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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
10 52
53The newest version of this document is also available as a html-formatted
54web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
55time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>.
56
11Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 57Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
12file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage 58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
13these event sources and provide your program with events. 59these event sources and provide your program with events.
14 60
15To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process 61To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process
16(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then 62(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then
17communicate events via a callback mechanism. 63communicate events via a callback mechanism.
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 some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name
52 104component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
105throughout libev.
53 106
54=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 107=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
55 108
56These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 109These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
57library in any way. 110library in any way.
62 115
63Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 116Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
64C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp 117C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
65you actually want to know. 118you actually want to know.
66 119
120=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
121
122Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
123either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
124this is a subsecond-resolution C<sleep ()>.
125
67=item int ev_version_major () 126=item int ev_version_major ()
68 127
69=item int ev_version_minor () 128=item int ev_version_minor ()
70 129
71You can find out the major and minor version numbers of the library 130You can find out the major and minor ABI version numbers of the library
72you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and 131you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and
73C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global 132C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global
74symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the 133symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the
75version of the library your program was compiled against. 134version of the library your program was compiled against.
76 135
136These version numbers refer to the ABI version of the library, not the
137release version.
138
77Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch, 139Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch,
78as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 140as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
79compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 141compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
80not a problem. 142not a problem.
81 143
82Example: make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 144Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
83version: 145version.
84 146
85 assert (("libev version mismatch", 147 assert (("libev version mismatch",
86 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 148 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
87 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 149 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
88 150
118 180
119See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 181See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
120 182
121=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 183=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
122 184
123Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar to the 185Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
124realloc C function, the semantics are identical). It is used to allocate 186semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to
125and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when memory 187allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when
126needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some potentially 188memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some
127destructive action. The default is your system realloc function. 189potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc
190function.
128 191
129You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 192You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
130free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 193free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
131or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 194or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
132 195
133Example: replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 196Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
134retries: better than mine). 197retries).
135 198
136 static void * 199 static void *
137 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, long size) 200 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
138 { 201 {
139 for (;;) 202 for (;;)
140 { 203 {
141 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size); 204 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size);
142 205
158callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 221callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no
159matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 222matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
160requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 223requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
161(such as abort). 224(such as abort).
162 225
163Example: do the same thing as libev does internally: 226Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
164 227
165 static void 228 static void
166 fatal_error (const char *msg) 229 fatal_error (const char *msg)
167 { 230 {
168 perror (msg); 231 perror (msg);
218C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 281C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
219override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 282override 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 283useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
221around bugs. 284around bugs.
222 285
286=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
287
288Instead of calling C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork> manually after
289a fork, you can also make libev check for a fork in each iteration by
290enabling this flag.
291
292This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
293and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
294iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
295Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
296without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my Linux system also has
297C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
298
299The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
300forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
301flag.
302
303This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
304environment variable.
305
223=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 306=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
224 307
225This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 308This 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, 309libev 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 310but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
236lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, i.e. O(total_fds). 319lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, i.e. O(total_fds).
237 320
238=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 321=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
239 322
240For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 323For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
241but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like 324but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
242O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), epoll scales 325like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
243either O(1) or O(active_fds). 326epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number
327of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
328cases and rewiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad
329support for dup:
244 330
245While stopping and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration will 331While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
246result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 332will result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident
247(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 333(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
248best to avoid that. Also, dup()ed file descriptors might not work very 334best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
249well if you register events for both fds. 335very well if you register events for both fds.
250 336
251Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 337Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
252need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data 338need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
253(or space) is available. 339(or space) is available.
254 340
255=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 341=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
256 342
257Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 343Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
258was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work with 344was broken on I<all> BSDs (usually it doesn't work with anything but
259anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course its 345sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course it's completely
346useless. On NetBSD, it seems to work for all the FD types I tested, so it
260completely useless). For this reason its not being "autodetected" 347is used by default there). For this reason it's not being "autodetected"
261unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 348unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using
262C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>). 349C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
350system like NetBSD.
263 351
264It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 352It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
265kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 353kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed,
266course). While starting and stopping an I/O watcher does not cause an 354of course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does
267extra syscall as with epoll, it still adds up to four event changes per 355never cause an extra syscall as with epoll, it still adds up to two event
268incident, so its best to avoid that. 356changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it drops fds
357silently in similarly hard-to-detetc cases.
269 358
270=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 359=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
271 360
272This is not implemented yet (and might never be). 361This is not implemented yet (and might never be).
