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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
66 117
67=item int ev_version_major () 118=item int ev_version_major ()
68 119
69=item int ev_version_minor () 120=item int ev_version_minor ()
70 121
71You can find out the major and minor version numbers of the library 122You can find out the major and minor ABI version numbers of the library
72you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and 123you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and
73C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global 124C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global
74symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the 125symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the
75version of the library your program was compiled against. 126version of the library your program was compiled against.
76 127
128These version numbers refer to the ABI version of the library, not the
129release version.
130
77Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch, 131Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch,
78as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 132as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
79compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 133compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
80not a problem. 134not a problem.
81 135
82Example: make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 136Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
83version: 137version.
84 138
85 assert (("libev version mismatch", 139 assert (("libev version mismatch",
86 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 140 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
87 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 141 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
88 142
118 172
119See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 173See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
120 174
121=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 175=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
122 176
123Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar to the 177Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
124realloc C function, the semantics are identical). It is used to allocate 178semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to
125and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when memory 179allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when
126needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some potentially 180memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some
127destructive action. The default is your system realloc function. 181potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc
182function.
128 183
129You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 184You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
130free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 185free 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. 186or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
132 187
133Example: replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 188Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
134retries: better than mine). 189retries).
135 190
136 static void * 191 static void *
137 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, long size) 192 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
138 { 193 {
139 for (;;) 194 for (;;)
140 { 195 {
141 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size); 196 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size);
142 197
158callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 213callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no
159matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 214matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
160requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 215requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
161(such as abort). 216(such as abort).
162 217
163Example: do the same thing as libev does internally: 218Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
164 219
165 static void 220 static void
166 fatal_error (const char *msg) 221 fatal_error (const char *msg)
167 { 222 {
168 perror (msg); 223 perror (msg);
218C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 273C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
219override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 274override 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 275useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
221around bugs. 276around bugs.
222 277
278=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
279
280Instead of calling C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork> manually after
281a fork, you can also make libev check for a fork in each iteration by
282enabling this flag.
283
284This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
285and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
286iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
287Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
288without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my Linux system also has
289C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
290
291The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
292forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
293flag.
294
295This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
296environment variable.
297
223=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 298=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
224 299
225This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 300This 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, 301libev 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 302but 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 389Similar 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 390always 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 391handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
317undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 392undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
318 393
319Example: try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 394Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
320 395
321 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 396 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
322 if (!epoller) 397 if (!epoller)
323 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 398 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
324 399
362 437
363Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 438Like 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 439C<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. 440after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
366 441
442=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
443
444Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
445the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
446happily wraps around with enough iterations.
447
448This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
449"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
450C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls.
451
367=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 452=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
368 453
369Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 454Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
370use. 455use.
371 456
404libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 489libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
405usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 490usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
406 491
407Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 492Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
408 493
494 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
409 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 495 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return.
410 - Queue prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 496 - Queue all prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers.
411 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 497 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
412 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 498 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
413 - Update the "event loop time". 499 - Update the "event loop time".
414 - Calculate for how long to block. 500 - Calculate for how long to block.
415 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 501 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
423 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 509 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
424 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 510 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
425 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 511 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
426 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *. 512 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *.
427 513
428Example: queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding 514Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding
429anymore. 515anymore.
430 516
431 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 517 ... 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..) 518 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
433 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 519 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
453visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 539visible 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 540no 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 541way 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>. 542libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>.
457 543
458Example: create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 544Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
459running when nothing else is active. 545running when nothing else is active.
460 546
461 struct dv_signal exitsig; 547 struct ev_signal exitsig;
462 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 548 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
463 ev_signal_start (myloop, &exitsig); 549 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
464 evf_unref (myloop); 550 evf_unref (loop);
465 551
466Example: for some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 552Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
467 553
468 ev_ref (myloop); 554 ev_ref (loop);
469 ev_signal_stop (myloop, &exitsig); 555 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
470 556
471=back 557=back
472 558
473 559
474=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 560=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
544The signal specified in the C<ev_signal> watcher has been received by a thread. 630The signal specified in the C<ev_signal> watcher has been received by a thread.
545 631
546=item C<EV_CHILD> 632=item C<EV_CHILD>
547 633
548The pid specified in the C<ev_child> watcher has received a status change. 634The pid specified in the C<ev_child> watcher has received a status change.
635
636=item C<EV_STAT>
637
638The path specified in the C<ev_stat> watcher changed its attributes somehow.
