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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);
437 589
438Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 590Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it
439has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 591has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
440C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 592C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or
441C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 593C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.
594
595This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again.
442 596
443=item ev_ref (loop) 597=item ev_ref (loop)
444 598
445=item ev_unref (loop) 599=item ev_unref (loop)
446 600
453visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 607visible 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 608no 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 609way 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>. 610libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>.
457 611
458Example: create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 612Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
459running when nothing else is active. 613running when nothing else is active.
460 614
461 struct dv_signal exitsig; 615 struct ev_signal exitsig;
462 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 616 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
463 ev_signal_start (myloop, &exitsig); 617 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
464 evf_unref (myloop); 618 evf_unref (loop);
465 619
466Example: for some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 620Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
467 621
468 ev_ref (myloop); 622 ev_ref (loop);
469 ev_signal_stop (myloop, &exitsig); 623 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
624
625=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
626
627=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
628
629These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
630for events. Both are by default C<0>, meaning that libev will try to
631invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency.
632
633Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>)
634allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks to
635increase efficiency of loop iterations.
636
637The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to
638handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes
639the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
640events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
641overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
642
643By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
644time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
645at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
646C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
647introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations.
648
649Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
650to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
651latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers
652will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce
653any overhead in libev.
654
655Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect
656interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
657interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
658usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
659as this approsaches the timing granularity of most systems.
470 660
471=back 661=back
472 662
473 663
474=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 664=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
565received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 755received 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 756many 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 757(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep
568C<ev_loop> from blocking). 758C<ev_loop> from blocking).
569 759
760=item C<EV_EMBED>
761
762The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
763
764=item C<EV_FORK>
765
766The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
767C<ev_fork>).
768
570=item C<EV_ERROR> 769=item C<EV_ERROR>
571 770
572An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 771An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might
573happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 772happen 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 773ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
645=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher) 844=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
646 845
647Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding 846Returns 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 847events 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 848is 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 849C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
651libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 850make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
851it).
652 852
653=item callback = ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 853=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
654 854
655Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 855Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
656 856
657=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 857=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
658 858
659Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 859Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
660(modulo threads). 860(modulo threads).
861
862=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority)
863
864=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
865
866Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
867integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
868(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
869before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
870from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
871
872This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
873invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
874example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
875watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
876
877If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
878you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
879
880You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
881pending.
882
883The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
884always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
885
886Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
887fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
888or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
889
890=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
891
892Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
893C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
894can deal with that fact.
895
896=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
897
898If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status
899and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
900watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
661 901
662=back 902=back
663 903
664 904
665=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 905=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
686 { 926 {
687 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 927 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
688 ... 928 ...
689 } 929 }
690 930
691More interesting and less C-conformant ways of catsing your callback type 931More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
692have been omitted.... 932instead have been omitted.
933
934Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple
935watchers:
936
937 struct my_biggy
938 {
939 int some_data;
940 ev_timer t1;
941 ev_timer t2;
942 }
943
944In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated,
945you need to use C<offsetof>:
946
947 #include <stddef.h>
948
949 static void
950 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
951 {
952 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
953 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
954 }
955
956 static void
957 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
958 {
959 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
960 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
961 }
693 962
694 963
695=head1 WATCHER TYPES 964=head1 WATCHER TYPES
696 965
697This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 966This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
721In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 990In 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 991fd 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 992descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
724required if you know what you are doing). 993required if you know what you are doing).
725 994
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 995If 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 996(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and
734C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 997C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
735 998
736Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 999Another 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 1005it 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. 1006C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
744 1007
745If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 1008If 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 1009play 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 1010whether 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 1011such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
749its own, so its quite safe to use). 1012its own, so its quite safe to use).
1013
1014=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1015
1016Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
1017descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means,
1018such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
1019descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
1020this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
1021registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
1022fact, a different file descriptor.
1023
1024To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows
1025the following policy: Each time C<ev_io_set> is being called, libev
1026will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise
1027it is assumed that the file descriptor stays the same. That means that
1028you I<have> to call C<ev_io_set> (or C<ev_io_init>) when you change the
1029descriptor even if the file descriptor number itself did not change.
