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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.
781
782=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
783
784Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
785C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
786can deal with that fact.
787
788=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
789
790If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status
791and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
792watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
657 793
658=back 794=back
659 795
660 796
661=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 797=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
682 { 818 {
683 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 819 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
684 ... 820 ...
685 } 821 }
686 822
687More interesting and less C-conformant ways of catsing your callback type 823More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
688have been omitted.... 824instead have been omitted.
825
826Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple
827watchers:
828
829 struct my_biggy
830 {
831 int some_data;
832 ev_timer t1;
833 ev_timer t2;
834 }
835
836In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated,
837you need to use C<offsetof>:
838
839 #include <stddef.h>
840
841 static void
842 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
843 {
844 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
845 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
846 }
847
848 static void
849 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
850 {
851 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
852 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
853 }
689 854
690 855
691=head1 WATCHER TYPES 856=head1 WATCHER TYPES
692 857
693This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 858This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
694information given in the last section. 859information given in the last section. Any initialisation/set macros,
860functions and members specific to the watcher type are explained.
861
862Members are additionally marked with either I<[read-only]>, meaning that,
863while the watcher is active, you can look at the member and expect some
864sensible content, but you must not modify it (you can modify it while the
865watcher is stopped to your hearts content), or I<[read-write]>, which
866means you can expect it to have some sensible content while the watcher
867is active, but you can also modify it. Modifying it may not do something
868sensible or take immediate effect (or do anything at all), but libev will
869not crash or malfunction in any way.
695 870
696 871
697=head2 C<ev_io> - is this file descriptor readable or writable? 872=head2 C<ev_io> - is this file descriptor readable or writable?
698 873
699I/O watchers check whether a file descriptor is readable or writable 874I/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 903it 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. 904C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
730 905
731If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 906If 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 907play 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 908whether 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 909such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
735its own, so its quite safe to use). 910its own, so its quite safe to use).
736 911
737=over 4 912=over 4
738 913
742 917
743Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to 918Configures 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 919rceeive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
745C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 920C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events.
746 921
922=item int fd [read-only]
923
924The file descriptor being watched.
925
926=item int events [read-only]
927
928The events being watched.
929
747=back 930=back
748 931
749Example: call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 932Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
750readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 933readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
751attempt to read a whole line in the callback: 934attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
752 935
753 static void 936 static void
754 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 937 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
755 { 938 {
756 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 939 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
808=item ev_timer_again (loop) 991=item ev_timer_again (loop)
809 992
810This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 993This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
811repeating. The exact semantics are: 994repeating. The exact semantics are:
812 995
996If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
997
813If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it. 998If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
814 999
815If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat 1000If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
816value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value. 1001C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
817 1002
818This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1003This 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 1004example: 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 1005timeout, 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 1006seconds 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 1007configure 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 1008C<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 1009you 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. 1010socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
1011automatically restart it if need be.
1012
1013That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
1014altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
1015
1016 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
1017 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1018 ...
1019 timer->again = 17.;
1020 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1021 ...
1022 timer->again = 10.;
1023 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1024
1025This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1026you want to modify its timeout value.
1027
1028=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1029
1030The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1031or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
1032which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
826 1033
827=back 1034=back
828 1035
829Example: create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1036Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
830 1037
831 static void 1038 static void
832 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1039 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
833 { 1040 {
834 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1041 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
836 1043
837 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1044 struct ev_timer mytimer;
838 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1045 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
839 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1046 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
840 1047
841Example: create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1048Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
842inactivity. 1049inactivity.
843 1050
844 static void 1051 static void
845 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1052 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
846 { 1053 {
957Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1164Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
958when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1165when 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 1166a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
960program when the crontabs have changed). 1167program when the crontabs have changed).
961 1168
1169=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1170
1171The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1172take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1173called.
1174
1175=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1176
1177The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1178switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1179the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1180
962=back 1181=back
963 1182
964Example: call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1183Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
965system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1184system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
966potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1185potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability.
967 1186
968 static void 1187 static void
969 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1188 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
973 1192
974 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1193 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
975 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1194 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
976 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1195 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
977 1196
978Example: the same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1197Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
979 1198
980 #include <math.h> 1199 #include <math.h>
981 1200
982 static ev_tstamp 1201 static ev_tstamp
983 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1202 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
985 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1204 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;
986 } 1205 }
987 1206
988 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1207 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
989 1208
990Example: call a callback every hour, starting now: 1209Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
991 1210
992 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1211 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
993 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1212 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
994 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1213 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
995 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1214 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1016=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum) 1235=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)
1017 1236
1018Configures the watcher to trigger on the given signal number (usually one 1237Configures the watcher to trigger on the given signal number (usually one
1019of the C<SIGxxx> constants). 1238of the C<SIGxxx> constants).
