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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=head2 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.
19You register interest in certain events by registering so-called I<event 65You register interest in certain events by registering so-called I<event
20watchers>, which are relatively small C structures you initialise with the 66watchers>, which are relatively small C structures you initialise with the
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=head2 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=head2 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=head2 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
228using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its usually 311using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its
229the fastest backend for a low number of fds. 312usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.
313
314To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of
315parallelity (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are
316writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many
317connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have
318a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of
319readyness notifications you get per iteration.
230 320
231=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows) 321=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
232 322
233And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated than 323And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
234select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial limit on the 324than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
235number of fds you can use (except it will slow down considerably with a 325limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down
236lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, i.e. O(total_fds). 326considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select,
327i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for
328performance tips.
237 329
238=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 330=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
239 331
240For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 332For 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 333but 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 334like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
243either O(1) or O(active_fds). 335epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number
336of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
337cases and rewiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad
338support for dup.
244 339
245While stopping and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration will 340While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
246result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 341will 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 342(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 343best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
249well if you register events for both fds. 344very well if you register events for both fds.
250 345
251Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 346Please 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 347need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
253(or space) is available. 348(or space) is available.
254 349
350Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
351watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e.
352keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times.
353
354While nominally embeddeble in other event loops, this feature is broken in
355all kernel versions tested so far.
356
255=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 357=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
256 358
257Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 359Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
258was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work with 360was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably
259anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course its 361with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
260completely useless). For this reason its not being "autodetected" 362it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected"
261unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 363unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using
262C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>). 364C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
365system like NetBSD.
366
367You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
368only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
369the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
263 370
264It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 371It 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 372kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
266course). While starting and stopping an I/O watcher does not cause an 373course). 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 374cause an extra syscall as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
268incident, so its best to avoid that. 375two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it
376drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
377
378This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
379
380While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
381everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
382almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets
383(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop
384(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and using it only for
385sockets.
269 386
270=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 387=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
271 388
272This is not implemented yet (and might never be). 389This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an
390implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets
391and is not embeddable, which would limit the usefulness of this backend
392immensely.
273 393
274=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 394=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
275 395
276This uses the Solaris 10 port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 396This 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)). 397it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
278 398
279Please note that solaris ports can result in a lot of spurious 399Please 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 400notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
281blocking when no data (or space) is available. 401blocking when no data (or space) is available.
402
403While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
404file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
405descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
406might perform better.
282 407
283=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 408=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
284 409
285Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 410Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
286with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 411with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
287C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 412C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
413
414It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
288 415
289=back 416=back
290 417
291If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 418If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these
292backends will be tried (in the reverse order as given here). If none are 419backends will be tried (in the reverse order as given here). If none are
314Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 441Similar 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 442always 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 443handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
317undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 444undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
318 445
319Example: try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 446Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
320 447
321 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 448 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
322 if (!epoller) 449 if (!epoller)
323 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 450 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
324 451
327Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 454Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
328etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 455etc.). 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 456sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
330responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 457responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before>
331calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 458calling 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 459the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
333for example). 460for example).
461
462Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by
463this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers)
464would need to be stopped manually.
465
466In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the
467rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling
468pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
469C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).
334 470
335=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 471=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
336 472
337Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 473Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
338earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 474earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
362 498
363Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 499Like 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 500C<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. 501after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
366 502
503=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
504
505Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
506the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
507happily wraps around with enough iterations.
508
509This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
510"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
511C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls.
512
367=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 513=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
368 514
369Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 515Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
370use. 516use.
371 517
373 519
374Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop 520Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop
375received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 521received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
376change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 522change 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 523time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
378event occuring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 524event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
379 525
380=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 526=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
381 527
382Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 528Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
383after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 529after 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 550libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
405usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 551usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
406 552
407Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 553Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
408 554
409 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 555 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
410 - Queue prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 556 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
557 - If a fork was detected, queue and call all fork watchers.
558 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
411 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 559 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
412 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 560 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
413 - Update the "event loop time". 561 - Update the "event loop time".
414 - Calculate for how long to block. 562 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
563 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having
564 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
565 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
415 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 566 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
416 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 567 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
417 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling. 568 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling.
418 - Queue all outstanding timers. 569 - Queue all outstanding timers.
419 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 570 - Queue all outstanding periodics.
420 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 571 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
421 - Queue all check watchers. 572 - Queue all check watchers.
422 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 573 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
423 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 574 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
424 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 575 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
425 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 576 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
426 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *. 577 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise
578 continue with step *.
427 579
428Example: queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding 580Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
429anymore. 581anymore.
