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4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
8 8
9=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10
11 #include <ev.h>
12
13 ev_io stdin_watcher;
14 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
15
16 /* called when data readable on stdin */
17 static void
18 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents)
19 {
20 /* puts ("stdin ready"); */
21 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); /* just a syntax example */
22 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); /* leave all loop calls */
23 }
24
25 static void
26 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
27 {
28 /* puts ("timeout"); */
29 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); /* leave one loop call */
30 }
31
32 int
33 main (void)
34 {
35 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
36
37 /* initialise an io watcher, then start it */
38 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
39 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
40
41 /* simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout */
42 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
43 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
44
45 /* loop till timeout or data ready */
46 ev_loop (loop, 0);
47
48 return 0;
49 }
50
9=head1 DESCRIPTION 51=head1 DESCRIPTION
10 52
53The newest version of this document is also available as a html-formatted
54web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
55time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>.
56
11Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 57Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
12file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage 58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
13these event sources and provide your program with events. 59these event sources and provide your program with events.
14 60
15To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process 61To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process
16(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then 62(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then
17communicate events via a callback mechanism. 63communicate events via a callback mechanism.
21details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the 67details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the
22watcher. 68watcher.
23 69
24=head1 FEATURES 70=head1 FEATURES
25 71
26Libev supports select, poll, the linux-specific epoll and the bsd-specific 72Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
27kqueue mechanisms for file descriptor events, relative timers, absolute 73BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
28timers with customised rescheduling, signal events, process status change 74for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
29events (related to SIGCHLD), and event watchers dealing with the event 75(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers
30loop mechanism itself (idle, prepare and check watchers). It also is quite 76with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals
77(C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and event
78watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>,
79C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as
80file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events
81(C<ev_fork>).
82
83It also is quite fast (see this
31fast (see this L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing 84L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
32it to libevent for example). 85for example).
33 86
34=head1 CONVENTIONS 87=head1 CONVENTIONS
35 88
36Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration 89Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will
37will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info 90be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about
38about various configuration options please have a look at the file 91various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in
39F<README.embed> in the libev distribution. If libev was configured without 92this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event
40support for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial 93loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop>
41argument of name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) 94(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument.
42will not have this argument.
43 95
44=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION 96=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION
45 97
46Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 98Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
47(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 99(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
48the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 100the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
49called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 101called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
50to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 102to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
51it, you should treat it as such. 103it, you should treat it as some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name
52 104component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
105throughout libev.
53 106
54=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 107=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
55 108
56These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 109These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
57library in any way. 110library in any way.
62 115
63Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 116Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
64C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp 117C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
65you actually want to know. 118you actually want to know.
66 119
120=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
121
122Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
123either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
124this is a subsecond-resolution C<sleep ()>.
125
67=item int ev_version_major () 126=item int ev_version_major ()
68 127
69=item int ev_version_minor () 128=item int ev_version_minor ()
70 129
71You can find out the major and minor version numbers of the library 130You can find out the major and minor ABI version numbers of the library
72you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and 131you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and
73C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global 132C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global
74symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the 133symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the
75version of the library your program was compiled against. 134version of the library your program was compiled against.
76 135
136These version numbers refer to the ABI version of the library, not the
137release version.
138
77Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch, 139Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch,
78as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 140as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
79compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 141compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
80not a problem. 142not a problem.
81 143
82Example: make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 144Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
83version: 145version.
84 146
85 assert (("libev version mismatch", 147 assert (("libev version mismatch",
86 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 148 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
87 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 149 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
88 150
118 180
119See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 181See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
120 182
121=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 183=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
122 184
123Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar to the 185Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
124realloc C function, the semantics are identical). It is used to allocate 186semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to
125and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when memory 187allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when
126needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some potentially 188memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some
127destructive action. The default is your system realloc function. 189potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc
190function.
128 191
129You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 192You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
130free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 193free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
131or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 194or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
132 195
133Example: replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 196Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
134retries: better than mine). 197retries).
135 198
136 static void * 199 static void *
137 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, long size) 200 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
138 { 201 {
139 for (;;) 202 for (;;)
140 { 203 {
141 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size); 204 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size);
142 205
158callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 221callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no
159matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 222matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
160requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 223requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
161(such as abort). 224(such as abort).