1020 1239
1240=item int signum [read-only]
1241
1242The signal the watcher watches out for.
1243
1021=back 1244=back
1022 1245
1023 1246
1024=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1247=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1025 1248
1037at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see 1260at 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 1261the 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 1262C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the
1040process causing the status change. 1263process causing the status change.
1041 1264
1265=item int pid [read-only]
1266
1267The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id.
1268
1269=item int rpid [read-write]
1270
1271The process id that detected a status change.
1272
1273=item int rstatus [read-write]
1274
1275The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1276C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1277
1042=back 1278=back
1043 1279
1044Example: try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1280Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1045 1281
1046 static void 1282 static void
1047 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1283 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1048 { 1284 {
1049 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1285 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1052 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1288 struct ev_signal signal_watcher;
1053 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1289 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1054 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1290 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb);
1055 1291
1056 1292
1293=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1294
1295This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1296C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed
1297compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did.
1298
1299The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1300not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1301not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is
1302otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of
1303the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1304
1305The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1306relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1307
1308Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply
1309calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You
1310can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify
1311a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,
1312unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around
1313five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also
1314impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats
1315usually overkill.
1316
1317This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1318as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1319resource-intensive.
1320
1321At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1322implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the
1323reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the
1324semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
1325to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1326usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1327polling.
1328
1329=over 4
1330
1331=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1332
1333=item ev_stat_set (ev_stat *, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1334
1335Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of the given
1336C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to
1337be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose
1338a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1339path for as long as the watcher is active.
1340
1341The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected,
1342relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the
1343last change was detected).
1344
1345=item ev_stat_stat (ev_stat *)
1346
1347Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1348watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid
1349detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be
1350useful simply to find out the new values.
1351
1352=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1353
1354The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of
1355C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types
1356suitable for your system. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there
1357was some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1358
1359=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1360
1361The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1362C<prev> != C<attr>.
1363
1364=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1365
1366The specified interval.
1367
1368=item const char *path [read-only]
1369
1370The filesystem path that is being watched.
1371
1372=back
1373
1374Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1375
1376 static void
1377 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1378 {
1379 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1380 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1381 {
1382 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1383 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1384 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1385 }
1386 else
1387 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1388 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1389 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1390 }
1391
1392 ...
1393 ev_stat passwd;
1394
1395 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd");
1396 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1397
1398
1057=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1399=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1058 1400
1059Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1401Idle 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 1402priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
1061as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1403count).
1062imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1404
1063watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration - 1405That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1406(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1407triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1408are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1064until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1409iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1065busy. 1410and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
1066 1411
1067The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 1412The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
1068active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1413active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
1069 1414
1070Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1415Apart 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, 1425kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1081believe me. 1426believe me.
1082 1427
1083=back 1428=back
1084 1429
1085Example: dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle>, start it, and in the 1430Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1086callback, free it. Alos, use no error checking, as usual. 1431callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1087 1432
1088 static void 1433 static void
1089 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1434 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1090 { 1435 {
1091 free (w); 1436 free (w);
1148parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 1493parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1149macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1494macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1150 1495
1151=back 1496=back
1152 1497
1153Example: To include a library such as adns, you would add IO watchers 1498There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1154and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, as required by libadns, and 1499into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1500(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1501use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib>
1502embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV
1503into the Glib event loop).
1504
1505Method 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 1506and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1156pseudo-code only of course: 1507is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1508priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1509the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1157 1510
1158 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1511 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1159 static ev_timer tw; 1512 static ev_timer tw;
1160 1513
1161 static void 1514 static void
1162 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1515 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1163 { 1516 {
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 } 1517 }
1170 1518
1171 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1519 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1172 static void 1520 static void
1173 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1521 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1174 { 1522 {
1175 int timeout = 3600000;truct pollfd fds [nfd]; 1523 int timeout = 3600000;
1524 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1176 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 1525 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1177 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 1526 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1178 1527
1179 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 1528 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1180 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1529 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1181 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 1530 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1182 1531
1183 // create on ev_io per pollfd 1532 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1184 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1533 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1185 { 1534 {
1186 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 1535 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1187 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 1536 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1188 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 1537 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1189 1538
1190 fds [i].revents = 0; 1539 fds [i].revents = 0;
1191 iow [i].data = fds + i;
1192 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 1540 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1193 } 1541 }
1194 } 1542 }
1195 1543
1196 // stop all watchers after blocking 1544 // stop all watchers after blocking
1198 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 1546 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1199 { 1547 {
1200 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 1548 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1201 1549
1202 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1550 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1551 {
1552 // set the relevant poll flags
1553 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1554 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1555 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1556 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1557 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1558
1559 // now stop the watcher
1203 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 1560 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1561 }
1204 1562
1205 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 1563 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1564 }
1565
1566Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1567in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1568
1569Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1570notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1571callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1572
1573 static void
1574 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1575 {
1576 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1577 update_now (EV_A);
1578
1579 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1580 }
1581
1582 static void
1583 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1584 {
1585 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1586 update_now (EV_A);
1587
1588 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1589 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1590 }
1591
1592 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1593
1594Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1595want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override
1596their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
1597loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
1598this.