273 362
274=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 363=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
275 364
276This uses the Solaris 10 port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 365This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
277it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 366it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
278 367
279Please note that solaris ports can result in a lot of spurious 368Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
280notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid 369notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
281blocking when no data (or space) is available. 370blocking when no data (or space) is available.
282 371
283=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 372=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
284 373
314Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 403Similar 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 404always 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 405handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
317undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 406undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
318 407
319Example: try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 408Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
320 409
321 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 410 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
322 if (!epoller) 411 if (!epoller)
323 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 412 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
324 413
327Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 416Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
328etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 417etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
329sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 418sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
330responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 419responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before>
331calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 420calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
332the easiest thing, youc na just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 421the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
333for example). 422for example).
423
424Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by
425this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers)
426would need to be stopped manually.
427
428In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the
429rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling
430pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
431C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).
334 432
335=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 433=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
336 434
337Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 435Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
338earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 436earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
362 460
363Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 461Like 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 462C<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. 463after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
366 464
465=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
466
467Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
468the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
469happily wraps around with enough iterations.
470
471This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
472"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
473C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls.
474
367=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 475=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
368 476
369Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 477Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
370use. 478use.
371 479
373 481
374Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop 482Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop
375received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 483received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
376change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 484change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base
377time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the 485time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
378event occuring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 486event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
379 487
380=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 488=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
381 489
382Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 490Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
383after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 491after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
404libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 512libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
405usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 513usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
406 514
407Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 515Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
408 516
517 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
409 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 518 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return.
410 - Queue prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 519 - Queue all prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers.
411 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 520 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
412 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 521 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
413 - Update the "event loop time". 522 - Update the "event loop time".
414 - Calculate for how long to block. 523 - Calculate for how long to block.
415 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 524 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
423 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 532 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
424 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 533 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
425 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 534 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
426 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *. 535 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *.
427 536
428Example: queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding 537Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding
429anymore. 538anymore.
430 539
431 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 540 ... 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..) 541 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
433 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 542 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
453visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 562visible 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 563no 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 564way 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>. 565libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>.
457 566
458Example: create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 567Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
459running when nothing else is active. 568running when nothing else is active.
460 569
461 struct dv_signal exitsig; 570 struct ev_signal exitsig;
462 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 571 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
463 ev_signal_start (myloop, &exitsig); 572 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
464 evf_unref (myloop); 573 evf_unref (loop);
465 574
466Example: for some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 575Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
467 576
468 ev_ref (myloop); 577 ev_ref (loop);
469 ev_signal_stop (myloop, &exitsig); 578 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
579
580=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
581
582=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
583
584These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
585for events. Both are by default C<0>, meaning that libev will try to
586invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency.
587
588Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>)
589allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks to
590increase efficiency of loop iterations.
591
592The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to
593handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes
594the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
595events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
596overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
597
598By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
599time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
600at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
601C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null bvalue will
602introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations.
603
604Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
605to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
606latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers
607will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce
608any overhead in libev.
609
610Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect
611interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
612interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
613usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
614as this approsaches the timing granularity of most systems.
470 615
471=back 616=back
472 617
473 618
474=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 619=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
544The signal specified in the C<ev_signal> watcher has been received by a thread. 689The signal specified in the C<ev_signal> watcher has been received by a thread.
545 690
546=item C<EV_CHILD> 691=item C<EV_CHILD>
547 692
548The pid specified in the C<ev_child> watcher has received a status change. 693The pid specified in the C<ev_child> watcher has received a status change.
694
695=item C<EV_STAT>
696
697The path specified in the C<ev_stat> watcher changed its attributes somehow.
549 698
550=item C<EV_IDLE> 699=item C<EV_IDLE>
551 700
552The C<ev_idle> watcher has determined that you have nothing better to do. 701The C<ev_idle> watcher has determined that you have nothing better to do.
553 702
561received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 710received 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 711many 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 712(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep
564C<ev_loop> from blocking). 713C<ev_loop> from blocking).
565 714
715=item C<EV_EMBED>
716
717The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
718
719=item C<EV_FORK>
720
721The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
722C<ev_fork>).
723
566=item C<EV_ERROR> 724=item C<EV_ERROR>
567 725
568An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 726An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might
569happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 727happen 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 728ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
641=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher) 799=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
642 800
643Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding 801Returns 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 802events 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 803is 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 804C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
647libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 805make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
806it).
648 807
649=item callback = ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 808=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
650 809
651Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 810Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
652 811
653=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 812=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
654 813
655Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 814Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
656(modulo threads). 815(modulo threads).