549 639
550=item C<EV_IDLE> 640=item C<EV_IDLE>
551 641
552The C<ev_idle> watcher has determined that you have nothing better to do. 642The C<ev_idle> watcher has determined that you have nothing better to do.
553 643
561received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 651received 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 652many 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 653(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep
564C<ev_loop> from blocking). 654C<ev_loop> from blocking).
565 655
656=item C<EV_EMBED>
657
658The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
659
660=item C<EV_FORK>
661
662The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
663C<ev_fork>).
664
566=item C<EV_ERROR> 665=item C<EV_ERROR>
567 666
568An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 667An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might
569happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 668happen 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 669ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
641=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher) 740=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
642 741
643Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding 742Returns 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 743events 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 744is 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 745C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
647libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 746make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
747it).
648 748
649=item callback = ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 749=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
650 750
651Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 751Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
652 752
653=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 753=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
654 754
655Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 755Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
656(modulo threads). 756(modulo threads).
757
758=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority)
759
760=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
761
762Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
763integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
764(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
765before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
766from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
767
768This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
769invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
770example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
771watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
772
773If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
774you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
775
776You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
777pending.
778
779The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
780always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
781
782Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
783fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
784or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
785
786=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
787
788Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
789C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
790can deal with that fact.
791
792=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
793
794If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status
795and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
796watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
657 797
658=back 798=back
659 799
660 800
661=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 801=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
682 { 822 {
683 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 823 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
684 ... 824 ...
685 } 825 }
686 826
687More interesting and less C-conformant ways of catsing your callback type 827More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
688have been omitted.... 828instead have been omitted.
829
830Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple
831watchers:
832
833 struct my_biggy
834 {
835 int some_data;
836 ev_timer t1;
837 ev_timer t2;
838 }
839
840In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated,
841you need to use C<offsetof>:
842
843 #include <stddef.h>
844
845 static void
846 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
847 {
848 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
849 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
850 }
851
852 static void
853 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
854 {
855 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
856 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
857 }
689 858
690 859
691=head1 WATCHER TYPES 860=head1 WATCHER TYPES
692 861
693This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 862This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
694information given in the last section. 863information given in the last section. Any initialisation/set macros,
864functions and members specific to the watcher type are explained.
865
866Members are additionally marked with either I<[read-only]>, meaning that,
867while the watcher is active, you can look at the member and expect some
868sensible content, but you must not modify it (you can modify it while the
869watcher is stopped to your hearts content), or I<[read-write]>, which
870means you can expect it to have some sensible content while the watcher
871is active, but you can also modify it. Modifying it may not do something
872sensible or take immediate effect (or do anything at all), but libev will
873not crash or malfunction in any way.
695 874
696 875
697=head2 C<ev_io> - is this file descriptor readable or writable? 876=head2 C<ev_io> - is this file descriptor readable or writable?
698 877
699I/O watchers check whether a file descriptor is readable or writable 878I/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 907it 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. 908C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
730 909
731If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 910If 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 911play 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 912whether 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 913such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
735its own, so its quite safe to use). 914its own, so its quite safe to use).
915
916=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
917
918Some backends (e.g kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
919descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means,
920such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
921descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
922this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
923registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
924fact, a different file descriptor.
925
926To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows
927the following policy: Each time C<ev_io_set> is being called, libev
928will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise
929it is assumed that the file descriptor stays the same. That means that
930you I<have> to call C<ev_io_set> (or C<ev_io_init>) when you change the
931descriptor even if the file descriptor number itself did not change.
932
933This is how one would do it normally anyway, the important point is that
934the libev application should not optimise around libev but should leave
935optimisations to libev.
936
736 937
737=over 4 938=over 4
738 939
739=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 940=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
740 941
742 943
743Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to 944Configures 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 945rceeive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
745C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 946C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events.
746 947
948=item int fd [read-only]
949
950The file descriptor being watched.
951
952=item int events [read-only]
953
954The events being watched.
955
747=back 956=back
748 957
749Example: call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 958Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
750readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 959readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
751attempt to read a whole line in the callback: 960attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
752 961
753 static void 962 static void
754 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 963 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
755 { 964 {
756 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 965 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
808=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1017=item ev_timer_again (loop)
809 1018
810This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1019This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
811repeating. The exact semantics are: 1020repeating. The exact semantics are:
812 1021
1022If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1023
813If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it. 1024If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
814 1025
815If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat 1026If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
816value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value. 1027C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
817 1028
818This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1029This 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 1030example: 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 1031timeout, 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 1032seconds 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 1033configure 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 1034C<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 1035you 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. 1036socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
1037automatically restart it if need be.