162 225
163Example: do the same thing as libev does internally: 226Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
164 227
165 static void 228 static void
166 fatal_error (const char *msg) 229 fatal_error (const char *msg)
167 { 230 {
168 perror (msg); 231 perror (msg);
218C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 281C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
219override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 282override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
220useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 283useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
221around bugs. 284around bugs.
222 285
286=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
287
288Instead of calling C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork> manually after
289a fork, you can also make libev check for a fork in each iteration by
290enabling this flag.
291
292This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
293and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
294iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
295Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
296without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my Linux system also has
297C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
298
299The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
300forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
301flag.
302
303This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
304environment variable.
305
223=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 306=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
224 307
225This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 308This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
226libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 309libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
227but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 310but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
236lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, i.e. O(total_fds). 319lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, i.e. O(total_fds).
237 320
238=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 321=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
239 322
240For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 323For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
241but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like 324but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
242O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), epoll scales 325like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
243either O(1) or O(active_fds). 326epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number
327of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
328cases and rewiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad
329support for dup:
244 330
245While stopping and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration will 331While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
246result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 332will result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident
247(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 333(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
248best to avoid that. Also, dup()ed file descriptors might not work very 334best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
249well if you register events for both fds. 335very well if you register events for both fds.
250 336
251Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 337Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
252need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data 338need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
253(or space) is available. 339(or space) is available.
254 340
255=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 341=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
256 342
257Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 343Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
258was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work with 344was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably
259anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course its 345with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
260completely useless). For this reason its not being "autodetected" 346it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected"
261unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 347unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using
262C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>). 348C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
349system like NetBSD.
350
351You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
352only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
353the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
263 354
264It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 355It 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 356kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
266course). While starting and stopping an I/O watcher does not cause an 357course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
267extra syscall as with epoll, it still adds up to four event changes per 358cause an extra syscall as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
268incident, so its best to avoid that. 359two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it
360drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
269 361
270=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 362=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
271 363
272This is not implemented yet (and might never be). 364This is not implemented yet (and might never be).
273 365
274=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 366=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
275 367
276This uses the Solaris 10 port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 368This 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)). 369it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
278 370
279Please note that solaris ports can result in a lot of spurious 371Please 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 372notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
281blocking when no data (or space) is available. 373blocking when no data (or space) is available.
282 374
283=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 375=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
284 376
314Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 406Similar 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 407always 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 408handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
317undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 409undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
318 410
319Example: try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 411Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
320 412
321 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 413 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
322 if (!epoller) 414 if (!epoller)
323 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 415 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
324 416
327Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 419Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
328etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 420etc.). 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 421sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
330responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 422responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before>
331calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 423calling 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 424the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
333for example). 425for example).
426
427Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by
428this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers)
429would need to be stopped manually.
430
431In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the
432rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling
433pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
434C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).
334 435
335=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 436=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
336 437
337Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 438Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
338earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 439earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
362 463
363Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 464Like 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 465C<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. 466after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
366 467
468=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
469
470Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
471the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
472happily wraps around with enough iterations.
473
474This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
475"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
476C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls.
477
367=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 478=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
368 479
369Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 480Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
370use. 481use.
371 482
373 484
374Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop 485Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop
375received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 486received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
376change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 487change 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 488time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
378event occuring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 489event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
379 490
380=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 491=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
381 492
382Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 493Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
383after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 494after 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 515libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
405usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 516usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
406 517
407Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 518Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
408 519
520 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
409 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 521 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return.
410 - Queue prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 522 - Queue all prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers.
411 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 523 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
412 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 524 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
413 - Update the "event loop time". 525 - Update the "event loop time".
414 - Calculate for how long to block. 526 - Calculate for how long to block.
415 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 527 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
423 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 535 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
424 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 536 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
425 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 537 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
426 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *. 538 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *.
427 539
428Example: queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding 540Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding
429anymore. 541anymore.
430 542
431 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 543 ... 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..) 544 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
433 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 545 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
453visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 565visible 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 566no 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 567way 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>. 568libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>.
457 569
458Example: create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 570Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
459running when nothing else is active. 571running when nothing else is active.