1030
1031This is how one would do it normally anyway, the important point is that
1032the libev application should not optimise around libev but should leave
1033optimisations to libev.
1034
1035=head3 The special problem of dup'ed file descriptors
1036
1037Some backends (e.g. epoll), cannot register events for file descriptors,
1038but only events for the underlying file descriptions. That means when you
1039have C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors or weirder constellations, and register
1040events for them, only one file descriptor might actually receive events.
1041
1042There is no workaround possible except not registering events
1043for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to
1044C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1045
1046=head3 The special problem of fork
1047
1048Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit
1049useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about
1050it in the child.
1051
1052To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
1053C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,
1054enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1055C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1056
1057
1058=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
750 1059
751=over 4 1060=over 4
752 1061
753=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1062=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
754 1063
766 1075
767The events being watched. 1076The events being watched.
768 1077
769=back 1078=back
770 1079
1080=head3 Examples
1081
771Example: call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1082Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
772readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1083readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
773attempt to read a whole line in the callback: 1084attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
774 1085
775 static void 1086 static void
776 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1087 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
777 { 1088 {
778 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1089 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
808 1119
809The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1120The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed,
810but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1121but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
811order of execution is undefined. 1122order of execution is undefined.
812 1123
1124=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1125
813=over 4 1126=over 4
814 1127
815=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1128=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
816 1129
817=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1130=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
830=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1143=item ev_timer_again (loop)
831 1144
832This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1145This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
833repeating. The exact semantics are: 1146repeating. The exact semantics are:
834 1147
1148If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1149
835If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it. 1150If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
836 1151
837If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat 1152If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
838value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value. 1153C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
839 1154
840This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1155This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
841example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called 1156example: 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, 1157timeout, 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 1158seconds 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 1159configure 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 1160C<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 1161you 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 1162socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
848need be. 1163automatically restart it if need be.
849 1164
850You can also ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start> altogether 1165That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
851and only ever use the C<repeat> value: 1166altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
852 1167
853 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.); 1168 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
854 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1169 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
855 ... 1170 ...
856 timer->again = 17.; 1171 timer->again = 17.;
857 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1172 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
858 ... 1173 ...
859 timer->again = 10.; 1174 timer->again = 10.;
860 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1175 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
861 1176
862This is more efficient then stopping/starting the timer eahc time you want 1177This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
863to modify its timeout value. 1178you want to modify its timeout value.
864 1179
865=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1180=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
866 1181
867The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1182The 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), 1183or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
869which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1184which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
870 1185
871=back 1186=back
872 1187
1188=head3 Examples
1189
873Example: create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1190Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
874 1191
875 static void 1192 static void
876 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1193 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
877 { 1194 {
878 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1195 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
880 1197
881 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1198 struct ev_timer mytimer;
882 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1199 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
883 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1200 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
884 1201
885Example: create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1202Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
886inactivity. 1203inactivity.
887 1204
888 static void 1205 static void
889 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1206 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
890 { 1207 {
910but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1227but 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 1228to 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 () 1229periodic 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 1230+ 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 1231take 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 1232roughly 10 seconds later).
916again).
917 1233
918They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1234They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as
919triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 1235triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated,
1236rules.
920 1237
921As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1238As 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 1239time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
923during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1240during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
924 1241
1242=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1243
925=over 4 1244=over 4
926 1245
927=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1246=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
928 1247
929=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1248=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 1250Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
932operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1251operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
933 1252
934=over 4 1253=over 4
935 1254
936=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1255=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
937 1256
938In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1257In 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, 1258C<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 1259that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the
941system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1260system time reaches or surpasses this time.
942 1261
943=item * non-repeating interval timer (interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1262=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
944 1263
945In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1264In 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 1265C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
947of any time jumps. 1266and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
948 1267
949This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1268This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system
950time: 1269time:
951 1270
952 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1271 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
958 1277
959Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1278Another 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 1279C<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. 1280time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
962 1281
1282For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1283C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1284this value.
1285
963=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 1286=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
964 1287
965In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1288In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
966ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1289ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
967reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1290reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
968current time as second argument. 1291current time as second argument.
