ViewVC Help
View File | Revision Log | Show Annotations | Download File
/cvs/libev/ev.pod
(Generate patch)

Comparing libev/ev.pod (file contents):
Revision 1.48 by root, Tue Nov 27 08:11:52 2007 UTC vs.
Revision 1.99 by root, Sat Dec 22 06:16:36 2007 UTC

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
565received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 710received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as
566many 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
567(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
568C<ev_loop> from blocking). 713C<ev_loop> from blocking).
569 714
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
570=item C<EV_ERROR> 724=item C<EV_ERROR>
571 725
572An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 726An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might
573happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 727happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
574ran 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
645=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher) 799=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
646 800
647Returns 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
648events 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
649is 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
650C<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
651libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 805make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
806it).
652 807
653=item callback = ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 808=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
654 809
655Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 810Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
656 811
657=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 812=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
658 813
659Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 814Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
660(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>.
661 856
662=back 857=back
663 858
664 859
665=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 860=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
686 { 881 {
687 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 882 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
688 ... 883 ...
689 } 884 }
690 885
691More interesting and less C-conformant ways of catsing your callback type 886More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
692have 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 }
693 917
694 918
695=head1 WATCHER TYPES 919=head1 WATCHER TYPES
696 920
697This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 921This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
742it 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
743C<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.
744 968
745If 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
746play 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
747wether 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
748such 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
749its 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
750 1020
751=over 4 1021=over 4
752 1022
753=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1023=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
754 1024
766 1036
767The events being watched. 1037The events being watched.
768 1038
769=back 1039=back
770 1040
771Example: call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1041Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
772readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1042readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
773attempt to read a whole line in the callback: 1043attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
774 1044
775 static void 1045 static void
776 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)
777 { 1047 {
778 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1048 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
808 1078
809The 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,
810but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1080but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
811order of execution is undefined. 1081order of execution is undefined.
812 1082
1083=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1084
813=over 4 1085=over 4
814 1086
815=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)
816 1088
817=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)
830=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1102=item ev_timer_again (loop)
831 1103
832This 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
833repeating. The exact semantics are: 1105repeating. The exact semantics are:
834 1106
1107If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1108
835If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it. 1109If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
836 1110
837If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat 1111If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
838value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value. 1112C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
839 1113
840This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1114This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
841example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called 1115example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle
842idle timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, 1116timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
843say, 60 seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do 1117seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
844this is to configure an C<ev_timer> with C<after>=C<repeat>=C<60> and calling 1118configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
845C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If 1119C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
846you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the 1120you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
847socket, you can stop the timer, and again will automatically restart it if 1121socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
848need be. 1122automatically restart it if need be.
849 1123
850You can also ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start> altogether 1124That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
851and only ever use the C<repeat> value: 1125altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
852 1126
853 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.); 1127 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
854 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1128 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
855 ... 1129 ...
856 timer->again = 17.; 1130 timer->again = 17.;
857 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1131 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
858 ... 1132 ...
859 timer->again = 10.; 1133 timer->again = 10.;
860 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1134 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
861 1135
862This is more efficient then stopping/starting the timer eahc time you want 1136This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
863to modify its timeout value. 1137you want to modify its timeout value.
864 1138
865=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1139=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
866 1140
867The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1141The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
868or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any), 1142or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
869which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1143which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
870 1144
871=back 1145=back
872 1146
873Example: create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1147Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
874 1148
875 static void 1149 static void
876 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)
877 { 1151 {
878 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1152 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
880 1154
881 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1155 struct ev_timer mytimer;
882 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1156 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
883 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1157 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
884 1158
885Example: create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1159Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
886inactivity. 1160inactivity.
887 1161
888 static void 1162 static void
889 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)
890 { 1164 {
910but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1184but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
911to 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
912periodic 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 ()
913+ 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
914take 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
915roughly 10 seconds later and of course not if you reset your system time 1189roughly 10 seconds later).
916again).
917 1190
918They 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
919triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 1192triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated,
1193rules.
920 1194
921As 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
922time (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
923during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1197during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
924 1198
1199=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1200
925=over 4 1201=over 4
926 1202
927=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)
928 1204
929=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)
931Lots 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
932operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1208operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
933 1209
934=over 4 1210=over 4
935 1211
936=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1212=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
937 1213
938In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1214In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time
939C<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,
940that 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
941system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1217system time reaches or surpasses this time.