460 572
461 struct dv_signal exitsig; 573 struct ev_signal exitsig;
462 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 574 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
463 ev_signal_start (myloop, &exitsig); 575 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
464 evf_unref (myloop); 576 evf_unref (loop);
465 577
466Example: for some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 578Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
467 579
468 ev_ref (myloop); 580 ev_ref (loop);
469 ev_signal_stop (myloop, &exitsig); 581 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
582
583=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
584
585=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
586
587These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
588for events. Both are by default C<0>, meaning that libev will try to
589invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency.
590
591Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>)
592allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks to
593increase efficiency of loop iterations.
594
595The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to
596handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes
597the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
598events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
599overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
600
601By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
602time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
603at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
604C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null bvalue will
605introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations.
606
607Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
608to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
609latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers
610will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce
611any overhead in libev.
612
613Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect
614interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
615interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
616usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
617as this approsaches the timing granularity of most systems.
470 618
471=back 619=back
472 620
473 621
474=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 622=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
565received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 713received 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 714many 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 715(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep
568C<ev_loop> from blocking). 716C<ev_loop> from blocking).
569 717
718=item C<EV_EMBED>
719
720The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
721
722=item C<EV_FORK>
723
724The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
725C<ev_fork>).
726
570=item C<EV_ERROR> 727=item C<EV_ERROR>
571 728
572An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 729An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might
573happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 730happen 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 731ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
645=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher) 802=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
646 803
647Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding 804Returns 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 805events 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 806is 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 807C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
651libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 808make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
809it).
652 810
653=item callback = ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 811=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
654 812
655Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 813Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
656 814
657=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 815=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
658 816
659Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 817Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
660(modulo threads). 818(modulo threads).
819
820=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority)
821
822=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
823
824Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
825integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
826(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
827before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
828from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
829
830This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
831invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
832example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
833watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
834
835If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
836you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
837
838You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
839pending.
840
841The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
842always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
843
844Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
845fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
846or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
847
848=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
849
850Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
851C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
852can deal with that fact.
853
854=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
855
856If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status
857and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
858watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
661 859
662=back 860=back
663 861
664 862
665=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 863=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
686 { 884 {
687 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 885 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
688 ... 886 ...
689 } 887 }
690 888
691More interesting and less C-conformant ways of catsing your callback type 889More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
692have been omitted.... 890instead have been omitted.
891
892Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple
893watchers:
894
895 struct my_biggy
896 {
897 int some_data;
898 ev_timer t1;
899 ev_timer t2;
900 }
901
902In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated,
903you need to use C<offsetof>:
904
905 #include <stddef.h>
906
907 static void
908 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
909 {
910 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
911 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
912 }
913
914 static void
915 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
916 {
917 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
918 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
919 }
693 920
694 921
695=head1 WATCHER TYPES 922=head1 WATCHER TYPES
696 923
697This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 924This 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 969it 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. 970C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
744 971
745If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 972If 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 973play 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 974whether 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 975such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
749its own, so its quite safe to use). 976its own, so its quite safe to use).
977
978=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
979
980Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
981descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means,
982such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
983descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
984this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
985registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
986fact, a different file descriptor.
987
988To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows
989the following policy: Each time C<ev_io_set> is being called, libev
990will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise
991it is assumed that the file descriptor stays the same. That means that
992you I<have> to call C<ev_io_set> (or C<ev_io_init>) when you change the
993descriptor even if the file descriptor number itself did not change.
994
995This is how one would do it normally anyway, the important point is that
996the libev application should not optimise around libev but should leave
997optimisations to libev.
998
999=head3 The special problem of dup'ed file descriptors
1000
1001Some backends (e.g. epoll), cannot register events for file descriptors,
1002but only events for the underlying file descriptions. That menas when you
1003have C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors and register events for them, only one
1004file descriptor might actually receive events.
1005
1006There is no workaorund possible except not registering events
1007for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors or to resort to
1008C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1009
1010=head3 The special problem of fork
1011
1012Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit
1013useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about
1014it in the child.
1015
1016To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
1017C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,
1018enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1019C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1020
1021
1022=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
750 1023
751=over 4 1024=over 4
752 1025
753=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1026=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
754 1027
766 1039
767The events being watched. 1040The events being watched.