969 1292
970NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1293NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
971ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1294ever, 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 1295return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
973starting a prepare watcher). 1296starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
974 1297
975Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1298Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,
976ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1299ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
977 1300
978 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1301 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1001Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1324Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1002when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1325when 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 1326a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1004program when the crontabs have changed). 1327program when the crontabs have changed).
1005 1328
1329=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1330
1331When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1332absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1333
1334Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1335timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1336
1006=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 1337=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1007 1338
1008The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1339The 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 1340take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1010called. 1341called.
1013 1344
1014The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1345The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1015switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1346switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1016the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1347the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1017 1348
1349=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1350
1351When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1352trigger next.
1353
1018=back 1354=back
1019 1355
1356=head3 Examples
1357
1020Example: call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1358Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1021system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1359system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1022potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1360potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability.
1023 1361
1024 static void 1362 static void
1025 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1363 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1029 1367
1030 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1368 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1031 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1369 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1032 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1370 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1033 1371
1034Example: the same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1372Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1035 1373
1036 #include <math.h> 1374 #include <math.h>
1037 1375
1038 static ev_tstamp 1376 static ev_tstamp
1039 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1377 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1041 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1379 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;
1042 } 1380 }
1043 1381
1044 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1382 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1045 1383
1046Example: call a callback every hour, starting now: 1384Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1047 1385
1048 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1386 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1049 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1387 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1050 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1388 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1051 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1389 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1063with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1401with 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 1402as 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 1403watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
1066SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1404SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1067 1405
1406=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1407
1068=over 4 1408=over 4
1069 1409
1070=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 1410=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
1071 1411
1072=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum) 1412=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)
1083 1423
1084=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1424=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1085 1425
1086Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1426Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1087some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1427some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies).
1428
1429=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1088 1430
1089=over 4 1431=over 4
1090 1432
1091=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 1433=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid)
1092 1434
1112The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems 1454The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1113C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details). 1455C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1114 1456
1115=back 1457=back
1116 1458
1459=head3 Examples
1460
1117Example: try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1461Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1118 1462
1119 static void 1463 static void
1120 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1464 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1121 { 1465 {
1122 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1466 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1137not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 1481not 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 1482not 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 1483otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of
1140the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 1484the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1141 1485
1486The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1487relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1488
1142Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 1489Since 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 1490calls 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 1491can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify
1145a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 1492a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,
1146unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around 1493unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around
1147five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also 1494five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also
1148impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats 1495impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats
1150 1497
1151This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 1498This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1152as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1499as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1153resource-intensive. 1500resource-intensive.
1154 1501
1155At the time of this writing, no specific OS backends are implemented, but 1502At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1156if demand increases, at least a kqueue and inotify backend will be added. 1503implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the
1504reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the
1505semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
1506to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1507usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1508polling.
1509
1510=head3 Inotify
1511
1512When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only
1513available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up
1514change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily
1515when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1516
1517Inotify presense does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1518except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1519making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presense of inotify support
1520there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling.
1521
1522(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1523implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1524descriptor open on the object at all times).
1525
1526=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1527
1528The C<stat ()> syscall only supports full-second resolution portably, and
1529even on systems where the resolution is higher, many filesystems still
1530only support whole seconds.
1531
1532That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you might
1533miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and calls
1534your callback, which does something. When there is another update within
1535the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it.
1536
1537The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for a second (or till
1538the next second boundary), using a roughly one-second delay C<ev_timer>
1539(C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.01); ev_timer_again (loop, w)>). The C<.01>
1540is added to work around small timing inconsistencies of some operating
1541systems.
1542
1543=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1157 1544
1158=over 4 1545=over 4
1159 1546
1160=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval) 1547=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1161 1548
1197=item const char *path [read-only] 1584=item const char *path [read-only]
1198 1585
1199The filesystem path that is being watched. 1586The filesystem path that is being watched.
1200 1587
1201=back 1588=back
1589
1590=head3 Examples
1202 1591
1203Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 1592Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1204 1593
1205 static void 1594 static void
1206 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 1595 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1219 } 1608 }
1220 1609
1221 ... 1610 ...