942 1218
943=item * non-repeating interval timer (interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1219=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
944 1220
945In 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
946C<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)
947of any time jumps. 1223and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
948 1224
949This 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
950time: 1226time:
951 1227
952 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1228 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
958 1234
959Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1235Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
960C<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
961time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1237time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
962 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
963=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 1243=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
964 1244
965In 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
966ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1246ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
967reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1247reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
968current time as second argument. 1248current time as second argument.
969 1249
970NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1250NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
971ever, 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,
972return 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
973starting a prepare watcher). 1253starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
974 1254
975Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1255Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,
976ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1256ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
977 1257
978 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)
1001Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1281Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1002when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1282when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1003a 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
1004program when the crontabs have changed). 1284program when the crontabs have changed).
1005 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
1006=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 1294=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1007 1295
1008The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1296The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1009take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being 1297take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1010called. 1298called.
1013 1301
1014The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1302The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1015switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1303switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1016the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1304the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1017 1305
1306=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1307
1308When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1309trigger next.
1310
1018=back 1311=back
1019 1312
1020Example: call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1313Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1021system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1314system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1022potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1315potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability.
1023 1316
1024 static void 1317 static void
1025 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)
1029 1322
1030 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1323 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1031 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1324 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1032 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1325 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1033 1326
1034Example: 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:
1035 1328
1036 #include <math.h> 1329 #include <math.h>
1037 1330
1038 static ev_tstamp 1331 static ev_tstamp
1039 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1332 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1041 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1334 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;
1042 } 1335 }
1043 1336
1044 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);
1045 1338
1046Example: call a callback every hour, starting now: 1339Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1047 1340
1048 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1341 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1049 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1342 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1050 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1343 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1051 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1344 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1063with 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
1064as 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
1065watcher 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
1066SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1359SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1067 1360
1361=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1362
1068=over 4 1363=over 4
1069 1364
1070=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 1365=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
1071 1366
1072=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum) 1367=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)
1083 1378
1084=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1379=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1085 1380
1086Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1381Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1087some 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
1088 1385
1089=over 4 1386=over 4
1090 1387
1091=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 1388=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid)
1092 1389
1112The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems 1409The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1113C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details). 1410C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1114 1411
1115=back 1412=back
1116 1413
1117Example: try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1414Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1118 1415
1119 static void 1416 static void
1120 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)
1121 { 1418 {
1122 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1419 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1137not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 1434not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1138not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is 1435not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is
1139otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of 1436otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of
1140the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 1437the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1141 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
1142Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 1442Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply
1143calls C<stat (2)> regulalry on the path to see if it changed somehow. You 1443calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You
1144can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify 1444can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify
1145a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 1445a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,
1146unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around 1446unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around
1147five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also 1447five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also
1148impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats 1448impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats
1150 1450
1151This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 1451This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1152as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1452as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1153resource-intensive. 1453resource-intensive.
1154 1454
1155At the time of this writing, no specific OS backends are implemented, but 1455At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1156if demand increases, at least a kqueue and inotify backend will be added. 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
1157 1464
1158=over 4 1465=over 4
1159 1466
1160=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval) 1467=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1161 1468
1225 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1532 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1226 1533
1227 1534
1228=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...
1229 1536
1230Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1537Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1231(prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count). That is, as long 1538priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
1232as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1539count).
1233imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1540
1234watchers 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
1235until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1545iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1236busy. 1546and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
1237 1547
1238The 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
1239active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1549active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
1240 1550
1241Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1551Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1242effect 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
1243"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 1553"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
1244event loop has handled all outstanding events. 1554event loop has handled all outstanding events.
1245 1555
1556=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1557
1246=over 4 1558=over 4
1247 1559
1248=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1560=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1249 1561
1250Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any 1562Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any
1251kind. 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,
1252believe me. 1564believe me.
1253 1565
1254=back 1566=back
1255 1567
1256Example: dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle>, start it, and in the 1568Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1257callback, free it. Alos, use no error checking, as usual. 1569callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1258 1570
1259 static void 1571 static void
1260 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)
1261 { 1573 {
1262 free (w); 1574 free (w);
1307with 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
1308of 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
1309loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 1621loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1310low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 1622low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1311 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
1312=over 4 1636=over 4
1313 1637
1314=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1638=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
1315 1639
1316=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1640=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1319parameters 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>
1320macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1644macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1321 1645
1322=back 1646=back
1323 1647
1324Example: 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
1325and 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,
1326in 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
1327pseudo-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.