816
817=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority)
818
819=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
820
821Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
822integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
823(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
824before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
825from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
826
827This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
828invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
829example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
830watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
831
832If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
833you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
834
835You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
836pending.
837
838The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
839always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
840
841Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
842fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
843or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
844
845=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
846
847Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
848C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
849can deal with that fact.
850
851=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
852
853If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status
854and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
855watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
657 856
658=back 857=back
659 858
660 859
661=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 860=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
682 { 881 {
683 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 882 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
684 ... 883 ...
685 } 884 }
686 885
687More interesting and less C-conformant ways of catsing your callback type 886More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
688have been omitted.... 887instead have been omitted.
888
889Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple
890watchers:
891
892 struct my_biggy
893 {
894 int some_data;
895 ev_timer t1;
896 ev_timer t2;
897 }
898
899In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated,
900you need to use C<offsetof>:
901
902 #include <stddef.h>
903
904 static void
905 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
906 {
907 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
908 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
909 }
910
911 static void
912 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
913 {
914 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
915 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
916 }
689 917
690 918
691=head1 WATCHER TYPES 919=head1 WATCHER TYPES
692 920
693This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 921This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
694information given in the last section. 922information given in the last section. Any initialisation/set macros,
923functions and members specific to the watcher type are explained.
924
925Members are additionally marked with either I<[read-only]>, meaning that,
926while the watcher is active, you can look at the member and expect some
927sensible content, but you must not modify it (you can modify it while the
928watcher is stopped to your hearts content), or I<[read-write]>, which
929means you can expect it to have some sensible content while the watcher
930is active, but you can also modify it. Modifying it may not do something
931sensible or take immediate effect (or do anything at all), but libev will
932not crash or malfunction in any way.
695 933
696 934
697=head2 C<ev_io> - is this file descriptor readable or writable? 935=head2 C<ev_io> - is this file descriptor readable or writable?
698 936
699I/O watchers check whether a file descriptor is readable or writable 937I/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 966it 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. 967C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
730 968
731If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 969If 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 970play 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 971whether 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 972such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
735its own, so its quite safe to use). 973its own, so its quite safe to use).
974
975=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
976
977Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
978descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means,
979such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
980descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
981this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
982registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
983fact, a different file descriptor.
984
985To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows
986the following policy: Each time C<ev_io_set> is being called, libev
987will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise
988it is assumed that the file descriptor stays the same. That means that
989you I<have> to call C<ev_io_set> (or C<ev_io_init>) when you change the
990descriptor even if the file descriptor number itself did not change.
991
992This is how one would do it normally anyway, the important point is that
993the libev application should not optimise around libev but should leave
994optimisations to libev.
995
996=head3 The special problem of dup'ed file descriptors
997
998Some backends (e.g. epoll), cannot register events for file descriptors,
999but only events for the underlying file descriptions. That menas when you
1000have C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors and register events for them, only one
1001file descriptor might actually receive events.
1002
1003There is no workaorund possible except not registering events
1004for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors or to resort to
1005C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1006
1007=head3 The special problem of fork
1008
1009Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit
1010useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about
1011it in the child.
1012
1013To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
1014C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,
1015enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1016C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1017
1018
1019=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
736 1020
737=over 4 1021=over 4
738 1022
739=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1023=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
740 1024
742 1026
743Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to 1027Configures 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 1028rceeive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
745C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 1029C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events.
746 1030
1031=item int fd [read-only]
1032
1033The file descriptor being watched.
1034
1035=item int events [read-only]
1036
1037The events being watched.
1038
747=back 1039=back
748 1040
749Example: call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1041Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
750readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1042readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
751attempt to read a whole line in the callback: 1043attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
752 1044
753 static void 1045 static void
754 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1046 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
755 { 1047 {
756 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1048 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
786 1078
787The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1079The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed,
788but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1080but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
789order of execution is undefined. 1081order of execution is undefined.
790 1082
1083=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1084
791=over 4 1085=over 4
792 1086
793=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1087=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
794 1088
795=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1089=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
808=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1102=item ev_timer_again (loop)
809 1103
810This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1104This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
811repeating. The exact semantics are: 1105repeating. The exact semantics are:
812 1106
1107If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1108
813If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it. 1109If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
814 1110
815If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat 1111If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
816value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value. 1112C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
817 1113
818This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1114This 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 1115example: 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 1116timeout, 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 1117seconds 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 1118configure 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 1119C<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 1120you 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. 1121socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
1122automatically restart it if need be.