768 1041
769=back 1042=back
770 1043
771Example: call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1044Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
772readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1045readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
773attempt to read a whole line in the callback: 1046attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
774 1047
775 static void 1048 static void
776 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1049 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
777 { 1050 {
778 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1051 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
808 1081
809The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1082The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed,
810but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1083but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
811order of execution is undefined. 1084order of execution is undefined.
812 1085
1086=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1087
813=over 4 1088=over 4
814 1089
815=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1090=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
816 1091
817=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1092=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
830=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1105=item ev_timer_again (loop)
831 1106
832This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1107This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
833repeating. The exact semantics are: 1108repeating. The exact semantics are:
834 1109
1110If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1111
835If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it. 1112If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
836 1113
837If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat 1114If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
838value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value. 1115C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
839 1116
840This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1117This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
841example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called 1118example: 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, 1119timeout, 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 1120seconds 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 1121configure 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 1122C<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 1123you 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 1124socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
848need be. 1125automatically restart it if need be.
849 1126
850You can also ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start> altogether 1127That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
851and only ever use the C<repeat> value: 1128altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
852 1129
853 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.); 1130 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
854 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1131 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
855 ... 1132 ...
856 timer->again = 17.; 1133 timer->again = 17.;
857 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1134 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
858 ... 1135 ...
859 timer->again = 10.; 1136 timer->again = 10.;
860 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1137 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
861 1138
862This is more efficient then stopping/starting the timer eahc time you want 1139This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
863to modify its timeout value. 1140you want to modify its timeout value.
864 1141
865=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1142=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
866 1143
867The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1144The 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), 1145or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
869which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1146which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
870 1147
871=back 1148=back
872 1149
873Example: create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1150Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
874 1151
875 static void 1152 static void
876 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1153 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
877 { 1154 {
878 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1155 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
880 1157
881 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1158 struct ev_timer mytimer;
882 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1159 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
883 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1160 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
884 1161
885Example: create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1162Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
886inactivity. 1163inactivity.
887 1164
888 static void 1165 static void
889 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1166 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
890 { 1167 {
910but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1187but 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 1188to 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 () 1189periodic 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 1190+ 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 1191take 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 1192roughly 10 seconds later).
916again).
917 1193
918They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1194They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as
919triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 1195triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated,
1196rules.
920 1197
921As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1198As 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 1199time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
923during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1200during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
924 1201
1202=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1203
925=over 4 1204=over 4
926 1205
927=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1206=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
928 1207
929=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1208=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 1210Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
932operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1211operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
933 1212
934=over 4 1213=over 4
935 1214
936=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1215=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
937 1216
938In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1217In 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, 1218C<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 1219that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the
941system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1220system time reaches or surpasses this time.
942 1221
943=item * non-repeating interval timer (interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1222=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
944 1223
945In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1224In 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 1225C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
947of any time jumps. 1226and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
948 1227
949This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1228This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system
950time: 1229time:
951 1230
952 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1231 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
958 1237
959Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1238Another 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 1239C<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. 1240time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
962 1241
1242For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1243C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1244this value.
1245
963=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 1246=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
964 1247
965In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1248In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
966ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1249ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
967reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1250reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
968current time as second argument. 1251current time as second argument.
969 1252
970NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1253NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
971ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1254ever, 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 1255return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
973starting a prepare watcher). 1256starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
974 1257
975Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1258Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,
976ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1259ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
977 1260
978 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1261 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1001Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1284Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1002when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1285when 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 1286a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1004program when the crontabs have changed). 1287program when the crontabs have changed).
1005 1288
1289=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1290
1291When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1292absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1293
1294Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1295timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1296
1006=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 1297=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1007 1298
1008The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1299The 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 1300take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1010called. 1301called.
1013 1304
1014The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1305The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1015switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1306switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1016the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1307the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1017 1308
1309=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1310
1311When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1312trigger next.
1313
1018=back 1314=back
1019 1315
1020Example: call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1316Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1021system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1317system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1022potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1318potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability.
1023 1319
1024 static void 1320 static void
1025 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1321 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1029 1325
1030 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1326 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1031 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1327 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1032 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1328 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1033 1329
1034Example: the same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1330Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1035 1331
1036 #include <math.h> 1332 #include <math.h>
1037 1333
1038 static ev_tstamp 1334 static ev_tstamp
1039 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1335 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1041 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1337 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;
1042 } 1338 }
1043 1339
1044 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1340 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1045 1341
1046Example: call a callback every hour, starting now: 1342Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1047 1343
1048 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1344 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1049 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1345 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1050 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1346 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1051 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1347 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1063with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1359with 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 1360as 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 1361watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
1066SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1362SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1067 1363
1364=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1365
1068=over 4 1366=over 4
1069 1367
1070=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 1368=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
1071 1369
1072=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum) 1370=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)
1083 1381
1084=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1382=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1085 1383
1086Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1384Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1087some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1385some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies).