1328 1660
1329 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1661 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1330 static ev_timer tw; 1662 static ev_timer tw;
1331 1663
1332 static void 1664 static void
1333 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1665 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1334 { 1666 {
1335 // set the relevant poll flags
1336 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1337 struct pollfd *fd = (struct pollfd *)w->data;
1338 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1339 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1340 } 1667 }
1341 1668
1342 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1669 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1343 static void 1670 static void
1344 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1671 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1345 { 1672 {
1346 int timeout = 3600000;truct pollfd fds [nfd]; 1673 int timeout = 3600000;
1674 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1347 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 1675 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1348 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 1676 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1349 1677
1350 /* 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 */
1351 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1679 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1352 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 1680 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1353 1681
1354 // create on ev_io per pollfd 1682 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1355 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1683 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1356 { 1684 {
1357 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 1685 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1358 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 1686 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1359 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 1687 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1360 1688
1361 fds [i].revents = 0; 1689 fds [i].revents = 0;
1362 iow [i].data = fds + i;
1363 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 1690 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1364 } 1691 }
1365 } 1692 }
1366 1693
1367 // stop all watchers after blocking 1694 // stop all watchers after blocking
1369 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 1696 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1370 { 1697 {
1371 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 1698 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1372 1699
1373 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
1374 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 1710 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1711 }
1375 1712
1376 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;
1377 } 1773 }
1378 1774
1379 1775
1380=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 1776=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1381 1777
1382This 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
1383into 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
1384loop, 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
1385fashion and must not be used). 1781fashion and must not be used). (See portability notes, below).
1386 1782
1387There 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
1388prioritise I/O. 1784prioritise I/O.
1389 1785
1390As 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
1445 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 1841 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1446 } 1842 }
1447 else 1843 else
1448 loop_lo = loop_hi; 1844 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1449 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
1450=over 4 1864=over 4
1451 1865
1452=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)
1453 1867
1454=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)
1463 1877
1464Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 1878Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1465similarly 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
1466apropriate way for embedded loops. 1880apropriate way for embedded loops.
1467 1881
1468=item struct ev_loop *loop [read-only] 1882=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
1469 1883
1470The embedded event loop. 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.
1471 1908
1472=back 1909=back
1473 1910
1474 1911
1475=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 1912=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
1564 2001
1565To use it, 2002To use it,
1566 2003
1567 #include <ev++.h> 2004 #include <ev++.h>
1568 2005
1569(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
1570and puts all of its definitions (many of them macros) into the global 2007of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1571namespace. 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>.
1572 2010
1573It 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++
1574C<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).
1575 2021
1576Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 2022Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1577 2023
1578=over 4 2024=over 4
1579 2025
1595 2041
1596All of those classes have these methods: 2042All of those classes have these methods:
1597 2043
1598=over 4 2044=over 4
1599 2045
1600=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *) 2046=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1601 2047
1602=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *, struct ev_loop *) 2048=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1603 2049
1604=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 2050=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1605 2051
1606The constructor takes a pointer to an object and a method pointer to 2052The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1607the event handler callback to call in this class. The constructor calls 2053with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
1608C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the C<set> method 2054
1609before 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
1610automatically 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).
1611 2063
1612The 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> ();
1613 2104
1614=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2105=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1615 2106
1616Associates 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
1617do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2108do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1618 2109
1619=item w->set ([args]) 2110=item w->set ([args])
1620 2111
1621Basically 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
1622called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 2113called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1623automatically stopped and restarted. 2114automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2115method.
1624 2116
1625=item w->start () 2117=item w->start ()
1626 2118
1627Starts 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
1628constructor already takes the loop. 2120constructor already stores the event loop.
1629 2121
1630=item w->stop () 2122=item w->stop ()
1631 2123
1632Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 2124Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1633 2125
1634=item w->again () C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only 2126=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
1635 2127
1636For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding 2128For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding
1637C<ev_TYPE_again> function. 2129C<ev_TYPE_again> function.
