;
49 }
50
9=head1 DESCRIPTION 51=head1 DESCRIPTION
52
53The newest version of this document is also available as a html-formatted
54web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
55time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>.
10 56
11Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 57Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
12file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage 58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage
13these event sources and provide your program with events. 59these event sources and provide your program with events.
14 60
21details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the 67details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the
22watcher. 68watcher.
23 69
24=head1 FEATURES 70=head1 FEATURES
25 71
26Libev supports select, poll, the linux-specific epoll and the bsd-specific 72Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
27kqueue mechanisms for file descriptor events, relative timers, absolute 73BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
28timers with customised rescheduling, signal events, process status change 74for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
29events (related to SIGCHLD), and event watchers dealing with the event 75(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers
30loop mechanism itself (idle, prepare and check watchers). It also is quite 76with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals
77(C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and event
78watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>,
79C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as
80file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events
81(C<ev_fork>).
82
83It also is quite fast (see this
31fast (see this L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing 84L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
32it to libevent for example). 85for example).
33 86
34=head1 CONVENTIONS 87=head1 CONVENTIONS
35 88
36Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration 89Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will
37will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info 90be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about
38about various configuration options please have a look at the file 91various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in
39F<README.embed> in the libev distribution. If libev was configured without 92this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event
40support for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial 93loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop>
41argument of name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) 94(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument.
42will not have this argument.
43 95
44=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION 96=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION
45 97
46Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 98Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
47(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 99(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
48the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 100the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
49called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 101called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
50to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 102to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
51it, you should treat it as such. 103it, you should treat it as such.
52 104
53
54=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 105=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
55 106
56These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 107These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
57library in any way. 108library in any way.
58 109
77Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch, 128Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch,
78as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 129as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
79compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 130compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
80not a problem. 131not a problem.
81 132
82Example: make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 133Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
83version: 134version.
84 135
85 assert (("libev version mismatch", 136 assert (("libev version mismatch",
86 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 137 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
87 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 138 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
88 139
118 169
119See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 170See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
120 171
121=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 172=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
122 173
123Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar to the 174Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
124realloc C function, the semantics are identical). It is used to allocate 175semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to
125and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when memory 176allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when
126needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some potentially 177memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some
127destructive action. The default is your system realloc function. 178potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc
179function.
128 180
129You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 181You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
130free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 182free 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. 183or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
132 184
133Example: replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 185Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
134retries: better than mine). 186retries).
135 187
136 static void * 188 static void *
137 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, long size) 189 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
138 { 190 {
139 for (;;) 191 for (;;)
140 { 192 {
141 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size); 193 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size);
142 194
158callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 210callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no
159matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 211matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
160requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 212requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
161(such as abort). 213(such as abort).
162 214
163Example: do the same thing as libev does internally: 215Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
164 216
165 static void 217 static void
166 fatal_error (const char *msg) 218 fatal_error (const char *msg)
167 { 219 {
168 perror (msg); 220 perror (msg);
218C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 270C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
219override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 271override 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 272useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
221around bugs. 273around bugs.
222 274
275=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
276
277Instead of calling C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork> manually after
278a fork, you can also make libev check for a fork in each iteration by
279enabling this flag.
280
281This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
282and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
283iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
284Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
285without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my Linux system also has
286C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
287
288The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
289forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
290flag.
291
292This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
293environment variable.
294
223=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 295=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
224 296
225This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 297This 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, 298libev 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 299but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
314Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 386Similar 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 387always 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 388handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
317undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 389undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
318 390
319Example: try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 391Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
320 392
321 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 393 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
322 if (!epoller) 394 if (!epoller)
323 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 395 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
324 396
361=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 433=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
362 434
363Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 435Like 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 436C<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. 437after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
438
439=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
440
441Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
442the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
443happily wraps around with enough iterations.
444
445This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
446"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
447C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls.