1386
1387=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1088 1388
1089=over 4 1389=over 4
1090 1390
1091=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 1391=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid)
1092 1392
1112The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems 1412The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1113C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details). 1413C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1114 1414
1115=back 1415=back
1116 1416
1117Example: try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1417Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1118 1418
1119 static void 1419 static void
1120 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1420 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1121 { 1421 {
1122 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1422 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1137not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 1437not 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 1438not 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 1439otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of
1140the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 1440the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1141 1441
1442The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1443relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1444
1142Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 1445Since 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 1446calls 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 1447can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify
1145a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 1448a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,
1146unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around 1449unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around
1147five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also 1450five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also
1148impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats 1451impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats
1150 1453
1151This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 1454This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1152as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1455as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1153resource-intensive. 1456resource-intensive.
1154 1457
1155At the time of this writing, no specific OS backends are implemented, but 1458At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1156if demand increases, at least a kqueue and inotify backend will be added. 1459implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the
1460reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the
1461semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
1462to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1463usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1464polling.
1465
1466=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1157 1467
1158=over 4 1468=over 4
1159 1469
1160=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval) 1470=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1161 1471
1225 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1535 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1226 1536
1227 1537
1228=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1538=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1229 1539
1230Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1540Idle 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 1541priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
1232as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1542count).
1233imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1543
1234watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration - 1544That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1545(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1546triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1547are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1235until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1548iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1236busy. 1549and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
1237 1550
1238The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 1551The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
1239active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1552active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
1240 1553
1241Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1554Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1242effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do 1555effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do
1243"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 1556"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
1244event loop has handled all outstanding events. 1557event loop has handled all outstanding events.
1245 1558
1559=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1560
1246=over 4 1561=over 4
1247 1562
1248=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1563=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1249 1564
1250Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any 1565Initialises 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, 1566kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1252believe me. 1567believe me.
1253 1568
1254=back 1569=back
1255 1570
1256Example: dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle>, start it, and in the 1571Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1257callback, free it. Alos, use no error checking, as usual. 1572callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1258 1573
1259 static void 1574 static void
1260 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1575 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1261 { 1576 {
1262 free (w); 1577 free (w);
1307with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 1622with 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 1623of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
1309loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 1624loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1310low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 1625low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1311 1626
1627It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1628priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1629after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1630too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1631supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers
1632did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other
1633(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable
1634state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to
1635coexist peacefully with others).
1636
1637=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1638
1312=over 4 1639=over 4
1313 1640
1314=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1641=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
1315 1642
1316=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1643=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1319parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 1646parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1320macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1647macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1321 1648
1322=back 1649=back
1323 1650
1324Example: To include a library such as adns, you would add IO watchers 1651There 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 1652into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1653(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1654use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib>
1655embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV
1656into the Glib event loop).
1657
1658Method 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 1659and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1327pseudo-code only of course: 1660is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1661priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1662the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1328 1663
1329 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1664 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1330 static ev_timer tw; 1665 static ev_timer tw;
1331 1666
1332 static void 1667 static void
1333 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1668 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1334 { 1669 {
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 } 1670 }
1341 1671
1342 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1672 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1343 static void 1673 static void
1344 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1674 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1345 { 1675 {
1346 int timeout = 3600000;truct pollfd fds [nfd]; 1676 int timeout = 3600000;
1677 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1347 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 1678 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1348 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 1679 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1349 1680
1350 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 1681 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1351 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1682 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1352 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 1683 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1353 1684
1354 // create on ev_io per pollfd 1685 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1355 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1686 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1356 { 1687 {
1357 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 1688 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1358 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 1689 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1359 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 1690 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1360 1691
1361 fds [i].revents = 0; 1692 fds [i].revents = 0;
1362 iow [i].data = fds + i;
1363 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 1693 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1364 } 1694 }
1365 } 1695 }
1366 1696
1367 // stop all watchers after blocking 1697 // stop all watchers after blocking
1369 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 1699 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1370 { 1700 {
1371 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 1701 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1372 1702
1373 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1703 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1704 {
1705 // set the relevant poll flags
1706 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1707 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1708 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1709 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1710 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1711
1712 // now stop the watcher
1374 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 1713 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1714 }
1375 1715
1376 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 1716 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1717 }
1718
1719Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1720in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1721
1722Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1723notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1724callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1725
1726 static void
1727 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1728 {
1729 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1730 update_now (EV_A);
1731
1732 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1733 }
1734
1735 static void
1736 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1737 {
1738 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1739 update_now (EV_A);
1740
1741 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1742 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1743 }
1744
1745 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1746
1747Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1748want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override
1749their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
1750loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
1751this.