1599
1600 static gint
1601 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1602 {
1603 int got_events = 0;
1604
1605 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1606 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1607
1608 if (timeout >= 0)
1609 // create/start timer
1610
1611 // poll
1612 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1613
1614 // stop timer again
1615 if (timeout >= 0)
1616 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1617
1618 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1619 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1620 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1621
1622 return got_events;
1206 } 1623 }
1207 1624
1208 1625
1209=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 1626=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1210 1627
1292 1709
1293Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 1710Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1294similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 1711similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1295apropriate way for embedded loops. 1712apropriate way for embedded loops.
1296 1713
1714=item struct ev_loop *loop [read-only]
1715
1716The embedded event loop.
1717
1718=back
1719
1720
1721=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
1722
1723Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
1724whoever is a good citizen cared to tell libev about it by calling
1725C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork>). The invocation is done before the
1726event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
1727and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
1728C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
1729handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
1730
1731=over 4
1732
1733=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1734
1735Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
1736kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1737believe me.
1738
1297=back 1739=back
1298 1740
1299 1741
1300=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 1742=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
1301 1743
1389 1831
1390To use it, 1832To use it,
1391 1833
1392 #include <ev++.h> 1834 #include <ev++.h>
1393 1835
1394(it is not installed by default). This automatically includes F<ev.h> 1836This 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 1837of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1396namespace. All C++ specific things are put into the C<ev> namespace. 1838put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
1839options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
1397 1840
1398It should support all the same embedding options as F<ev.h>, most notably 1841Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
1399C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 1842classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
1843that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
1844you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
1845
1846Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be
1847used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only
1848need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other
1849types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing
1850it).
1400 1851
1401Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 1852Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1402 1853
1403=over 4 1854=over 4
1404 1855
1420 1871
1421All of those classes have these methods: 1872All of those classes have these methods:
1422 1873
1423=over 4 1874=over 4
1424 1875
1425=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *) 1876=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1426 1877
1427=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *, struct ev_loop *) 1878=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1428 1879
1429=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 1880=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1430 1881
1431The constructor takes a pointer to an object and a method pointer to 1882The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1432the event handler callback to call in this class. The constructor calls 1883with. 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 1884
1434before starting it. If you do not specify a loop then the constructor 1885The constructor calls C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the
1435automatically associates the default loop with this watcher. 1886C<set> method before starting it.
1887
1888It will not set a callback, however: You have to call the templated C<set>
1889method to set a callback before you can start the watcher.
1890
1891(The reason why you have to use a method is a limitation in C++ which does
1892not allow explicit template arguments for constructors).
1436 1893
1437The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active. 1894The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active.
1895
1896=item w->set<class, &class::method> (object *)
1897
1898This method sets the callback method to call. The method has to have a
1899signature of C<void (*)(ev_TYPE &, int)>, it receives the watcher as
1900first argument and the C<revents> as second. The object must be given as
1901parameter and is stored in the C<data> member of the watcher.
1902
1903This method synthesizes efficient thunking code to call your method from
1904the C callback that libev requires. If your compiler can inline your
1905callback (i.e. it is visible to it at the place of the C<set> call and
1906your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
1907thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
1908
1909Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
1910
1911 struct myclass
1912 {
1913 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
1914 }
1915
1916 myclass obj;
1917 ev::io iow;
1918 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
1919
1920=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
1921
1922Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
1923callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
1924C<data> member and is free for you to use.
1925
1926The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
1927
1928See the method-C<set> above for more details.
1929
1930Example:
1931
1932 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
1933 iow.set <io_cb> ();
1438 1934
1439=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 1935=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1440 1936
1441Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 1937Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
1442do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 1938do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1443 1939
1444=item w->set ([args]) 1940=item w->set ([args])
1445 1941
1446Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 1942Basically 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 1943called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1448automatically stopped and restarted. 1944automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
1945method.
1449 1946
1450=item w->start () 1947=item w->start ()
1451 1948
1452Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument as the 1949Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
1453constructor already takes the loop. 1950constructor already stores the event loop.