430 582
431 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 583 ... 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..) 584 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
433 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 585 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
453visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 605visible 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 606no 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 607way 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>. 608libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>.
457 609
458Example: create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 610Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
459running when nothing else is active. 611running when nothing else is active.
460 612
461 struct dv_signal exitsig; 613 struct ev_signal exitsig;
462 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 614 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
463 ev_signal_start (myloop, &exitsig); 615 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
464 evf_unref (myloop); 616 evf_unref (loop);
465 617
466Example: for some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 618Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
467 619
468 ev_ref (myloop); 620 ev_ref (loop);
469 ev_signal_stop (myloop, &exitsig); 621 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
622
623=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
624
625=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
626
627These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
628for events. Both are by default C<0>, meaning that libev will try to
629invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency.
630
631Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>)
632allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks to
633increase efficiency of loop iterations.
634
635The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to
636handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes
637the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
638events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
639overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
640
641By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
642time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
643at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
644C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
645introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations.
646
647Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
648to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
649latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers
650will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce
651any overhead in libev.
652
653Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect
654interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
655interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
656usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
657as this approsaches the timing granularity of most systems.
470 658
471=back 659=back
472 660
473 661
474=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 662=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
565received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 753received 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 754many 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 755(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep
568C<ev_loop> from blocking). 756C<ev_loop> from blocking).
569 757
758=item C<EV_EMBED>
759
760The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
761
762=item C<EV_FORK>
763
764The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
765C<ev_fork>).
766
570=item C<EV_ERROR> 767=item C<EV_ERROR>
571 768
572An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 769An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might
573happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 770happen 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 771ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
645=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher) 842=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
646 843
647Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding 844Returns 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 845events 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 846is 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 847C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
651libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 848make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
849it).
652 850
653=item callback = ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 851=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
654 852
655Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 853Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
656 854
657=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 855=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
658 856
659Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 857Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
660(modulo threads). 858(modulo threads).
859
860=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority)
861
862=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
863
864Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
865integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
866(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
867before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
868from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
869
870This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
871invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
872example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
873watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
874
875If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
876you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
877
878You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
879pending.
880
881The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
882always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
883
884Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
885fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
886or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
887
888=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
889
890Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
891C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
892can deal with that fact.
893
894=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
895
896If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status
897and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
898watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
661 899
662=back 900=back
663 901
664 902
665=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 903=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
686 { 924 {
687 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 925 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
688 ... 926 ...
689 } 927 }
690 928
691More interesting and less C-conformant ways of catsing your callback type 929More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
692have been omitted.... 930instead have been omitted.
931
932Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple
933watchers:
934
935 struct my_biggy
936 {
937 int some_data;
938 ev_timer t1;
939 ev_timer t2;
940 }
941
942In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated,
943you need to use C<offsetof>:
944
945 #include <stddef.h>
946
947 static void
948 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
949 {
950 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
951 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
952 }
953
954 static void
955 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
956 {
957 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
958 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
959 }
693 960
694 961
695=head1 WATCHER TYPES 962=head1 WATCHER TYPES
696 963
697This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 964This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
721In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 988In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
722fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 989fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
723descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 990descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
724required if you know what you are doing). 991required if you know what you are doing).
725 992
726You have to be careful with dup'ed file descriptors, though. Some backends
727(the linux epoll backend is a notable example) cannot handle dup'ed file
728descriptors correctly if you register interest in two or more fds pointing
729to the same underlying file/socket/etc. description (that is, they share
730the same underlying "file open").
731
732If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 993If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend
733(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and 994(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and
734C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 995C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
735 996
736Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 997Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
742it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 1003it 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. 1004C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
744 1005
745If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 1006If 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 1007play 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 1008whether 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 1009such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
749its own, so its quite safe to use). 1010its own, so its quite safe to use).
1011
1012=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1013
1014Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
1015descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means,
1016such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
1017descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
1018this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
1019registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
1020fact, a different file descriptor.
1021
1022To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows
1023the following policy: Each time C<ev_io_set> is being called, libev
1024will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise
1025it is assumed that the file descriptor stays the same. That means that
1026you I<have> to call C<ev_io_set> (or C<ev_io_init>) when you change the
1027descriptor even if the file descriptor number itself did not change.
1028
1029This is how one would do it normally anyway, the important point is that
1030the libev application should not optimise around libev but should leave
1031optimisations to libev.
1032
1033=head3 The special problem of dup'ed file descriptors
1034
1035Some backends (e.g. epoll), cannot register events for file descriptors,
1036but only events for the underlying file descriptions. That means when you
1037have C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors or weirder constellations, and register
1038events for them, only one file descriptor might actually receive events.