1123
1124That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
1125altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
1126
1127 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
1128 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1129 ...
1130 timer->again = 17.;
1131 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1132 ...
1133 timer->again = 10.;
1134 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1135
1136This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1137you want to modify its timeout value.
1138
1139=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1140
1141The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1142or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
1143which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
826 1144
827=back 1145=back
828 1146
829Example: create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1147Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
830 1148
831 static void 1149 static void
832 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1150 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
833 { 1151 {
834 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1152 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
836 1154
837 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1155 struct ev_timer mytimer;
838 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1156 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
839 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1157 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
840 1158
841Example: create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1159Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
842inactivity. 1160inactivity.
843 1161
844 static void 1162 static void
845 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1163 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
846 { 1164 {
866but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1184but 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 1185to 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 () 1186periodic 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 1187+ 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 1188take 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 1189roughly 10 seconds later).
872again).
873 1190
874They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1191They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as
875triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 1192triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated,
1193rules.
876 1194
877As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1195As 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 1196time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
879during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1197during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
880 1198
1199=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1200
881=over 4 1201=over 4
882 1202
883=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1203=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
884 1204
885=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1205=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb)
887Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1207Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
888operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1208operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
889 1209
890=over 4 1210=over 4
891 1211
892=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1212=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
893 1213
894In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1214In 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, 1215C<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 1216that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the
897system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1217system time reaches or surpasses this time.
898 1218
899=item * non-repeating interval timer (interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1219=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
900 1220
901In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1221In 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 1222C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
903of any time jumps. 1223and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
904 1224
905This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1225This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system
906time: 1226time:
907 1227
908 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1228 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
914 1234
915Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1235Another 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 1236C<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. 1237time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
918 1238
1239For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1240C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1241this value.
1242
919=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 1243=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
920 1244
921In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1245In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
922ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1246ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
923reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1247reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
924current time as second argument. 1248current time as second argument.
925 1249
926NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1250NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
927ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1251ever, 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 1252return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
929starting a prepare watcher). 1253starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
930 1254
931Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1255Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,
932ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1256ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
933 1257
934 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1258 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
957Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1281Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
958when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1282when 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 1283a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
960program when the crontabs have changed). 1284program when the crontabs have changed).
961 1285
1286=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1287
1288When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1289absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1290
1291Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1292timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1293
1294=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1295
1296The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1297take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1298called.
1299
1300=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1301
1302The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1303switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1304the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1305
1306=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1307
1308When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1309trigger next.
1310
962=back 1311=back
963 1312
964Example: call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1313Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
965system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1314system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
966potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1315potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability.
967 1316
968 static void 1317 static void
969 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1318 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
973 1322
974 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1323 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
975 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1324 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
976 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1325 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
977 1326
978Example: the same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1327Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
979 1328
980 #include <math.h> 1329 #include <math.h>
981 1330
982 static ev_tstamp 1331 static ev_tstamp
983 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1332 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
985 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1334 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;
986 } 1335 }
987 1336
988 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1337 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
989 1338
990Example: call a callback every hour, starting now: 1339Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
991 1340
992 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1341 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
993 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1342 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
994 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1343 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
995 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1344 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1007with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1356with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long
1008as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1357as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal
1009watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1358watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
1010SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1359SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1011 1360
1361=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1362
1012=over 4 1363=over 4
1013 1364
1014=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 1365=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
1015 1366
1016=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum) 1367=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)
1017 1368
1018Configures the watcher to trigger on the given signal number (usually one 1369Configures the watcher to trigger on the given signal number (usually one
1019of the C<SIGxxx> constants). 1370of the C<SIGxxx> constants).
1020 1371
1372=item int signum [read-only]
1373
1374The signal the watcher watches out for.
1375
1021=back 1376=back
1022 1377
1023 1378
1024=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1379=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1025 1380
1026Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1381Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1027some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1382some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies).
1383
1384=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1028 1385
1029=over 4 1386=over 4
1030 1387
1031=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 1388=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid)
1032 1389
1037at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see 1394at 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 1395the 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 1396C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the
1040process causing the status change. 1397process causing the status change.
1041 1398
1399=item int pid [read-only]
1400
1401The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id.
1402
1403=item int rpid [read-write]
1404
1405The process id that detected a status change.
1406
1407=item int rstatus [read-write]
1408
1409The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1410C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1411
1042=back 1412=back
1043 1413
1044Example: try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1414Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1045 1415
1046 static void 1416 static void
1047 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1417 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1048 { 1418 {
1049 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1419 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1052 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1422 struct ev_signal signal_watcher;
1053 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1423 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1054 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1424 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb);
1055 1425
1056 1426
1427=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1428
1429This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1430C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed
1431compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did.