1752
1753 static gint
1754 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1755 {
1756 int got_events = 0;
1757
1758 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1759 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1760
1761 if (timeout >= 0)
1762 // create/start timer
1763
1764 // poll
1765 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1766
1767 // stop timer again
1768 if (timeout >= 0)
1769 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1770
1771 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1772 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1773 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1774
1775 return got_events;
1377 } 1776 }
1378 1777
1379 1778
1380=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 1779=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1381 1780
1445 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 1844 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1446 } 1845 }
1447 else 1846 else
1448 loop_lo = loop_hi; 1847 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1449 1848
1849=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1850
1450=over 4 1851=over 4
1451 1852
1452=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 1853=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1453 1854
1454=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 1855=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1463 1864
1464Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 1865Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1465similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 1866similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1466apropriate way for embedded loops. 1867apropriate way for embedded loops.
1467 1868
1468=item struct ev_loop *loop [read-only] 1869=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
1469 1870
1470The embedded event loop. 1871The embedded event loop.
1872
1873=back
1874
1875
1876=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
1877
1878Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
1879whoever is a good citizen cared to tell libev about it by calling
1880C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork>). The invocation is done before the
1881event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
1882and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
1883C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
1884handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
1885
1886=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1887
1888=over 4
1889
1890=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1891
1892Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
1893kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1894believe me.
1471 1895
1472=back 1896=back
1473 1897
1474 1898
1475=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 1899=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
1564 1988
1565To use it, 1989To use it,
1566 1990
1567 #include <ev++.h> 1991 #include <ev++.h>
1568 1992
1569(it is not installed by default). This automatically includes F<ev.h> 1993This 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 1994of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1571namespace. All C++ specific things are put into the C<ev> namespace. 1995put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
1996options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
1572 1997
1573It should support all the same embedding options as F<ev.h>, most notably 1998Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
1574C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 1999classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
2000that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
2001you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
2002
2003Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be
2004used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only
2005need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other
2006types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing
2007it).
1575 2008
1576Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 2009Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1577 2010
1578=over 4 2011=over 4
1579 2012
1595 2028
1596All of those classes have these methods: 2029All of those classes have these methods:
1597 2030
1598=over 4 2031=over 4
1599 2032
1600=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *) 2033=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1601 2034
1602=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *, struct ev_loop *) 2035=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1603 2036
1604=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 2037=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1605 2038
1606The constructor takes a pointer to an object and a method pointer to 2039The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1607the event handler callback to call in this class. The constructor calls 2040with. 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 2041
1609before starting it. If you do not specify a loop then the constructor 2042The constructor calls C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the
1610automatically associates the default loop with this watcher. 2043C<set> method before starting it.
2044
2045It will not set a callback, however: You have to call the templated C<set>
2046method to set a callback before you can start the watcher.
2047
2048(The reason why you have to use a method is a limitation in C++ which does
2049not allow explicit template arguments for constructors).
1611 2050
1612The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active. 2051The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active.
2052
2053=item w->set<class, &class::method> (object *)
2054
2055This method sets the callback method to call. The method has to have a
2056signature of C<void (*)(ev_TYPE &, int)>, it receives the watcher as
2057first argument and the C<revents> as second. The object must be given as
2058parameter and is stored in the C<data> member of the watcher.