1038
1039That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
1040altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
1041
1042 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
1043 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1044 ...
1045 timer->again = 17.;
1046 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1047 ...
1048 timer->again = 10.;
1049 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1050
1051This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1052you want to modify its timeout value.
1053
1054=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1055
1056The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1057or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
1058which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
826 1059
827=back 1060=back
828 1061
829Example: create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1062Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
830 1063
831 static void 1064 static void
832 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1065 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
833 { 1066 {
834 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1067 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
836 1069
837 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1070 struct ev_timer mytimer;
838 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1071 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
839 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1072 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
840 1073
841Example: create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1074Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
842inactivity. 1075inactivity.
843 1076
844 static void 1077 static void
845 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1078 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
846 { 1079 {
866but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1099but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
867to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1100to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
868periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now () 1101periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now ()
869+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 1102+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will
870take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger 1103take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger
871roughly 10 seconds later and of course not if you reset your system time 1104roughly 10 seconds later).
872again).
873 1105
874They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1106They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as
875triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 1107triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated,
1108rules.
876 1109
877As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1110As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the
878time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1111time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
879during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1112during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
880 1113
887Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1120Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
888operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1121operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
889 1122
890=over 4 1123=over 4
891 1124
892=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1125=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
893 1126
894In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1127In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time
895C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1128C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs,
896that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1129that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the
897system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1130system time reaches or surpasses this time.
898 1131
899=item * non-repeating interval timer (interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1132=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
900 1133
901In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1134In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
902C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N) and then repeat, regardless 1135C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
903of any time jumps. 1136and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
904 1137
905This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1138This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system
906time: 1139time:
907 1140
908 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1141 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
914 1147
915Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1148Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
916C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1149C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
917time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1150time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
918 1151
1152For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1153C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1154this value.
1155
919=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 1156=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
920 1157
921In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1158In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
922ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1159ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
923reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1160reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
924current time as second argument. 1161current time as second argument.
925 1162
926NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1163NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
927ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1164ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it,
928return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by 1165return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
929starting a prepare watcher). 1166starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
930 1167
931Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1168Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,
932ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1169ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
933 1170
934 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1171 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
957Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1194Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
958when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1195when 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 1196a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
960program when the crontabs have changed). 1197program when the crontabs have changed).
961 1198
1199=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1200
1201When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1202absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1203
1204Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1205timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1206
1207=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1208
1209The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1210take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1211called.
1212
1213=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1214
1215The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1216switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1217the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1218
962=back 1219=back
963 1220
964Example: call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1221Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
965system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1222system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
966potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1223potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability.
967 1224
968 static void 1225 static void
969 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1226 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
973 1230
974 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1231 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
975 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1232 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
976 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1233 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
977 1234
978Example: the same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1235Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
979 1236
980 #include <math.h> 1237 #include <math.h>
981 1238
982 static ev_tstamp 1239 static ev_tstamp
983 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1240 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
985 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1242 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;
986 } 1243 }
987 1244
988 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1245 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
989 1246
990Example: call a callback every hour, starting now: 1247Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
991 1248
992 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1249 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
993 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1250 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
994 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1251 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
995 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1252 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1016=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum) 1273=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)
1017 1274
1018Configures the watcher to trigger on the given signal number (usually one 1275Configures the watcher to trigger on the given signal number (usually one
1019of the C<SIGxxx> constants). 1276of the C<SIGxxx> constants).
1020 1277
1278=item int signum [read-only]
1279
1280The signal the watcher watches out for.
1281
1021=back 1282=back
1022 1283
1023 1284
1024=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1285=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1025 1286
1037at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see 1298at 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 1299the 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 1300C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the
1040process causing the status change. 1301process causing the status change.
1041 1302
1303=item int pid [read-only]
1304
1305The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id.
1306
1307=item int rpid [read-write]
1308
1309The process id that detected a status change.
1310
1311=item int rstatus [read-write]
1312
1313The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1314C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1315
1042=back 1316=back
1043 1317
1044Example: try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1318Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1045 1319
1046 static void 1320 static void
1047 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1321 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1048 { 1322 {
1049 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1323 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1052 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1326 struct ev_signal signal_watcher;
1053 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1327 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1054 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1328 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb);
1055 1329
1056 1330
1331=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1332
1333This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1334C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed
1335compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did.
1336
1337The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1338not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1339not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is
1340otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of
1341the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1342
1343The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1344relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1345
1346Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply
1347calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You
1348can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify
1349a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,
1350unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around
1351five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also
1352impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats
1353usually overkill.