366 448
367=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 449=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
368 450
369Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 451Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
370use. 452use.
423 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 505 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
424 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 506 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
425 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 507 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
426 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *. 508 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *.
427 509
428Example: queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding 510Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding
429anymore. 511anymore.
430 512
431 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 513 ... 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..) 514 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
433 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 515 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
453visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 535visible 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 536no 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 537way 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>. 538libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>.
457 539
458Example: create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 540Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
459running when nothing else is active. 541running when nothing else is active.
460 542
461 struct dv_signal exitsig; 543 struct ev_signal exitsig;
462 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 544 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
463 ev_signal_start (myloop, &exitsig); 545 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
464 evf_unref (myloop); 546 evf_unref (loop);
465 547
466Example: for some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 548Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
467 549
468 ev_ref (myloop); 550 ev_ref (loop);
469 ev_signal_stop (myloop, &exitsig); 551 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
470 552
471=back 553=back
472 554
473 555
474=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 556=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
544The signal specified in the C<ev_signal> watcher has been received by a thread. 626The signal specified in the C<ev_signal> watcher has been received by a thread.
545 627
546=item C<EV_CHILD> 628=item C<EV_CHILD>
547 629
548The pid specified in the C<ev_child> watcher has received a status change. 630The pid specified in the C<ev_child> watcher has received a status change.
631
632=item C<EV_STAT>
633
634The path specified in the C<ev_stat> watcher changed its attributes somehow.
549 635
550=item C<EV_IDLE> 636=item C<EV_IDLE>
551 637
552The C<ev_idle> watcher has determined that you have nothing better to do. 638The C<ev_idle> watcher has determined that you have nothing better to do.
553 639
561received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 647received 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 648many 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 649(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep
564C<ev_loop> from blocking). 650C<ev_loop> from blocking).
565 651
652=item C<EV_EMBED>
653
654The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
655
656=item C<EV_FORK>
657
658The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
659C<ev_fork>).
660
566=item C<EV_ERROR> 661=item C<EV_ERROR>
567 662
568An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 663An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might
569happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 664happen 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 665ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
641=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher) 736=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
642 737
643Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding 738Returns 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 739events 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 740is 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 741C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
647libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 742make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
743it).
648 744
649=item callback = ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 745=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
650 746
651Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 747Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
652 748
653=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 749=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
654 750
655Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 751Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
656(modulo threads). 752(modulo threads).
753
754=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority)
755
756=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
757
758Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
759integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
760(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
761before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
762from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
763
764This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
765invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
766example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
767watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
768
769If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
770you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
771
772You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
773pending.
774
775The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
776always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
777
778Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
779fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
780or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
657 781
658=back 782=back
659 783
660 784
661=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 785=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
682 { 806 {
683 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 807 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
684 ... 808 ...
685 } 809 }
686 810
687More interesting and less C-conformant ways of catsing your callback type 811More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
688have been omitted.... 812instead have been omitted.
813
814Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple
815watchers:
816
817 struct my_biggy
818 {
819 int some_data;
820 ev_timer t1;
821 ev_timer t2;
822 }
823
824In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated,
825you need to use C<offsetof>:
826
827 #include <stddef.h>
828
829 static void
830 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
831 {
832 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
833 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
834 }
835
836 static void
837 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
838 {
839 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
840 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
841 }
689 842
690 843
691=head1 WATCHER TYPES 844=head1 WATCHER TYPES
692 845
693This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 846This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
694information given in the last section. 847information given in the last section. Any initialisation/set macros,
848functions and members specific to the watcher type are explained.
849
850Members are additionally marked with either I<[read-only]>, meaning that,
851while the watcher is active, you can look at the member and expect some
852sensible content, but you must not modify it (you can modify it while the
853watcher is stopped to your hearts content), or I<[read-write]>, which
854means you can expect it to have some sensible content while the watcher
855is active, but you can also modify it. Modifying it may not do something
856sensible or take immediate effect (or do anything at all), but libev will
857not crash or malfunction in any way.