2059
2060This method synthesizes efficient thunking code to call your method from
2061the C callback that libev requires. If your compiler can inline your
2062callback (i.e. it is visible to it at the place of the C<set> call and
2063your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2064thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2065
2066Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2067
2068 struct myclass
2069 {
2070 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2071 }
2072
2073 myclass obj;
2074 ev::io iow;
2075 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2076
2077=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2078
2079Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2080callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2081C<data> member and is free for you to use.
2082
2083The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2084
2085See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2086
2087Example:
2088
2089 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2090 iow.set <io_cb> ();
1613 2091
1614=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2092=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1615 2093
1616Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2094Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
1617do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2095do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1618 2096
1619=item w->set ([args]) 2097=item w->set ([args])
1620 2098
1621Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2099Basically 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 2100called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1623automatically stopped and restarted. 2101automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2102method.
1624 2103
1625=item w->start () 2104=item w->start ()
1626 2105
1627Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument as the 2106Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
1628constructor already takes the loop. 2107constructor already stores the event loop.
1629 2108
1630=item w->stop () 2109=item w->stop ()
1631 2110
1632Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 2111Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1633 2112
1634=item w->again () C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only 2113=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
1635 2114
1636For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding 2115For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding
1637C<ev_TYPE_again> function. 2116C<ev_TYPE_again> function.
1638 2117
1639=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only 2118=item w->sweep () (C<ev::embed> only)
1640 2119
1641Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>. 2120Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
1642 2121
1643=item w->update () C<ev::stat> only 2122=item w->update () (C<ev::stat> only)
1644 2123
1645Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>. 2124Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
1646 2125
1647=back 2126=back
1648 2127
1658 2137
1659 myclass (); 2138 myclass ();
1660 } 2139 }
1661 2140
1662 myclass::myclass (int fd) 2141 myclass::myclass (int fd)
1663 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb),
1664 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb)
1665 { 2142 {
2143 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2144 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2145
1666 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2146 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
1667 } 2147 }
2148
2149
2150=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2151
2152Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal
2153of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
2154functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2155
2156To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2157following macros are defined:
2158
2159=over 4
2160
2161=item C<EV_A>, C<EV_A_>
2162
2163This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2164loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
2165C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2166
2167 ev_unref (EV_A);
2168 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2169 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2170
2171It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2172which is often provided by the following macro.
2173
2174=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2175
2176This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2177loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
2178C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2179
2180 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
2181 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2182
2183 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
2184 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2185
2186It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
2187suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2188
2189=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2190
2191Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
2192loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
2193
2194=back
2195
2196Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2197macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2198or not.
2199
2200 static void
2201 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2202 {
2203 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
2204 }
2205
2206 ev_check check;
2207 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
2208 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
2209 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1668 2210
1669=head1 EMBEDDING 2211=head1 EMBEDDING
1670 2212
1671Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2213Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1672applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2214applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1673Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe) 2215Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe)
1674and rxvt-unicode. 2216and rxvt-unicode.
1675 2217
1676The goal is to enable you to just copy the neecssary files into your 2218The goal is to enable you to just copy the necessary files into your
1677source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so 2219source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so
1678you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of 2220you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of
1679libev somewhere in your source tree). 2221libev somewhere in your source tree).
1680 2222
1681=head2 FILESETS 2223=head2 FILESETS
1712 ev_vars.h 2254 ev_vars.h
1713 ev_wrap.h 2255 ev_wrap.h
1714 2256
1715 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2257 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1716 2258
1717 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is by default) 2259 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
1718 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2260 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1719 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2261 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1720 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2262 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1721 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2263 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1722 2264
1771 2313
1772If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2314If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1773monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 2315monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use
1774of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 2316of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
1775usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2317usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
1776the functionality isn't available is safe, though, althoguh you have 2318the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
1777to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 2319to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
1778function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2320function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
1779 2321
1780=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2322=item EV_USE_REALTIME
1781 2323
1782If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2324If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1783realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2325realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at
1784runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2326runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will
1785be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2327be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
1786(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See tzhe note about libraries 2328(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
1787in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 2329note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2330
2331=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2332
2333If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2334and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
1788 2335
1789=item EV_USE_SELECT 2336=item EV_USE_SELECT
1790 2337
1791If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 2338If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
1792C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 2339C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no
1847 2394
1848=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 2395=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
1849 2396
1850reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 2397reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
1851 2398
2399=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2400
2401If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2402interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2403be detected at runtime.