1432
1433The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1434not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1435not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is
1436otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of
1437the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1438
1439The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1440relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1441
1442Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply
1443calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You
1444can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify
1445a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,
1446unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around
1447five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also
1448impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats
1449usually overkill.
1450
1451This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1452as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1453resource-intensive.
1454
1455At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1456implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the
1457reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the
1458semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
1459to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1460usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1461polling.
1462
1463=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1464
1465=over 4
1466
1467=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1468
1469=item ev_stat_set (ev_stat *, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1470
1471Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of the given
1472C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to
1473be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose
1474a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1475path for as long as the watcher is active.
1476
1477The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected,
1478relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the
1479last change was detected).
1480
1481=item ev_stat_stat (ev_stat *)
1482
1483Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1484watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid
1485detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be
1486useful simply to find out the new values.
1487
1488=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1489
1490The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of
1491C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types
1492suitable for your system. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there
1493was some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1494
1495=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1496
1497The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1498C<prev> != C<attr>.
1499
1500=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1501
1502The specified interval.
1503
1504=item const char *path [read-only]
1505
1506The filesystem path that is being watched.
1507
1508=back
1509
1510Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1511
1512 static void
1513 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1514 {
1515 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1516 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1517 {
1518 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1519 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1520 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1521 }
1522 else
1523 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1524 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1525 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1526 }
1527
1528 ...
1529 ev_stat passwd;
1530
1531 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd");
1532 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1533
1534
1057=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1535=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1058 1536
1059Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1537Idle 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 1538priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
1061as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1539count).
1062imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1540
1063watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration - 1541That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1542(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1543triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1544are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1064until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1545iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1065busy. 1546and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
1066 1547
1067The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 1548The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
1068active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1549active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
1069 1550
1070Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1551Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1071effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do 1552effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do
1072"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 1553"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
1073event loop has handled all outstanding events. 1554event loop has handled all outstanding events.
1074 1555
1556=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1557
1075=over 4 1558=over 4
1076 1559
1077=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1560=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1078 1561
1079Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any 1562Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any
1080kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 1563kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1081believe me. 1564believe me.
1082 1565
1083=back 1566=back
1084 1567
1085Example: dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle>, start it, and in the 1568Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1086callback, free it. Alos, use no error checking, as usual. 1569callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1087 1570
1088 static void 1571 static void
1089 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1572 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1090 { 1573 {
1091 free (w); 1574 free (w);
1136with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 1619with 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 1620of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
1138loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 1621loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1139low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 1622low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1140 1623
1624It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1625priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1626after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1627too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1628supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers did
1629their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other event
1630loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
1631C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
1632others).
1633
1634=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1635
1141=over 4 1636=over 4
1142 1637
1143=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1638=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
1144 1639
1145=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1640=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1148parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 1643parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1149macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1644macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1150 1645
1151=back 1646=back
1152 1647
1153Example: To include a library such as adns, you would add IO watchers 1648There 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 1649into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1650(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1651use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib>
1652embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV
1653into the Glib event loop).
1654
1655Method 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 1656and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1156pseudo-code only of course: 1657is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1658priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1659the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1157 1660
1158 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1661 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1159 static ev_timer tw; 1662 static ev_timer tw;
1160 1663
1161 static void 1664 static void
1162 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1665 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1163 { 1666 {
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 } 1667 }
1170 1668
1171 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1669 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1172 static void 1670 static void
1173 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1671 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1174 { 1672 {
1175 int timeout = 3600000;truct pollfd fds [nfd]; 1673 int timeout = 3600000;
1674 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1176 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 1675 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1177 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 1676 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1178 1677
1179 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 1678 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1180 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1679 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1181 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 1680 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1182 1681
1183 // create on ev_io per pollfd 1682 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1184 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1683 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1185 { 1684 {
1186 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 1685 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1187 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 1686 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1188 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 1687 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1189 1688
1190 fds [i].revents = 0; 1689 fds [i].revents = 0;
1191 iow [i].data = fds + i;
1192 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 1690 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1193 } 1691 }
1194 } 1692 }
1195 1693
1196 // stop all watchers after blocking 1694 // stop all watchers after blocking
1198 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 1696 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1199 { 1697 {
1200 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 1698 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1201 1699
1202 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1700 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1701 {
1702 // set the relevant poll flags
1703 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1704 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1705 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1706 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1707 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1708
1709 // now stop the watcher
1203 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 1710 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1711 }
1204 1712
1205 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 1713 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1714 }
1715
1716Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1717in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1718
1719Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1720notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1721callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1722
1723 static void
1724 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1725 {
1726 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1727 update_now (EV_A);
1728
1729 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1730 }
1731
1732 static void
1733 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1734 {
1735 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1736 update_now (EV_A);
1737
1738 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1739 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1740 }
1741
1742 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1743
1744Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1745want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override
1746their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
1747loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
1748this.