695 858
696 859
697=head2 C<ev_io> - is this file descriptor readable or writable? 860=head2 C<ev_io> - is this file descriptor readable or writable?
698 861
699I/O watchers check whether a file descriptor is readable or writable 862I/O watchers check whether a file descriptor is readable or writable
728it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 891it 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. 892C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
730 893
731If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 894If 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 895play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test
733wether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 896whether 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 897such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
735its own, so its quite safe to use). 898its own, so its quite safe to use).
736 899
737=over 4 900=over 4
738 901
742 905
743Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to 906Configures 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 907rceeive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
745C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 908C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events.
746 909
910=item int fd [read-only]
911
912The file descriptor being watched.
913
914=item int events [read-only]
915
916The events being watched.
917
747=back 918=back
748 919
749Example: call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 920Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
750readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 921readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
751attempt to read a whole line in the callback: 922attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
752 923
753 static void 924 static void
754 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 925 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
755 { 926 {
756 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 927 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
808=item ev_timer_again (loop) 979=item ev_timer_again (loop)
809 980
810This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 981This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
811repeating. The exact semantics are: 982repeating. The exact semantics are:
812 983
984If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
985
813If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it. 986If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
814 987
815If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat 988If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
816value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value. 989C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
817 990
818This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 991This 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 992example: 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 993timeout, 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 994seconds 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 995configure 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 996C<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 997you 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. 998socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
999automatically restart it if need be.
1000
1001That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
1002altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
1003
1004 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
1005 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1006 ...
1007 timer->again = 17.;
1008 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1009 ...
1010 timer->again = 10.;
1011 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1012
1013This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1014you want to modify its timeout value.
1015
1016=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1017
1018The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1019or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
1020which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
826 1021
827=back 1022=back
828 1023
829Example: create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1024Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
830 1025
831 static void 1026 static void
832 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1027 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
833 { 1028 {
834 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1029 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
836 1031
837 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1032 struct ev_timer mytimer;
838 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1033 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
839 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1034 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
840 1035
841Example: create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1036Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
842inactivity. 1037inactivity.
843 1038
844 static void 1039 static void
845 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1040 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
846 { 1041 {
957Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1152Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
958when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1153when 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 1154a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
960program when the crontabs have changed). 1155program when the crontabs have changed).
961 1156
1157=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1158
1159The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1160take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1161called.
1162
1163=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1164
1165The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1166switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1167the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1168
962=back 1169=back
963 1170
964Example: call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1171Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
965system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1172system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
966potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1173potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability.
967 1174
968 static void 1175 static void
969 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1176 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
973 1180
974 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1181 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
975 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1182 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
976 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1183 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
977 1184
978Example: the same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1185Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
979 1186
980 #include <math.h> 1187 #include <math.h>
981 1188
982 static ev_tstamp 1189 static ev_tstamp
983 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1190 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
985 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1192 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;
986 } 1193 }
987 1194
988 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1195 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
989 1196
990Example: call a callback every hour, starting now: 1197Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
991 1198
992 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1199 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
993 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1200 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
994 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1201 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
995 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1202 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1016=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum) 1223=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)
1017 1224
1018Configures the watcher to trigger on the given signal number (usually one 1225Configures the watcher to trigger on the given signal number (usually one
1019of the C<SIGxxx> constants). 1226of the C<SIGxxx> constants).
1020 1227
1228=item int signum [read-only]
1229
1230The signal the watcher watches out for.
1231
1021=back 1232=back
1022 1233
1023 1234
1024=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1235=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1025 1236
1037at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see 1248at 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 1249the 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 1250C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the
1040process causing the status change. 1251process causing the status change.
1041 1252
1253=item int pid [read-only]
1254
1255The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id.
1256
1257=item int rpid [read-write]
1258
1259The process id that detected a status change.