1039
1040There is no workaround possible except not registering events
1041for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to
1042C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1043
1044=head3 The special problem of fork
1045
1046Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit
1047useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about
1048it in the child.
1049
1050To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
1051C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,
1052enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1053C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1054
1055
1056=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
750 1057
751=over 4 1058=over 4
752 1059
753=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1060=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
754 1061
766 1073
767The events being watched. 1074The events being watched.
768 1075
769=back 1076=back
770 1077
1078=head3 Examples
1079
771Example: call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1080Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
772readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1081readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
773attempt to read a whole line in the callback: 1082attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
774 1083
775 static void 1084 static void
776 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1085 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
777 { 1086 {
778 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1087 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
808 1117
809The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1118The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed,
810but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1119but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
811order of execution is undefined. 1120order of execution is undefined.
812 1121
1122=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1123
813=over 4 1124=over 4
814 1125
815=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1126=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
816 1127
817=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1128=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
830=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1141=item ev_timer_again (loop)
831 1142
832This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1143This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
833repeating. The exact semantics are: 1144repeating. The exact semantics are:
834 1145
1146If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1147
835If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it. 1148If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
836 1149
837If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat 1150If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
838value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value. 1151C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
839 1152
840This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1153This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
841example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called 1154example: 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, 1155timeout, 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 1156seconds 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 1157configure 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 1158C<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 1159you 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 1160socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
848need be. 1161automatically restart it if need be.
849 1162
850You can also ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start> altogether 1163That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
851and only ever use the C<repeat> value: 1164altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
852 1165
853 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.); 1166 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
854 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1167 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
855 ... 1168 ...
856 timer->again = 17.; 1169 timer->again = 17.;
857 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1170 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
858 ... 1171 ...
859 timer->again = 10.; 1172 timer->again = 10.;
860 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1173 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
861 1174
862This is more efficient then stopping/starting the timer eahc time you want 1175This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
863to modify its timeout value. 1176you want to modify its timeout value.
864 1177
865=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1178=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
866 1179
867The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1180The 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), 1181or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
869which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1182which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
870 1183
871=back 1184=back
872 1185
1186=head3 Examples
1187
873Example: create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1188Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
874 1189
875 static void 1190 static void
876 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1191 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
877 { 1192 {
878 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1193 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
880 1195
881 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1196 struct ev_timer mytimer;
882 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1197 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
883 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1198 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
884 1199
885Example: create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1200Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
886inactivity. 1201inactivity.
887 1202
888 static void 1203 static void
889 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1204 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
890 { 1205 {
910but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1225but 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 1226to 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 () 1227periodic 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 1228+ 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 1229take 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 1230roughly 10 seconds later).
916again).
917 1231
918They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1232They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as
919triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 1233triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated,
1234rules.
920 1235
921As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1236As 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 1237time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
923during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1238during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
924 1239
1240=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1241
925=over 4 1242=over 4
926 1243
927=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1244=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
928 1245
929=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1246=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 1248Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
932operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1249operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
933 1250
934=over 4 1251=over 4
935 1252
936=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1253=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
937 1254
938In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1255In 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, 1256C<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 1257that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the
941system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1258system time reaches or surpasses this time.
942 1259
943=item * non-repeating interval timer (interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1260=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
944 1261
945In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1262In 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 1263C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
947of any time jumps. 1264and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
948 1265
949This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1266This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system
950time: 1267time:
951 1268
952 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1269 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
958 1275
959Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1276Another 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 1277C<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. 1278time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
962 1279
1280For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1281C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1282this value.
1283
963=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 1284=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
964 1285
965In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1286In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
966ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1287ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
967reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1288reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
968current time as second argument. 1289current time as second argument.
969 1290
970NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1291NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
971ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1292ever, 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 1293return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
973starting a prepare watcher). 1294starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
974 1295
975Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1296Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,
976ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1297ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
977 1298
978 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1299 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1001Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1322Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1002when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1323when 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 1324a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1004program when the crontabs have changed). 1325program when the crontabs have changed).
1005 1326
1327=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1328
1329When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1330absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1331
1332Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1333timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1334
1006=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 1335=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1007 1336
1008The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1337The 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 1338take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1010called. 1339called.
1013 1342
1014The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1343The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1015switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1344switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1016the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1345the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1017 1346
1347=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1348
1349When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1350trigger next.
1351
1018=back 1352=back
1019 1353
1354=head3 Examples
1355
1020Example: call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1356Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1021system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1357system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1022potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1358potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability.