1638 2130
1639=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only 2131=item w->sweep () (C<ev::embed> only)
1640 2132
1641Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>. 2133Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
2134
2135=item w->update () (C<ev::stat> only)
2136
2137Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
1642 2138
1643=back 2139=back
1644 2140
1645=back 2141=back
1646 2142
1654 2150
1655 myclass (); 2151 myclass ();
1656 } 2152 }
1657 2153
1658 myclass::myclass (int fd) 2154 myclass::myclass (int fd)
1659 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb),
1660 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb)
1661 { 2155 {
2156 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2157 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2158
1662 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2159 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
1663 } 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);
1664 2223
1665=head1 EMBEDDING 2224=head1 EMBEDDING
1666 2225
1667Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2226Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1668applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2227applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1669Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe) 2228Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe)
1670and rxvt-unicode. 2229and rxvt-unicode.
1671 2230
1672The 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
1673source 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
1674you 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
1675libev somewhere in your source tree). 2234libev somewhere in your source tree).
1676 2235
1677=head2 FILESETS 2236=head2 FILESETS
1708 ev_vars.h 2267 ev_vars.h
1709 ev_wrap.h 2268 ev_wrap.h
1710 2269
1711 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2270 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1712 2271
1713 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)
1714 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)
1715 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)
1716 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)
1717 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)
1718 2277
1767 2326
1768If 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
1769monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 2328monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use
1770of 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
1771usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2330usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
1772the functionality isn't available is safe, though, althoguh you have 2331the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
1773to 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>
1774function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2333function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
1775 2334
1776=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2335=item EV_USE_REALTIME
1777 2336
1778If 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
1779realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2338realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at
1780runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2339runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will
1781be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2340be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
1782(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See tzhe note about libraries 2341(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
1783in 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 ()>.
1784 2348
1785=item EV_USE_SELECT 2349=item EV_USE_SELECT
1786 2350
1787If 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
1788C<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
1843 2407
1844=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 2408=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
1845 2409
1846reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 2410reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
1847 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
1848=item EV_H 2418=item EV_H
1849 2419
1850The 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
1851undefined 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
1852can 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.
1875will 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
1876additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 2446additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
1877for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 2447for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
1878argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 2448argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
1879 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
1880=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 2467=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
1881 2468
1882If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 2469If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
1883defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 2470defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
1884code. 2471code.
1885 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
1886=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 2479=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
1887 2480
1888If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If 2481If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
1889defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 2482defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
1890 2483
1891=item EV_STAT_ENABLE 2484=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
1892 2485
1893If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If 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
1894defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 2492defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
1895 2493
1896=item EV_MINIMAL 2494=item EV_MINIMAL
1897 2495
1898If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 2496If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
1899speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override 2497speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override
1900some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64. 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).
1901 2514
1902=item EV_COMMON 2515=item EV_COMMON
1903 2516
1904By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 2517By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
1905this 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
1918 2531
1919=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb) 2532=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb)
1920 2533
1921Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher, 2534Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher,
1922and 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
1923definition 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
1924their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 2537their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
1925avoid 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
1926method 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 ...
1927 2565
1928=head2 EXAMPLES 2566=head2 EXAMPLES
1929 2567
1930For a real-world example of a program the includes libev 2568For a real-world example of a program the includes libev
1931verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module 2569verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module
1934interface) 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
1935will 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
1936file. 2574file.
1937 2575
1938The 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
1939that everybody includes and which overrides some autoconf choices: 2577that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
1940 2578
2579 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
1941 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 2580 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
1942 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 2581 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
1943 #define EV_PERIODICS 0 2582 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2583 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2584 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
1944 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 2585 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2586 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2587 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
1945 2588
1946 #include "ev++.h" 2589 #include "ev++.h"
1947 2590
1948And 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:
1949 2592
1955 2598
1956In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 2599In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
1957libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 2600libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
1958documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 2601documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
1959 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
1960=over 4 2609=over 4
1961 2610
1962=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)
1963 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
1964=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)
1965 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
1966=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 2622=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)
1967 2623
2624These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
1968=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 2625=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)
1969 2626
1970=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).
1971 2632
1972=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 2633=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1)
1973 2634
1974=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)
1975 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
1976=item Activating one watcher: O(1) 2640=item Activating one watcher: O(1)
1977 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
1978=back 2648=back
1979 2649
1980 2650
1981=head1 AUTHOR 2651=head1 AUTHOR
1982 2652

Diff Legend

Removed lines
+ Added lines
< Changed lines
> Changed lines