1260
1261=item int rstatus [read-write]
1262
1263The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1264C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1265
1042=back 1266=back
1043 1267
1044Example: try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1268Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1045 1269
1046 static void 1270 static void
1047 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1271 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1048 { 1272 {
1049 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1273 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1052 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1276 struct ev_signal signal_watcher;
1053 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1277 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1054 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1278 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb);
1055 1279
1056 1280
1281=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1282
1283This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1284C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed
1285compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did.
1286
1287The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1288not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1289not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is
1290otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of
1291the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1292
1293The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1294relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1295
1296Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply
1297calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You
1298can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify
1299a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,
1300unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around
1301five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also
1302impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats
1303usually overkill.
1304
1305This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1306as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1307resource-intensive.
1308
1309At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1310implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the
1311reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the
1312semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
1313to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1314usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1315polling.
1316
1317=over 4
1318
1319=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1320
1321=item ev_stat_set (ev_stat *, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1322
1323Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of the given
1324C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to
1325be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose
1326a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1327path for as long as the watcher is active.
1328
1329The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected,
1330relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the
1331last change was detected).
1332
1333=item ev_stat_stat (ev_stat *)
1334
1335Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1336watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid
1337detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be
1338useful simply to find out the new values.
1339
1340=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1341
1342The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of
1343C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types
1344suitable for your system. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there
1345was some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1346
1347=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1348
1349The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1350C<prev> != C<attr>.
1351
1352=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1353
1354The specified interval.
1355
1356=item const char *path [read-only]
1357
1358The filesystem path that is being watched.
1359
1360=back
1361
1362Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1363
1364 static void
1365 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1366 {
1367 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1368 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1369 {
1370 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1371 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1372 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1373 }
1374 else
1375 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1376 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1377 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1378 }
1379
1380 ...
1381 ev_stat passwd;
1382
1383 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd");
1384 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1385
1386
1057=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1387=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1058 1388
1059Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1389Idle 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 1390priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
1061as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1391count).
1062imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1392
1063watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration - 1393That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1394(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1395triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1396are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1064until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1397iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1065busy. 1398and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
1066 1399
1067The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 1400The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
1068active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1401active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
1069 1402
1070Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1403Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1080kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 1413kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1081believe me. 1414believe me.
1082 1415
1083=back 1416=back
1084 1417
1085Example: dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle>, start it, and in the 1418Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1086callback, free it. Alos, use no error checking, as usual. 1419callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1087 1420
1088 static void 1421 static void
1089 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1422 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1090 { 1423 {
1091 free (w); 1424 free (w);
1170 1503
1171 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1504 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1172 static void 1505 static void
1173 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1506 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1174 { 1507 {
1175 int timeout = 3600000;truct pollfd fds [nfd]; 1508 int timeout = 3600000;
1509 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1176 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 1510 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1177 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 1511 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1178 1512
1179 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 1513 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1180 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1514 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1292 1626
1293Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 1627Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1294similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 1628similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1295apropriate way for embedded loops. 1629apropriate way for embedded loops.
1296 1630
1631=item struct ev_loop *loop [read-only]
1632
1633The embedded event loop.
1634
1635=back
1636
1637
1638=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
1639
1640Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
1641whoever is a good citizen cared to tell libev about it by calling
1642C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork>). The invocation is done before the
1643event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
1644and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
1645C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
1646handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
1647
1648=over 4
1649
1650=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1651
1652Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
1653kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1654believe me.
1655
1297=back 1656=back
1298 1657
1299 1658
1300=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 1659=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
1301 1660
1389 1748
1390To use it, 1749To use it,
1391 1750
1392 #include <ev++.h> 1751 #include <ev++.h>
1393 1752
1394(it is not installed by default). This automatically includes F<ev.h> 1753This 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 1754of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1396namespace. All C++ specific things are put into the C<ev> namespace. 1755put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
1756options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
1397 1757
1398It should support all the same embedding options as F<ev.h>, most notably 1758Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
1399C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 1759classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
1760that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
1761you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
1762
1763Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be
1764used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only
1765need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other
1766types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing
1767it).