2404
1852=item EV_H 2405=item EV_H
1853 2406
1854The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 2407The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
1855undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This 2408undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This
1856can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 2409can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
1879will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 2432will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
1880additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 2433additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
1881for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 2434for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
1882argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 2435argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
1883 2436
2437=item EV_MINPRI
2438
2439=item EV_MAXPRI
2440
2441The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
2442C<EV_MAXPRI>, but otherwise there are no non-obvious limitations. You can
2443provide for more priorities by overriding those symbols (usually defined
2444to be C<-2> and C<2>, respectively).
2445
2446When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2447all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2448and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2449fine.
2450
2451If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2452C<0> will save some memory and cpu.
2453
1884=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 2454=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
1885 2455
1886If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 2456If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
1887defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 2457defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
1888code. 2458code.
1889 2459
2460=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE
2461
2462If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
2463defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2464code.
2465
1890=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 2466=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
1891 2467
1892If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If 2468If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
1893defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 2469defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
1894 2470
1895=item EV_STAT_ENABLE 2471=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
1896 2472
1897If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If 2473If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
2474defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2475
2476=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
2477
2478If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
1898defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 2479defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
1899 2480
1900=item EV_MINIMAL 2481=item EV_MINIMAL
1901 2482
1902If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 2483If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
1903speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override 2484speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override
1904some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64. 2485some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64.
2486
2487=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2488
2489C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2490pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2491than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to
2492increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
2493
2494=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
2495
2496C<ev_staz> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2497inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2498usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2499watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2500two).
1905 2501
1906=item EV_COMMON 2502=item EV_COMMON
1907 2503
1908By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 2504By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
1909this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 2505this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
1922 2518
1923=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb) 2519=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb)
1924 2520
1925Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher, 2521Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher,
1926and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member 2522and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member
1927definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.v> header file for 2523definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
1928their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 2524their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
1929avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 2525avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
1930method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 2526method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2527
2528=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
2529
2530If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of
2531exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
2532all public symbols, one per line:
2533
2534 Symbols.ev for libev proper
2535 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
2536
2537This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
2538multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
2539itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this).
2540
2541A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
2542include before including F<ev.h>:
2543
2544 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
2545
2546This would create a file F<wrap.h> which essentially looks like this:
2547
2548 #define ev_backend myprefix_ev_backend
2549 #define ev_check_start myprefix_ev_check_start
2550 #define ev_check_stop myprefix_ev_check_stop
2551 ...
1931 2552
1932=head2 EXAMPLES 2553=head2 EXAMPLES
1933 2554
1934For a real-world example of a program the includes libev 2555For a real-world example of a program the includes libev
1935verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module 2556verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module
1938interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file 2559interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file
1939will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header 2560will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header
1940file. 2561file.
1941 2562
1942The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 2563The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
1943that everybody includes and which overrides some autoconf choices: 2564that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
1944 2565
2566 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
1945 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 2567 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
1946 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 2568 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
1947 #define EV_PERIODICS 0 2569 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2570 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2571 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
1948 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 2572 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2573 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2574 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
1949 2575
1950 #include "ev++.h" 2576 #include "ev++.h"
1951 2577
1952And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 2578And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
1953 2579
1959 2585
1960In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 2586In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
1961libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 2587libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
1962documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 2588documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
1963 2589
2590All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
2591extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
2592happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
2593mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
2594it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
2595
1964=over 4 2596=over 4
1965 2597
1966=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 2598=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
1967 2599
2600This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
2601there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
2602have to skip those 100 watchers.
2603
1968=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 2604=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
1969 2605
2606That means that for changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
2607as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
2608
1970=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 2609=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)
1971 2610
2611These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
1972=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 2612=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)
1973 2613
1974=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % 16)) 2614=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2615
2616These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
2617correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2618have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
1975 2619
1976=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 2620=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1)
1977 2621
1978=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 2622=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
1979 2623
2624A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2625libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel).
2626
1980=item Activating one watcher: O(1) 2627=item Activating one watcher: O(1)
1981 2628
2629=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2630
2631Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2632priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2633linearly search all the priorities.
2634
1982=back 2635=back
1983 2636
1984 2637
1985=head1 AUTHOR 2638=head1 AUTHOR
1986 2639

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