1023 1359
1024 static void 1360 static void
1025 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1361 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1029 1365
1030 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1366 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1031 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1367 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1032 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1368 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1033 1369
1034Example: the same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1370Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1035 1371
1036 #include <math.h> 1372 #include <math.h>
1037 1373
1038 static ev_tstamp 1374 static ev_tstamp
1039 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1375 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1041 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1377 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;
1042 } 1378 }
1043 1379
1044 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1380 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1045 1381
1046Example: call a callback every hour, starting now: 1382Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1047 1383
1048 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1384 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1049 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1385 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1050 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1386 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1051 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1387 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1063with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1399with 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 1400as 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 1401watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
1066SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1402SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1067 1403
1404=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1405
1068=over 4 1406=over 4
1069 1407
1070=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 1408=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
1071 1409
1072=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum) 1410=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)
1083 1421
1084=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1422=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1085 1423
1086Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1424Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1087some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1425some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies).
1426
1427=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1088 1428
1089=over 4 1429=over 4
1090 1430
1091=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 1431=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid)
1092 1432
1112The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems 1452The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1113C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details). 1453C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1114 1454
1115=back 1455=back
1116 1456
1457=head3 Examples
1458
1117Example: try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1459Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1118 1460
1119 static void 1461 static void
1120 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1462 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1121 { 1463 {
1122 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1464 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1137not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 1479not 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 1480not 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 1481otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of
1140the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 1482the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1141 1483
1484The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1485relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1486
1142Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 1487Since 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 1488calls 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 1489can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify
1145a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 1490a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,
1146unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around 1491unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around
1147five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also 1492five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also
1148impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats 1493impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats
1150 1495
1151This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 1496This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1152as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1497as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1153resource-intensive. 1498resource-intensive.
1154 1499
1155At the time of this writing, no specific OS backends are implemented, but 1500At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1156if demand increases, at least a kqueue and inotify backend will be added. 1501implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the
1502reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the
1503semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
1504to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1505usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1506polling.
1507
1508=head3 Inotify
1509
1510When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only
1511available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up
1512change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily
1513when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1514
1515Inotify presense does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1516except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1517making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presense of inotify support
1518there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling.
1519
1520(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1521implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1522descriptor open on the object at all times).
1523
1524=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1525
1526The C<stat ()> syscall only supports full-second resolution portably, and
1527even on systems where the resolution is higher, many filesystems still
1528only support whole seconds.
1529
1530That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you might
1531miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and calls
1532your callback, which does something. When there is another update within
1533the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it.
1534
1535The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for a second (or till
1536the next second boundary), using a roughly one-second delay C<ev_timer>
1537(C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.01); ev_timer_again (loop, w)>). The C<.01>
1538is added to work around small timing inconsistencies of some operating
1539systems.
1540
1541=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1157 1542
1158=over 4 1543=over 4
1159 1544
1160=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval) 1545=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1161 1546
1197=item const char *path [read-only] 1582=item const char *path [read-only]
1198 1583
1199The filesystem path that is being watched. 1584The filesystem path that is being watched.
1200 1585
1201=back 1586=back
1587
1588=head3 Examples
1202 1589
1203Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 1590Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1204 1591
1205 static void 1592 static void
1206 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 1593 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1219 } 1606 }
1220 1607
1221 ... 1608 ...
1222 ev_stat passwd; 1609 ev_stat passwd;
1223 1610
1224 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd"); 1611 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1225 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1612 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1226 1613
1614Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1615miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1616one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1617C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1618
1619 static ev_stat passwd;
1620 static ev_timer timer;
1621
1622 static void
1623 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1624 {
1625 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1626
1627 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1628 }
1629
1630 static void
1631 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1632 {
1633 /* reset the one-second timer */
1634 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1635 }
1636
1637 ...
1638 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1639 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1640 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.01);
1641
1227 1642
1228=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1643=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1229 1644
1230Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1645Idle 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 1646priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
1232as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1647count).
1233imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1648
1234watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration - 1649That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1650(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1651triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1652are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1235until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1653iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1236busy. 1654and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
1237 1655
1238The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 1656The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
1239active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1657active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
1240 1658
1241Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1659Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1242effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do 1660effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do
1243"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 1661"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
1244event loop has handled all outstanding events. 1662event loop has handled all outstanding events.
1245 1663
1664=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1665
1246=over 4 1666=over 4
1247 1667
1248=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1668=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1249 1669
1250Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any 1670Initialises 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, 1671kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1252believe me. 1672believe me.