1354
1355This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1356as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1357resource-intensive.
1358
1359At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1360implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the
1361reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the
1362semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
1363to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1364usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1365polling.
1366
1367=over 4
1368
1369=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1370
1371=item ev_stat_set (ev_stat *, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1372
1373Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of the given
1374C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to
1375be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose
1376a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1377path for as long as the watcher is active.
1378
1379The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected,
1380relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the
1381last change was detected).
1382
1383=item ev_stat_stat (ev_stat *)
1384
1385Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1386watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid
1387detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be
1388useful simply to find out the new values.
1389
1390=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1391
1392The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of
1393C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types
1394suitable for your system. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there
1395was some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1396
1397=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1398
1399The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1400C<prev> != C<attr>.
1401
1402=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1403
1404The specified interval.
1405
1406=item const char *path [read-only]
1407
1408The filesystem path that is being watched.
1409
1410=back
1411
1412Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1413
1414 static void
1415 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1416 {
1417 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1418 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1419 {
1420 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1421 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1422 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1423 }
1424 else
1425 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1426 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1427 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1428 }
1429
1430 ...
1431 ev_stat passwd;
1432
1433 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd");
1434 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1435
1436
1057=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1437=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1058 1438
1059Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1439Idle 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 1440priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
1061as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1441count).
1062imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1442
1063watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration - 1443That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1444(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1445triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1446are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1064until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1447iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1065busy. 1448and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
1066 1449
1067The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 1450The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
1068active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1451active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
1069 1452
1070Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1453Apart 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, 1463kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1081believe me. 1464believe me.
1082 1465
1083=back 1466=back
1084 1467
1085Example: dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle>, start it, and in the 1468Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1086callback, free it. Alos, use no error checking, as usual. 1469callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1087 1470
1088 static void 1471 static void
1089 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1472 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1090 { 1473 {
1091 free (w); 1474 free (w);
1136with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 1519with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine
1137of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event 1520of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
1138loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 1521loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1139low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 1522low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1140 1523
1524It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1525priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1526after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1527too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1528supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers did
1529their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other event
1530loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
1531C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
1532others).
1533
1141=over 4 1534=over 4
1142 1535
1143=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1536=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
1144 1537
1145=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1538=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1148parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 1541parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1149macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1542macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1150 1543
1151=back 1544=back
1152 1545
1153Example: To include a library such as adns, you would add IO watchers 1546There 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 1547into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1548(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1549use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib>
1550embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV
1551into the Glib event loop).
1552
1553Method 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 1554and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1156pseudo-code only of course: 1555is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1556priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1557the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1157 1558
1158 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1559 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1159 static ev_timer tw; 1560 static ev_timer tw;
1160 1561
1161 static void 1562 static void
1162 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1563 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1163 { 1564 {
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 } 1565 }
1170 1566
1171 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1567 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1172 static void 1568 static void
1173 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1569 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1174 { 1570 {
1175 int timeout = 3600000;truct pollfd fds [nfd]; 1571 int timeout = 3600000;
1572 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1176 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 1573 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1177 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 1574 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1178 1575
1179 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 1576 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1180 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1577 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1181 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 1578 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1182 1579
1183 // create on ev_io per pollfd 1580 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1184 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1581 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1185 { 1582 {
1186 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 1583 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1187 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 1584 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1188 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 1585 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1189 1586
1190 fds [i].revents = 0; 1587 fds [i].revents = 0;
1191 iow [i].data = fds + i;
1192 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 1588 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1193 } 1589 }
1194 } 1590 }
1195 1591
1196 // stop all watchers after blocking 1592 // stop all watchers after blocking
1198 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 1594 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1199 { 1595 {
1200 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 1596 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1201 1597
1202 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1598 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1599 {
1600 // set the relevant poll flags
1601 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1602 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1603 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1604 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1605 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1606
1607 // now stop the watcher
1203 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 1608 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1609 }
1204 1610
1205 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 1611 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1612 }
1613
1614Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1615in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1616
1617Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1618notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1619callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1620
1621 static void
1622 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1623 {
1624 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1625 update_now (EV_A);
1626
1627 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1628 }
1629
1630 static void
1631 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1632 {
1633 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1634 update_now (EV_A);
1635
1636 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1637 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1638 }
1639
1640 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1641
1642Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1643want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override
1644their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
1645loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
1646this.