1749
1750 static gint
1751 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1752 {
1753 int got_events = 0;
1754
1755 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1756 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1757
1758 if (timeout >= 0)
1759 // create/start timer
1760
1761 // poll
1762 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1763
1764 // stop timer again
1765 if (timeout >= 0)
1766 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1767
1768 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1769 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1770 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1771
1772 return got_events;
1206 } 1773 }
1207 1774
1208 1775
1209=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 1776=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1210 1777
1211This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 1778This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
1212into another (currently only C<ev_io> events are supported in the embedded 1779into another (currently only C<ev_io> events are supported in the embedded
1213loop, other types of watchers might be handled in a delayed or incorrect 1780loop, other types of watchers might be handled in a delayed or incorrect
1214fashion and must not be used). 1781fashion and must not be used). (See portability notes, below).
1215 1782
1216There are primarily two reasons you would want that: work around bugs and 1783There are primarily two reasons you would want that: work around bugs and
1217prioritise I/O. 1784prioritise I/O.
1218 1785
1219As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support 1786As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support
1274 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 1841 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1275 } 1842 }
1276 else 1843 else
1277 loop_lo = loop_hi; 1844 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1278 1845
1846=head2 Portability notes
1847
1848Kqueue is nominally embeddable, but this is broken on all BSDs that I
1849tried, in various ways. Usually the embedded event loop will simply never
1850receive events, sometimes it will only trigger a few times, sometimes in a
1851loop. Epoll is also nominally embeddable, but many Linux kernel versions
1852will always eport the epoll fd as ready, even when no events are pending.
1853
1854While libev allows embedding these backends (they are contained in
1855C<ev_embeddable_backends ()>), take extreme care that it will actually
1856work.
1857
1858When in doubt, create a dynamic event loop forced to use sockets (this
1859usually works) and possibly another thread and a pipe or so to report to
1860your main event loop.
1861
1862=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1863
1279=over 4 1864=over 4
1280 1865
1281=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 1866=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1282 1867
1283=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 1868=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1292 1877
1293Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 1878Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1294similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 1879similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1295apropriate way for embedded loops. 1880apropriate way for embedded loops.
1296 1881
1882=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
1883
1884The embedded event loop.
1885
1886=back
1887
1888
1889=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
1890
1891Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
1892whoever is a good citizen cared to tell libev about it by calling
1893C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork>). The invocation is done before the
1894event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
1895and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
1896C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
1897handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
1898
1899=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1900
1901=over 4
1902
1903=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1904
1905Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
1906kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1907believe me.
1908
1297=back 1909=back
1298 1910
1299 1911
1300=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 1912=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
1301 1913
1389 2001
1390To use it, 2002To use it,
1391 2003
1392 #include <ev++.h> 2004 #include <ev++.h>
1393 2005
1394(it is not installed by default). This automatically includes F<ev.h> 2006This 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 2007of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1396namespace. All C++ specific things are put into the C<ev> namespace. 2008put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2009options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
1397 2010
1398It should support all the same embedding options as F<ev.h>, most notably 2011Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
1399C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 2012classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
2013that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
2014you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
2015
2016Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be
2017used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only
2018need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other
2019types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing
2020it).
1400 2021
1401Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 2022Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1402 2023
1403=over 4 2024=over 4
1404 2025
1420 2041
1421All of those classes have these methods: 2042All of those classes have these methods:
1422 2043
1423=over 4 2044=over 4
1424 2045
1425=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *) 2046=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1426 2047
1427=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *, struct ev_loop *) 2048=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1428 2049
1429=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 2050=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1430 2051
1431The constructor takes a pointer to an object and a method pointer to 2052The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1432the event handler callback to call in this class. The constructor calls 2053with. 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 2054
1434before starting it. If you do not specify a loop then the constructor 2055The constructor calls C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the
1435automatically associates the default loop with this watcher. 2056C<set> method before starting it.