1253 1673
1254=back 1674=back
1255 1675
1676=head3 Examples
1677
1256Example: dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle>, start it, and in the 1678Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1257callback, free it. Alos, use no error checking, as usual. 1679callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1258 1680
1259 static void 1681 static void
1260 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1682 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1261 { 1683 {
1262 free (w); 1684 free (w);
1307with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 1729with 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 1730of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
1309loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 1731loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1310low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 1732low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1311 1733
1734It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1735priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1736after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1737too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1738supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers
1739did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other
1740(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable
1741state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to
1742coexist peacefully with others).
1743
1744=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1745
1312=over 4 1746=over 4
1313 1747
1314=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1748=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
1315 1749
1316=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1750=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1319parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 1753parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1320macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1754macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1321 1755
1322=back 1756=back
1323 1757
1324Example: To include a library such as adns, you would add IO watchers 1758=head3 Examples
1325and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, as required by libadns, and 1759
1760There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1761into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1762(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1763use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib>
1764embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV
1765into the Glib event loop).
1766
1767Method 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 1768and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1327pseudo-code only of course: 1769is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1770priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1771the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1328 1772
1329 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1773 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1330 static ev_timer tw; 1774 static ev_timer tw;
1331 1775
1332 static void 1776 static void
1333 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1777 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1334 { 1778 {
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 } 1779 }
1341 1780
1342 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1781 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1343 static void 1782 static void
1344 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1783 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1345 { 1784 {
1346 int timeout = 3600000;truct pollfd fds [nfd]; 1785 int timeout = 3600000;
1786 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1347 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 1787 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1348 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 1788 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1349 1789
1350 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 1790 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1351 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1791 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1352 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 1792 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1353 1793
1354 // create on ev_io per pollfd 1794 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1355 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1795 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1356 { 1796 {
1357 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 1797 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1358 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 1798 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1359 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 1799 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1360 1800
1361 fds [i].revents = 0; 1801 fds [i].revents = 0;
1362 iow [i].data = fds + i;
1363 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 1802 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1364 } 1803 }
1365 } 1804 }
1366 1805
1367 // stop all watchers after blocking 1806 // stop all watchers after blocking
1369 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 1808 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1370 { 1809 {
1371 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 1810 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1372 1811
1373 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1812 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1813 {
1814 // set the relevant poll flags
1815 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1816 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1817 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1818 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1819 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1820
1821 // now stop the watcher
1374 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 1822 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1823 }
1375 1824
1376 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 1825 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1826 }
1827
1828Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1829in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1830
1831Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1832notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1833callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1834
1835 static void
1836 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1837 {
1838 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1839 update_now (EV_A);
1840
1841 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1842 }
1843
1844 static void
1845 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1846 {
1847 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1848 update_now (EV_A);
1849
1850 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1851 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1852 }
1853
1854 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1855
1856Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1857want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override
1858their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
1859loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
1860this.
1861
1862 static gint
1863 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1864 {
1865 int got_events = 0;
1866
1867 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1868 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1869
1870 if (timeout >= 0)
1871 // create/start timer
1872
1873 // poll
1874 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1875
1876 // stop timer again
1877 if (timeout >= 0)
1878 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1879
1880 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1881 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1882 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1883
1884 return got_events;
1377 } 1885 }
1378 1886
1379 1887
1380=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 1888=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1381 1889
1424portable one. 1932portable one.
1425 1933
1426So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared 1934So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared
1427that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around 1935that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around
1428this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to 1936this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to
1429create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything: 1937create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.
1938
1939=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1940
1941=over 4
1942
1943=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1944
1945=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1946
1947Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
1948embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1949invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1950to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
1951if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1952
1953=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1954
1955Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1956similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1957apropriate way for embedded loops.
1958
1959=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
1960
1961The embedded event loop.
1962
1963=back
1964
1965=head3 Examples
1966
1967Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default
1968event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default
1969loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the mebeddable loop is stored in
1970C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the acse no embeddable loop can be
1971used).
1430 1972
1431 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 1973 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
1432 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 1974 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
1433 struct ev_embed embed; 1975 struct ev_embed embed;
1434 1976
1445 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 1987 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1446 } 1988 }
1447 else 1989 else
1448 loop_lo = loop_hi; 1990 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1449 1991
1992Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
1993a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
1994kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
1995C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
1996
1997 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1998 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
1999 struct ev_embed embed;
2000
2001 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2002 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2003 {
2004 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2005 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2006 }
2007
2008 if (!loop_socket)
2009 loop_socket = loop;
2010
2011 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
2012
2013
2014=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
2015
2016Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
2017whoever is a good citizen cared to tell libev about it by calling
2018C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork>). The invocation is done before the
2019event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
2020and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
2021C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
2022handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
2023
2024=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2025
1450=over 4 2026=over 4
1451 2027
1452=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2028=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1453 2029
1454=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2030Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
1455 2031kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1456Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 2032believe me.