1454 1951
1455=item w->stop () 1952=item w->stop ()
1456 1953
1457Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 1954Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1458 1955
1463 1960
1464=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only 1961=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only
1465 1962
1466Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>. 1963Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
1467 1964
1965=item w->update () C<ev::stat> only
1966
1967Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
1968
1468=back 1969=back
1469 1970
1470=back 1971=back
1471 1972
1472Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 1973Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
1479 1980
1480 myclass (); 1981 myclass ();
1481 } 1982 }
1482 1983
1483 myclass::myclass (int fd) 1984 myclass::myclass (int fd)
1484 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb),
1485 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb)
1486 { 1985 {
1986 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
1987 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
1988
1487 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 1989 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
1488 } 1990 }
1991
1992
1993=head1 MACRO MAGIC
1994
1995Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is
1996C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) functions and
1997callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
1998
1999To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2000following macros are defined:
2001
2002=over 4
2003
2004=item C<EV_A>, C<EV_A_>
2005
2006This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2007loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
2008C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2009
2010 ev_unref (EV_A);
2011 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2012 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2013
2014It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2015which is often provided by the following macro.
2016
2017=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2018
2019This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2020loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
2021C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2022
2023 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
2024 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2025
2026 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
2027 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2028
2029It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
2030suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2031
2032=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2033
2034Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
2035loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
2036
2037=back
2038
2039Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2040macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2041or not.
2042
2043 static void
2044 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2045 {
2046 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
2047 }
2048
2049 ev_check check;
2050 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
2051 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
2052 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1489 2053
1490=head1 EMBEDDING 2054=head1 EMBEDDING
1491 2055
1492Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2056Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1493applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2057applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1533 ev_vars.h 2097 ev_vars.h
1534 ev_wrap.h 2098 ev_wrap.h
1535 2099
1536 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2100 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1537 2101
1538 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is by default) 2102 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) 2103 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) 2104 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) 2105 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) 2106 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1543 2107
1668 2232
1669=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 2233=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
1670 2234
1671reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 2235reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
1672 2236
2237=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2238
2239If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2240interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2241be detected at runtime.
2242
1673=item EV_H 2243=item EV_H
1674 2244
1675The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 2245The 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 2246undefined 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. 2247can 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 2270will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
1701additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 2271additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
1702for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 2272for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
1703argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 2273argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
1704 2274
2275=item EV_MINPRI
2276
2277=item EV_MAXPRI
2278
2279The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
2280C<EV_MAXPRI>, but otherwise there are no non-obvious limitations. You can
2281provide for more priorities by overriding those symbols (usually defined
2282to be C<-2> and C<2>, respectively).
2283
2284When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2285all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2286and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2287fine.
2288
2289If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2290C<0> will save some memory and cpu.
2291
1705=item EV_PERIODICS 2292=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
1706 2293
1707If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported, 2294If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
1708otherwise not. This saves a few kb of code. 2295defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2296code.
2297
2298=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE
2299
2300If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
2301defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2302code.
2303
2304=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2305
2306If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
2307defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2308
2309=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
2310
2311If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
2312defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2313
2314=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
2315
2316If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
2317defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2318
2319=item EV_MINIMAL
2320
2321If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2322speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override
2323some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64.
2324
2325=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2326
2327C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2328pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2329than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to
2330increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
2331
2332=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
2333
2334C<ev_staz> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2335inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2336usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2337watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2338two).
1709 2339
1710=item EV_COMMON 2340=item EV_COMMON
1711 2341
1712By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 2342By 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 2343this 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 2372interface) 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 2373will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header
1744file. 2374file.
1745 2375
1746The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 2376The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
1747that everybody includes and which overrides some autoconf choices: 2377that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
1748 2378
2379 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
1749 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 2380 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
1750 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 2381 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
1751 #define EV_PERIODICS 0 2382 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2383 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2384 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
1752 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 2385 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2386 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2387 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
1753 2388
1754 #include "ev++.h" 2389 #include "ev++.h"
1755 2390
1756And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 2391And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
1757 2392
1763 2398
1764In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 2399In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
1765libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 2400libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
1766documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 2401documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
1767 2402
2403All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
2404extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
2405happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
2406mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
2407it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
2408
1768=over 4 2409=over 4
1769 2410
1770=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 2411=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
1771 2412
2413This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
2414there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
2415have to skip those 100 watchers.
2416
1772=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 2417=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
1773 2418
2419That means that for changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
2420as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
2421
1774=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 2422=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)
1775 2423
2424These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
1776=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 2425=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)
1777 2426
1778=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % 16)) 2427=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2428
2429These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
2430correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2431have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
1779 2432
1780=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 2433=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1)
1781 2434
1782=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 2435=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
1783 2436
2437A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2438libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel).
2439
1784=item Activating one watcher: O(1) 2440=item Activating one watcher: O(1)
1785 2441
2442=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2443
2444Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2445priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2446linearly search all the priorities.
2447
1786=back 2448=back
1787 2449
1788 2450
1789=head1 AUTHOR 2451=head1 AUTHOR
1790 2452

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