2057
2058It will not set a callback, however: You have to call the templated C<set>
2059method to set a callback before you can start the watcher.
2060
2061(The reason why you have to use a method is a limitation in C++ which does
2062not allow explicit template arguments for constructors).
1436 2063
1437The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active. 2064The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active.
2065
2066=item w->set<class, &class::method> (object *)
2067
2068This method sets the callback method to call. The method has to have a
2069signature of C<void (*)(ev_TYPE &, int)>, it receives the watcher as
2070first argument and the C<revents> as second. The object must be given as
2071parameter and is stored in the C<data> member of the watcher.
2072
2073This method synthesizes efficient thunking code to call your method from
2074the C callback that libev requires. If your compiler can inline your
2075callback (i.e. it is visible to it at the place of the C<set> call and
2076your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2077thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2078
2079Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2080
2081 struct myclass
2082 {
2083 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2084 }
2085
2086 myclass obj;
2087 ev::io iow;
2088 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2089
2090=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2091
2092Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2093callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2094C<data> member and is free for you to use.
2095
2096The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2097
2098See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2099
2100Example:
2101
2102 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2103 iow.set <io_cb> ();
1438 2104
1439=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2105=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1440 2106
1441Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2107Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
1442do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2108do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1443 2109
1444=item w->set ([args]) 2110=item w->set ([args])
1445 2111
1446Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2112Basically 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 2113called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1448automatically stopped and restarted. 2114automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2115method.
1449 2116
1450=item w->start () 2117=item w->start ()
1451 2118
1452Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument as the 2119Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
1453constructor already takes the loop. 2120constructor already stores the event loop.
1454 2121
1455=item w->stop () 2122=item w->stop ()
1456 2123
1457Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 2124Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1458 2125
1459=item w->again () C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only 2126=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
1460 2127
1461For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding 2128For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding
1462C<ev_TYPE_again> function. 2129C<ev_TYPE_again> function.
1463 2130
1464=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only 2131=item w->sweep () (C<ev::embed> only)
1465 2132
1466Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>. 2133Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
2134
2135=item w->update () (C<ev::stat> only)
2136
2137Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
1467 2138
1468=back 2139=back
1469 2140
1470=back 2141=back
1471 2142
1479 2150
1480 myclass (); 2151 myclass ();
1481 } 2152 }
1482 2153
1483 myclass::myclass (int fd) 2154 myclass::myclass (int fd)
1484 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb),
1485 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb)
1486 { 2155 {
2156 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2157 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2158
1487 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2159 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
1488 } 2160 }
2161
2162
2163=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2164
2165Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal
2166of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
2167functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2168
2169To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2170following macros are defined:
2171
2172=over 4
2173
2174=item C<EV_A>, C<EV_A_>
2175
2176This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2177loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
2178C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2179
2180 ev_unref (EV_A);
2181 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2182 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2183
2184It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2185which is often provided by the following macro.
2186
2187=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2188
2189This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2190loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
2191C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2192
2193 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
2194 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2195
2196 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
2197 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2198
2199It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
2200suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2201
2202=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2203
2204Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
2205loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
2206
2207=back
2208
2209Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2210macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2211or not.
2212
2213 static void
2214 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2215 {
2216 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
2217 }
2218
2219 ev_check check;
2220 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
2221 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
2222 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1489 2223
1490=head1 EMBEDDING 2224=head1 EMBEDDING
1491 2225
1492Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2226Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1493applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2227applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1494Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe) 2228Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe)
1495and rxvt-unicode. 2229and rxvt-unicode.
1496 2230
1497The goal is to enable you to just copy the neecssary files into your 2231The goal is to enable you to just copy the necessary files into your
1498source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so 2232source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so
1499you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of 2233you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of
1500libev somewhere in your source tree). 2234libev somewhere in your source tree).
1501 2235
1502=head2 FILESETS 2236=head2 FILESETS
1533 ev_vars.h 2267 ev_vars.h
1534 ev_wrap.h 2268 ev_wrap.h
1535 2269
1536 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2270 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1537 2271
1538 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is by default) 2272 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) 2273 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) 2274 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) 2275 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) 2276 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1543 2277
1592 2326
1593If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2327If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1594monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 2328monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use
1595of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 2329of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
1596usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2330usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
1597the functionality isn't available is safe, though, althoguh you have 2331the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
1598to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 2332to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
1599function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2333function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
1600 2334
1601=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2335=item EV_USE_REALTIME
1602 2336
1603If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2337If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1604realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2338realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at
1605runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2339runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will
1606be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2340be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
1607(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See tzhe note about libraries 2341(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
1608in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 2342note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2343
2344=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2345
2346If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2347and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
1609 2348
1610=item EV_USE_SELECT 2349=item EV_USE_SELECT
1611 2350
1612If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 2351If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
1613C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 2352C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no
1668 2407
1669=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 2408=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
1670 2409
1671reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 2410reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
1672 2411
2412=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2413
2414If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2415interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2416be detected at runtime.