1457embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1458invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1459to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
1460if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1461
1462=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1463
1464Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1465similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1466apropriate way for embedded loops.
1467
1468=item struct ev_loop *loop [read-only]
1469
1470The embedded event loop.
1471 2033
1472=back 2034=back
1473 2035
1474 2036
1475=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2037=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
1564 2126
1565To use it, 2127To use it,
1566 2128
1567 #include <ev++.h> 2129 #include <ev++.h>
1568 2130
1569(it is not installed by default). This automatically includes F<ev.h> 2131This 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 2132of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1571namespace. All C++ specific things are put into the C<ev> namespace. 2133put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2134options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
1572 2135
1573It should support all the same embedding options as F<ev.h>, most notably 2136Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
1574C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 2137classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
2138that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
2139you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
2140
2141Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be
2142used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only
2143need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other
2144types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing
2145it).
1575 2146
1576Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 2147Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1577 2148
1578=over 4 2149=over 4
1579 2150
1595 2166
1596All of those classes have these methods: 2167All of those classes have these methods:
1597 2168
1598=over 4 2169=over 4
1599 2170
1600=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *) 2171=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1601 2172
1602=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *, struct ev_loop *) 2173=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1603 2174
1604=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 2175=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1605 2176
1606The constructor takes a pointer to an object and a method pointer to 2177The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1607the event handler callback to call in this class. The constructor calls 2178with. 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 2179
1609before starting it. If you do not specify a loop then the constructor 2180The constructor calls C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the
1610automatically associates the default loop with this watcher. 2181C<set> method before starting it.
2182
2183It will not set a callback, however: You have to call the templated C<set>
2184method to set a callback before you can start the watcher.
2185
2186(The reason why you have to use a method is a limitation in C++ which does
2187not allow explicit template arguments for constructors).
1611 2188
1612The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active. 2189The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active.
2190
2191=item w->set<class, &class::method> (object *)
2192
2193This method sets the callback method to call. The method has to have a
2194signature of C<void (*)(ev_TYPE &, int)>, it receives the watcher as
2195first argument and the C<revents> as second. The object must be given as
2196parameter and is stored in the C<data> member of the watcher.
2197
2198This method synthesizes efficient thunking code to call your method from
2199the C callback that libev requires. If your compiler can inline your
2200callback (i.e. it is visible to it at the place of the C<set> call and
2201your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2202thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2203
2204Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2205
2206 struct myclass
2207 {
2208 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2209 }
2210
2211 myclass obj;
2212 ev::io iow;
2213 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2214
2215=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2216
2217Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2218callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2219C<data> member and is free for you to use.
2220
2221The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2222
2223See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2224
2225Example:
2226
2227 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2228 iow.set <io_cb> ();
1613 2229
1614=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2230=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1615 2231
1616Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2232Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
1617do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2233do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1618 2234
1619=item w->set ([args]) 2235=item w->set ([args])
1620 2236
1621Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2237Basically 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 2238called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1623automatically stopped and restarted. 2239automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2240method.
1624 2241
1625=item w->start () 2242=item w->start ()
1626 2243
1627Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument as the 2244Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
1628constructor already takes the loop. 2245constructor already stores the event loop.
1629 2246
1630=item w->stop () 2247=item w->stop ()
1631 2248
1632Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 2249Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1633 2250
1634=item w->again () C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only 2251=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
1635 2252
1636For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding 2253For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding
1637C<ev_TYPE_again> function. 2254C<ev_TYPE_again> function.
1638 2255
1639=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only 2256=item w->sweep () (C<ev::embed> only)
1640 2257
1641Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>. 2258Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
1642 2259
1643=item w->update () C<ev::stat> only 2260=item w->update () (C<ev::stat> only)
1644 2261
1645Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>. 2262Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
1646 2263
1647=back 2264=back
1648 2265
1658 2275
1659 myclass (); 2276 myclass ();
1660 } 2277 }
1661 2278
1662 myclass::myclass (int fd) 2279 myclass::myclass (int fd)
1663 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb),
1664 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb)
1665 { 2280 {
2281 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2282 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2283
1666 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2284 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
1667 } 2285 }
2286
2287
2288=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2289
2290Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal
2291of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
2292functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2293
2294To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2295following macros are defined:
2296
2297=over 4
2298
2299=item C<EV_A>, C<EV_A_>
2300
2301This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2302loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
2303C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2304
2305 ev_unref (EV_A);
2306 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2307 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2308
2309It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2310which is often provided by the following macro.