1647
1648 static gint
1649 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1650 {
1651 int got_events = 0;
1652
1653 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1654 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1655
1656 if (timeout >= 0)
1657 // create/start timer
1658
1659 // poll
1660 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1661
1662 // stop timer again
1663 if (timeout >= 0)
1664 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1665
1666 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1667 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1668 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1669
1670 return got_events;
1206 } 1671 }
1207 1672
1208 1673
1209=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 1674=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1210 1675
1292 1757
1293Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 1758Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1294similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 1759similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1295apropriate way for embedded loops. 1760apropriate way for embedded loops.
1296 1761
1762=item struct ev_loop *loop [read-only]
1763
1764The embedded event loop.
1765
1766=back
1767
1768
1769=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
1770
1771Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
1772whoever is a good citizen cared to tell libev about it by calling
1773C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork>). The invocation is done before the
1774event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
1775and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
1776C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
1777handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
1778
1779=over 4
1780
1781=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1782
1783Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
1784kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1785believe me.
1786
1297=back 1787=back
1298 1788
1299 1789
1300=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 1790=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
1301 1791
1389 1879
1390To use it, 1880To use it,
1391 1881
1392 #include <ev++.h> 1882 #include <ev++.h>
1393 1883
1394(it is not installed by default). This automatically includes F<ev.h> 1884This 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 1885of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1396namespace. All C++ specific things are put into the C<ev> namespace. 1886put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
1887options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
1397 1888
1398It should support all the same embedding options as F<ev.h>, most notably 1889Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
1399C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 1890classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
1891that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
1892you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
1893
1894Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be
1895used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only
1896need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other
1897types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing
1898it).
1400 1899
1401Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 1900Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1402 1901
1403=over 4 1902=over 4
1404 1903
1420 1919
1421All of those classes have these methods: 1920All of those classes have these methods:
1422 1921
1423=over 4 1922=over 4
1424 1923
1425=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *) 1924=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1426 1925
1427=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *, struct ev_loop *) 1926=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1428 1927
1429=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 1928=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1430 1929
1431The constructor takes a pointer to an object and a method pointer to 1930The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1432the event handler callback to call in this class. The constructor calls 1931with. 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 1932
1434before starting it. If you do not specify a loop then the constructor 1933The constructor calls C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the
1435automatically associates the default loop with this watcher. 1934C<set> method before starting it.
1935
1936It will not set a callback, however: You have to call the templated C<set>
1937method to set a callback before you can start the watcher.
1938
1939(The reason why you have to use a method is a limitation in C++ which does
1940not allow explicit template arguments for constructors).
1436 1941
1437The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active. 1942The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active.
1943
1944=item w->set<class, &class::method> (object *)
1945
1946This method sets the callback method to call. The method has to have a
1947signature of C<void (*)(ev_TYPE &, int)>, it receives the watcher as
1948first argument and the C<revents> as second. The object must be given as
1949parameter and is stored in the C<data> member of the watcher.
1950
1951This method synthesizes efficient thunking code to call your method from
1952the C callback that libev requires. If your compiler can inline your
1953callback (i.e. it is visible to it at the place of the C<set> call and
1954your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
1955thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
1956
1957Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
1958
1959 struct myclass
1960 {
1961 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
1962 }
1963
1964 myclass obj;
1965 ev::io iow;
1966 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
1967
1968=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
1969
1970Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
1971callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
1972C<data> member and is free for you to use.
1973
1974The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
1975
1976See the method-C<set> above for more details.
1977
1978Example:
1979
1980 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
1981 iow.set <io_cb> ();
1438 1982
1439=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 1983=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1440 1984
1441Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 1985Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
1442do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 1986do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1443 1987
1444=item w->set ([args]) 1988=item w->set ([args])
1445 1989
1446Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 1990Basically 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 1991called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1448automatically stopped and restarted. 1992automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
1993method.
1449 1994
1450=item w->start () 1995=item w->start ()
1451 1996
1452Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument as the 1997Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
1453constructor already takes the loop. 1998constructor already stores the event loop.
1454 1999
1455=item w->stop () 2000=item w->stop ()
1456 2001
1457Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 2002Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1458 2003
1463 2008
1464=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only 2009=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only
1465 2010
1466Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>. 2011Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
1467 2012
2013=item w->update () C<ev::stat> only
2014
2015Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
2016
1468=back 2017=back
1469 2018
1470=back 2019=back
1471 2020
1472Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 2021Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
1479 2028
1480 myclass (); 2029 myclass ();
1481 } 2030 }
1482 2031
1483 myclass::myclass (int fd) 2032 myclass::myclass (int fd)
1484 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb),
1485 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb)
1486 { 2033 {
2034 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2035 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2036
1487 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2037 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
1488 } 2038 }
2039
2040
2041=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2042
2043Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is
2044C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) functions and
2045callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2046
2047To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2048following macros are defined:
2049
2050=over 4
2051
2052=item C<EV_A>, C<EV_A_>
2053
2054This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2055loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
2056C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2057
2058 ev_unref (EV_A);
2059 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2060 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2061
2062It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2063which is often provided by the following macro.