2417
1673=item EV_H 2418=item EV_H
1674 2419
1675The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 2420The 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 2421undefined 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. 2422can 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 2445will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
1701additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 2446additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
1702for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 2447for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
1703argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 2448argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
1704 2449
2450=item EV_MINPRI
2451
2452=item EV_MAXPRI
2453
2454The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
2455C<EV_MAXPRI>, but otherwise there are no non-obvious limitations. You can
2456provide for more priorities by overriding those symbols (usually defined
2457to be C<-2> and C<2>, respectively).
2458
2459When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2460all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2461and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2462fine.
2463
2464If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2465C<0> will save some memory and cpu.
2466
1705=item EV_PERIODICS 2467=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
1706 2468
1707If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported, 2469If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
1708otherwise not. This saves a few kb of code. 2470defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2471code.
2472
2473=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE
2474
2475If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
2476defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2477code.
2478
2479=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2480
2481If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
2482defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2483
2484=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
2485
2486If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
2487defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2488
2489=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
2490
2491If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
2492defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2493
2494=item EV_MINIMAL
2495
2496If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2497speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override
2498some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64.
2499
2500=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2501
2502C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2503pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2504than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to
2505increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
2506
2507=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
2508
2509C<ev_staz> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2510inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2511usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2512watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2513two).
1709 2514
1710=item EV_COMMON 2515=item EV_COMMON
1711 2516
1712By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 2517By 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 2518this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
1726 2531
1727=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb) 2532=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb)
1728 2533
1729Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher, 2534Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher,
1730and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member 2535and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member
1731definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.v> header file for 2536definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
1732their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 2537their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
1733avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 2538avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
1734method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 2539method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2540
2541=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
2542
2543If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of
2544exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
2545all public symbols, one per line:
2546
2547 Symbols.ev for libev proper
2548 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
2549
2550This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
2551multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
2552itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this).
2553
2554A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
2555include before including F<ev.h>:
2556
2557 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
2558
2559This would create a file F<wrap.h> which essentially looks like this:
2560
2561 #define ev_backend myprefix_ev_backend
2562 #define ev_check_start myprefix_ev_check_start
2563 #define ev_check_stop myprefix_ev_check_stop
2564 ...
1735 2565
1736=head2 EXAMPLES 2566=head2 EXAMPLES
1737 2567
1738For a real-world example of a program the includes libev 2568For a real-world example of a program the includes libev
1739verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module 2569verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module
1742interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file 2572interface) 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 2573will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header
1744file. 2574file.
1745 2575
1746The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 2576The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
1747that everybody includes and which overrides some autoconf choices: 2577that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
1748 2578
2579 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
1749 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 2580 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
1750 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 2581 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
1751 #define EV_PERIODICS 0 2582 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2583 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2584 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
1752 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 2585 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2586 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2587 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
1753 2588
1754 #include "ev++.h" 2589 #include "ev++.h"
1755 2590
1756And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 2591And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
1757 2592
1763 2598
1764In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 2599In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
1765libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 2600libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
1766documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 2601documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
1767 2602
2603All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
2604extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
2605happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
2606mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
2607it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
2608
1768=over 4 2609=over 4
1769 2610
1770=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 2611=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
1771 2612
2613This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
2614there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
2615have to skip those 100 watchers.
2616
1772=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 2617=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
1773 2618
2619That means that for changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
2620as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
2621
1774=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 2622=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)
1775 2623
2624These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
1776=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 2625=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)
1777 2626
1778=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % 16)) 2627=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2628
2629These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
2630correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2631have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
1779 2632
1780=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 2633=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1)
1781 2634
1782=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 2635=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
1783 2636
2637A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2638libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel).
2639
1784=item Activating one watcher: O(1) 2640=item Activating one watcher: O(1)
1785 2641
2642=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2643
2644Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2645priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2646linearly search all the priorities.
2647
1786=back 2648=back
1787 2649
1788 2650
1789=head1 AUTHOR 2651=head1 AUTHOR
1790 2652

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