2311
2312=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2313
2314This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2315loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
2316C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2317
2318 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
2319 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2320
2321 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
2322 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2323
2324It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
2325suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2326
2327=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2328
2329Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
2330loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
2331
2332=back
2333
2334Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2335macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2336or not.
2337
2338 static void
2339 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2340 {
2341 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
2342 }
2343
2344 ev_check check;
2345 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
2346 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
2347 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1668 2348
1669=head1 EMBEDDING 2349=head1 EMBEDDING
1670 2350
1671Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2351Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1672applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2352applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1673Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe) 2353Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe)
1674and rxvt-unicode. 2354and rxvt-unicode.
1675 2355
1676The goal is to enable you to just copy the neecssary files into your 2356The 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 2357source 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 2358you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of
1679libev somewhere in your source tree). 2359libev somewhere in your source tree).
1680 2360
1681=head2 FILESETS 2361=head2 FILESETS
1712 ev_vars.h 2392 ev_vars.h
1713 ev_wrap.h 2393 ev_wrap.h
1714 2394
1715 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2395 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1716 2396
1717 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is by default) 2397 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) 2398 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) 2399 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) 2400 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) 2401 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1722 2402
1771 2451
1772If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2452If 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 2453monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use
1774of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 2454of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
1775usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2455usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
1776the functionality isn't available is safe, though, althoguh you have 2456the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
1777to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 2457to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
1778function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2458function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
1779 2459
1780=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2460=item EV_USE_REALTIME
1781 2461
1782If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2462If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1783realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2463realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at
1784runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2464runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will
1785be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2465be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
1786(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See tzhe note about libraries 2466(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
1787in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 2467note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2468
2469=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2470
2471If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2472and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
1788 2473
1789=item EV_USE_SELECT 2474=item EV_USE_SELECT
1790 2475
1791If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 2476If 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 2477C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no
1810wants osf handles on win32 (this is the case when the select to 2495wants osf handles on win32 (this is the case when the select to
1811be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call 2496be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call
1812C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise, 2497C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise,
1813it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even 2498it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
1814on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms. 2499on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.
2500
2501=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE
2502
2503If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map
2504file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the
2505default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually
2506correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management,
2507in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles.
1815 2508
1816=item EV_USE_POLL 2509=item EV_USE_POLL
1817 2510
1818If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2) 2511If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
1819backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 2512backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
1847 2540
1848=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 2541=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
1849 2542
1850reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 2543reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
1851 2544
2545=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2546
2547If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2548interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2549be detected at runtime.
2550
1852=item EV_H 2551=item EV_H
1853 2552
1854The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 2553The 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 2554undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h> and F<ev.c>. This can be used to
1856can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 2555virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
1857 2556
1858=item EV_CONFIG_H 2557=item EV_CONFIG_H
1859 2558
1860If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override 2559If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
1861F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to 2560F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
1862C<EV_H>, above. 2561C<EV_H>, above.
1863 2562
1864=item EV_EVENT_H 2563=item EV_EVENT_H
1865 2564
1866Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea 2565Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
1867of how the F<event.h> header can be found. 2566of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the dfeault is C<"event.h">.
1868 2567
1869=item EV_PROTOTYPES 2568=item EV_PROTOTYPES
1870 2569
1871If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function 2570If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
1872prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is 2571prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
1879will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 2578will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
1880additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 2579additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
1881for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 2580for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
1882argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 2581argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
1883 2582
2583=item EV_MINPRI
2584
2585=item EV_MAXPRI
2586
2587The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
2588C<EV_MAXPRI>, but otherwise there are no non-obvious limitations. You can
2589provide for more priorities by overriding those symbols (usually defined
2590to be C<-2> and C<2>, respectively).
2591
2592When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2593all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2594and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2595fine.
2596
2597If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2598C<0> will save some memory and cpu.
2599
1884=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 2600=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
1885 2601
1886If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 2602If 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 2603defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
1888code. 2604code.
1889 2605
2606=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE
2607
2608If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
2609defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2610code.
2611
1890=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 2612=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
1891 2613
1892If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If 2614If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
1893defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 2615defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
1894 2616
1895=item EV_STAT_ENABLE 2617=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
1896 2618
1897If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If 2619If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
2620defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2621
2622=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
2623
2624If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
1898defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 2625defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
1899 2626
1900=item EV_MINIMAL 2627=item EV_MINIMAL
1901 2628
1902If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 2629If 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 2630speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override
1904some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64. 2631some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64.