1400 1768
1401Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 1769Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1402 1770
1403=over 4 1771=over 4
1404 1772
1420 1788
1421All of those classes have these methods: 1789All of those classes have these methods:
1422 1790
1423=over 4 1791=over 4
1424 1792
1425=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *) 1793=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1426 1794
1427=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *, struct ev_loop *) 1795=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1428 1796
1429=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 1797=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1430 1798
1431The constructor takes a pointer to an object and a method pointer to 1799The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1432the event handler callback to call in this class. The constructor calls 1800with. 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 1801
1434before starting it. If you do not specify a loop then the constructor 1802The constructor calls C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the
1435automatically associates the default loop with this watcher. 1803C<set> method before starting it.
1804
1805It will not set a callback, however: You have to call the templated C<set>
1806method to set a callback before you can start the watcher.
1807
1808(The reason why you have to use a method is a limitation in C++ which does
1809not allow explicit template arguments for constructors).
1436 1810
1437The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active. 1811The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active.
1812
1813=item w->set<class, &class::method> (object *)
1814
1815This method sets the callback method to call. The method has to have a
1816signature of C<void (*)(ev_TYPE &, int)>, it receives the watcher as
1817first argument and the C<revents> as second. The object must be given as
1818parameter and is stored in the C<data> member of the watcher.
1819
1820This method synthesizes efficient thunking code to call your method from
1821the C callback that libev requires. If your compiler can inline your
1822callback (i.e. it is visible to it at the place of the C<set> call and
1823your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
1824thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
1825
1826Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
1827
1828 struct myclass
1829 {
1830 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
1831 }
1832
1833 myclass obj;
1834 ev::io iow;
1835 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
1836
1837=item w->set (void (*function)(watcher &w, int), void *data = 0)
1838
1839Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
1840callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
1841C<data> member and is free for you to use.
1842
1843See the method-C<set> above for more details.
1438 1844
1439=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 1845=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1440 1846
1441Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 1847Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
1442do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 1848do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1443 1849
1444=item w->set ([args]) 1850=item w->set ([args])
1445 1851
1446Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 1852Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be
1447called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 1853called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1448automatically stopped and restarted. 1854automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
1855method.
1449 1856
1450=item w->start () 1857=item w->start ()
1451 1858
1452Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument as the 1859Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
1453constructor already takes the loop. 1860constructor already stores the event loop.
1454 1861
1455=item w->stop () 1862=item w->stop ()
1456 1863
1457Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 1864Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1458 1865
1463 1870
1464=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only 1871=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only
1465 1872
1466Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>. 1873Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
1467 1874
1875=item w->update () C<ev::stat> only
1876
1877Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
1878
1468=back 1879=back
1469 1880
1470=back 1881=back
1471 1882
1472Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 1883Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
1479 1890
1480 myclass (); 1891 myclass ();
1481 } 1892 }
1482 1893
1483 myclass::myclass (int fd) 1894 myclass::myclass (int fd)
1484 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb),
1485 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb)
1486 { 1895 {
1896 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
1897 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
1898
1487 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 1899 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
1488 } 1900 }
1901
1902
1903=head1 MACRO MAGIC
1904
1905Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is
1906C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) functions and
1907callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
1908
1909To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
1910following macros are defined:
1911
1912=over 4
1913
1914=item C<EV_A>, C<EV_A_>
1915
1916This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
1917loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
1918C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
1919
1920 ev_unref (EV_A);
1921 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
1922 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1923
1924It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
1925which is often provided by the following macro.
1926
1927=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
1928
1929This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
1930loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
1931C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
1932
1933 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
1934 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
1935
1936 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
1937 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1938
1939It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
1940suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
1941
1942=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
1943
1944Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
1945loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
1946
1947=back
1948
1949Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
1950macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
1951or not.