2064
2065=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2066
2067This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2068loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
2069C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2070
2071 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
2072 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2073
2074 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
2075 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2076
2077It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
2078suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2079
2080=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2081
2082Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
2083loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
2084
2085=back
2086
2087Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2088macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2089or not.
2090
2091 static void
2092 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2093 {
2094 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
2095 }
2096
2097 ev_check check;
2098 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
2099 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
2100 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1489 2101
1490=head1 EMBEDDING 2102=head1 EMBEDDING
1491 2103
1492Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2104Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1493applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2105applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1533 ev_vars.h 2145 ev_vars.h
1534 ev_wrap.h 2146 ev_wrap.h
1535 2147
1536 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2148 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1537 2149
1538 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is by default) 2150 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) 2151 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) 2152 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) 2153 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) 2154 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1543 2155
1668 2280
1669=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 2281=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
1670 2282
1671reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 2283reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
1672 2284
2285=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2286
2287If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2288interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2289be detected at runtime.
2290
1673=item EV_H 2291=item EV_H
1674 2292
1675The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 2293The 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 2294undefined 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. 2295can 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 2318will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
1701additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 2319additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
1702for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 2320for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
1703argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 2321argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
1704 2322
2323=item EV_MINPRI
2324
2325=item EV_MAXPRI
2326
2327The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
2328C<EV_MAXPRI>, but otherwise there are no non-obvious limitations. You can
2329provide for more priorities by overriding those symbols (usually defined
2330to be C<-2> and C<2>, respectively).
2331
2332When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2333all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2334and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2335fine.
2336
2337If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2338C<0> will save some memory and cpu.
2339
1705=item EV_PERIODICS 2340=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
1706 2341
1707If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported, 2342If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
1708otherwise not. This saves a few kb of code. 2343defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2344code.
2345
2346=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE
2347
2348If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
2349defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2350code.
2351
2352=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2353
2354If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
2355defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2356
2357=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
2358
2359If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
2360defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2361
2362=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
2363
2364If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
2365defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2366
2367=item EV_MINIMAL
2368
2369If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2370speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override
2371some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64.
2372
2373=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2374
2375C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2376pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2377than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to
2378increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
2379
2380=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
2381
2382C<ev_staz> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2383inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2384usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2385watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2386two).
1709 2387
1710=item EV_COMMON 2388=item EV_COMMON
1711 2389
1712By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 2390By 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 2391this 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 2420interface) 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 2421will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header
1744file. 2422file.
1745 2423
1746The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 2424The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
1747that everybody includes and which overrides some autoconf choices: 2425that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
1748 2426
2427 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
1749 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 2428 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
1750 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 2429 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
1751 #define EV_PERIODICS 0 2430 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2431 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2432 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
1752 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 2433 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2434 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2435 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
1753 2436
1754 #include "ev++.h" 2437 #include "ev++.h"
1755 2438
1756And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 2439And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
1757 2440
1763 2446
1764In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 2447In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
1765libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 2448libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
1766documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 2449documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
1767 2450
2451All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
2452extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
2453happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
2454mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
2455it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
2456
1768=over 4 2457=over 4
1769 2458
1770=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 2459=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
1771 2460
2461This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
2462there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
2463have to skip those 100 watchers.
2464
1772=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 2465=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
1773 2466
2467That means that for changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
2468as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
2469
1774=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 2470=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)
1775 2471
2472These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
1776=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 2473=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)
1777 2474
1778=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % 16)) 2475=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2476
2477These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
2478correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2479have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
1779 2480
1780=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 2481=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1)
1781 2482
1782=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 2483=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
1783 2484
2485A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2486libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel).
2487
1784=item Activating one watcher: O(1) 2488=item Activating one watcher: O(1)
1785 2489
2490=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2491
2492Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2493priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2494linearly search all the priorities.
2495
1786=back 2496=back
1787 2497
1788 2498
1789=head1 AUTHOR 2499=head1 AUTHOR
1790 2500

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