2632
2633=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2634
2635C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2636pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2637than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to
2638increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
2639
2640=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
2641
2642C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2643inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2644usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2645watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2646two).
1905 2647
1906=item EV_COMMON 2648=item EV_COMMON
1907 2649
1908By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 2650By 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 2651this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
1922 2664
1923=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb) 2665=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb)
1924 2666
1925Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher, 2667Can 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 2668and 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 2669definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
1928their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 2670their 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 2671avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
1930method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 2672method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2673
2674=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
2675
2676If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of
2677exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
2678all public symbols, one per line:
2679
2680 Symbols.ev for libev proper
2681 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
2682
2683This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
2684multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
2685itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this).
2686
2687A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
2688include before including F<ev.h>:
2689
2690 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
2691
2692This would create a file F<wrap.h> which essentially looks like this:
2693
2694 #define ev_backend myprefix_ev_backend
2695 #define ev_check_start myprefix_ev_check_start
2696 #define ev_check_stop myprefix_ev_check_stop
2697 ...
1931 2698
1932=head2 EXAMPLES 2699=head2 EXAMPLES
1933 2700
1934For a real-world example of a program the includes libev 2701For a real-world example of a program the includes libev
1935verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module 2702verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module
1938interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file 2705interface) 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 2706will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header
1940file. 2707file.
1941 2708
1942The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 2709The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
1943that everybody includes and which overrides some autoconf choices: 2710that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
1944 2711
2712 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
1945 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 2713 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
1946 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 2714 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
1947 #define EV_PERIODICS 0 2715 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2716 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2717 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
1948 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 2718 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2719 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2720 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
1949 2721
1950 #include "ev++.h" 2722 #include "ev++.h"
1951 2723
1952And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 2724And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
1953 2725
1959 2731
1960In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 2732In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
1961libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 2733libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
1962documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 2734documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
1963 2735
2736All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
2737extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
2738happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
2739mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
2740it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
2741
1964=over 4 2742=over 4
1965 2743
1966=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 2744=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
1967 2745
2746This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
2747there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
2748have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
2749
1968=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 2750=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
2751
2752That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
2753as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
1969 2754
1970=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 2755=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)
1971 2756
2757These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
2758
1972=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 2759=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)
1973 2760
1974=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % 16)) 2761=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
1975 2762
2763These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
2764correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2765have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
2766
1976=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 2767=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
2768
2769By virtue of using a binary heap, the next timer is always found at the
2770beginning of the storage array.
1977 2771
1978=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 2772=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
1979 2773
1980=item Activating one watcher: O(1) 2774A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2775libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
2776on backend and wether C<ev_io_set> was used).
2777
2778=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
2779
2780=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2781
2782Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2783priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2784linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
2785watchers becomes O(1) w.r.t. prioritiy handling.
1981 2786
1982=back 2787=back
1983 2788
1984 2789
2790=head1 Win32 platform limitations and workarounds
2791
2792Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
2793requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
2794model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
2795the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
2796descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
2797e.g. cygwin.
2798
2799There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
2800embedding it into other applications.
2801
2802Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and the
2803abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets is not
2804recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use more than
2805a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally different
2806implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX model, which cannot
2807be implemented efficiently on windows (microsoft monopoly games).
2808
2809=over 4
2810
2811=item The winsocket select function
2812
2813The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it requires
2814socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors>. This makes select
2815very inefficient, and also requires a mapping from file descriptors
2816to socket handles. See the discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>,
2817C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor
2818symbols for more info.
2819
2820The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the microsoft runtime
2821libraries and raw winsocket select is:
2822
2823 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
2824 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
2825
2826Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
2827complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
2828
2829=item Limited number of file descriptors
2830
2831Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. Early versions
2832of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a max. of C<64> handles
2833(probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels can only wait for
2834C<64> things at the same time internally; microsoft recommends spawning a
2835chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the previous thread in each).
2836
2837Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
2838to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
2839call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own
2840select emulation on windows).
2841
2842Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the microsoft runtime
2843libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish
2844or something like this inside microsoft). You can increase this by calling
2845C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
2846arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the microsoft runtime
2847libraries.
2848
2849This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on
2850windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to
2851wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
2852calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
2853
2854=back
2855
2856
1985=head1 AUTHOR 2857=head1 AUTHOR
1986 2858
1987Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 2859Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
1988 2860

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