1952
1953 static void
1954 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1955 {
1956 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
1957 }
1958
1959 ev_check check;
1960 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
1961 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
1962 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1489 1963
1490=head1 EMBEDDING 1964=head1 EMBEDDING
1491 1965
1492Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 1966Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1493applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 1967applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1533 ev_vars.h 2007 ev_vars.h
1534 ev_wrap.h 2008 ev_wrap.h
1535 2009
1536 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2010 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1537 2011
1538 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is by default) 2012 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) 2013 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) 2014 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) 2015 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) 2016 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1543 2017
1668 2142
1669=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 2143=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
1670 2144
1671reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 2145reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
1672 2146
2147=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2148
2149If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2150interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2151be detected at runtime.
2152
1673=item EV_H 2153=item EV_H
1674 2154
1675The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 2155The 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 2156undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This
1677can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 2157can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
1700will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 2180will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
1701additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 2181additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
1702for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 2182for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
1703argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 2183argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
1704 2184
2185=item EV_MINPRI
2186
2187=item EV_MAXPRI
2188
2189The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
2190C<EV_MAXPRI>, but otherwise there are no non-obvious limitations. You can
2191provide for more priorities by overriding those symbols (usually defined
2192to be C<-2> and C<2>, respectively).
2193
2194When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2195all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2196and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2197fine.
2198
2199If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2200C<0> will save some memory and cpu.
2201
1705=item EV_PERIODICS 2202=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
1706 2203
1707If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported, 2204If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
1708otherwise not. This saves a few kb of code. 2205defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2206code.
2207
2208=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE
2209
2210If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
2211defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2212code.
2213
2214=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2215
2216If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
2217defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2218
2219=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
2220
2221If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
2222defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2223
2224=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
2225
2226If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
2227defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2228
2229=item EV_MINIMAL
2230
2231If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2232speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override
2233some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64.
2234
2235=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2236
2237C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2238pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2239than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to
2240increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
2241
2242=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
2243
2244C<ev_staz> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2245inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2246usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2247watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2248two).
1709 2249
1710=item EV_COMMON 2250=item EV_COMMON
1711 2251
1712By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 2252By 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 2253this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
1742interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file 2282interface) 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 2283will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header
1744file. 2284file.
1745 2285
1746The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 2286The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
1747that everybody includes and which overrides some autoconf choices: 2287that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
1748 2288
2289 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
1749 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 2290 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
1750 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 2291 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
1751 #define EV_PERIODICS 0 2292 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2293 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2294 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
1752 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 2295 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2296 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2297 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
1753 2298
1754 #include "ev++.h" 2299 #include "ev++.h"
1755 2300
1756And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 2301And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
1757 2302
1763 2308
1764In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 2309In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
1765libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 2310libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
1766documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 2311documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
1767 2312
2313All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
2314extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
2315happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
2316mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
2317it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
2318
1768=over 4 2319=over 4
1769 2320
1770=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 2321=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
1771 2322
2323This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
2324there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
2325have to skip those 100 watchers.
2326
1772=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 2327=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
1773 2328
2329That means that for changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
2330as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
2331
1774=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 2332=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)
1775 2333
2334These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
1776=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 2335=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)
1777 2336
1778=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % 16)) 2337=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2338
2339These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
2340correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2341have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
1779 2342
1780=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 2343=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1)
1781 2344
1782=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 2345=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
1783 2346
2347A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2348libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel).
2349
1784=item Activating one watcher: O(1) 2350=item Activating one watcher: O(1)
1785 2351
2352=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2353
2354Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2355priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2356linearly search all the priorities.
2357
1786=back 2358=back
1787 2359
1788 2360
1789=head1 AUTHOR 2361=head1 AUTHOR
1790 2362

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