1222 ev_stat passwd; 1611 ev_stat passwd;
1223 1612
1224 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd"); 1613 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1225 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1614 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1226 1615
1616Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1617miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1618one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1619C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1620
1621 static ev_stat passwd;
1622 static ev_timer timer;
1623
1624 static void
1625 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1626 {
1627 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1628
1629 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1630 }
1631
1632 static void
1633 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1634 {
1635 /* reset the one-second timer */
1636 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1637 }
1638
1639 ...
1640 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1641 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1642 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.01);
1643
1227 1644
1228=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1645=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1229 1646
1230Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1647Idle 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 1648priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
1232as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1649count).
1233imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1650
1234watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration - 1651That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1652(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1653triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1654are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1235until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1655iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1236busy. 1656and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
1237 1657
1238The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 1658The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
1239active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1659active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
1240 1660
1241Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1661Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1242effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do 1662effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do
1243"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 1663"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
1244event loop has handled all outstanding events. 1664event loop has handled all outstanding events.
1245 1665
1666=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1667
1246=over 4 1668=over 4
1247 1669
1248=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1670=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1249 1671
1250Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any 1672Initialises 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, 1673kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1252believe me. 1674believe me.
1253 1675
1254=back 1676=back
1255 1677
1678=head3 Examples
1679
1256Example: dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle>, start it, and in the 1680Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1257callback, free it. Alos, use no error checking, as usual. 1681callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1258 1682
1259 static void 1683 static void
1260 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1684 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1261 { 1685 {
1262 free (w); 1686 free (w);
1307with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 1731with 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 1732of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
1309loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 1733loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1310low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 1734low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1311 1735
1736It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1737priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1738after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1739too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1740supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers
1741did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other
1742(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable
1743state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to
1744coexist peacefully with others).
1745
1746=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1747
1312=over 4 1748=over 4
1313 1749
1314=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1750=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
1315 1751
1316=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1752=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1319parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 1755parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1320macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1756macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1321 1757
1322=back 1758=back
1323 1759
1324Example: To include a library such as adns, you would add IO watchers 1760=head3 Examples
1325and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, as required by libadns, and 1761
1762There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1763into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1764(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1765use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib>
1766embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV
1767into the Glib event loop).
1768
1769Method 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 1770and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1327pseudo-code only of course: 1771is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1772priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1773the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1328 1774
1329 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1775 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1330 static ev_timer tw; 1776 static ev_timer tw;
1331 1777
1332 static void 1778 static void
1333 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1779 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1334 { 1780 {
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 } 1781 }
1341 1782
1342 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1783 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1343 static void 1784 static void
1344 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1785 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1345 { 1786 {
1346 int timeout = 3600000;truct pollfd fds [nfd]; 1787 int timeout = 3600000;
1788 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1347 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 1789 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1348 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 1790 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1349 1791
1350 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 1792 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1351 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1793 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1352 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 1794 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1353 1795
1354 // create on ev_io per pollfd 1796 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1355 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1797 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1356 { 1798 {
1357 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 1799 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1358 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 1800 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1359 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 1801 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1360 1802
1361 fds [i].revents = 0; 1803 fds [i].revents = 0;
1362 iow [i].data = fds + i;
1363 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 1804 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1364 } 1805 }
1365 } 1806 }
1366 1807
1367 // stop all watchers after blocking 1808 // stop all watchers after blocking
1369 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 1810 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1370 { 1811 {
1371 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 1812 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1372 1813
1373 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1814 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1815 {
1816 // set the relevant poll flags
1817 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1818 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1819 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1820 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1821 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1822
1823 // now stop the watcher
1374 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 1824 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1825 }
1375 1826
1376 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 1827 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1828 }
1829
1830Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1831in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1832
1833Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1834notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1835callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1836
1837 static void
1838 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1839 {
1840 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1841 update_now (EV_A);
1842
1843 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1844 }
1845
1846 static void
1847 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1848 {
1849 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1850 update_now (EV_A);
1851
1852 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1853 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1854 }
1855
1856 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1857
1858Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1859want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override
1860their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
1861loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
1862this.
1863
1864 static gint
1865 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1866 {
1867 int got_events = 0;
1868
1869 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1870 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1871
1872 if (timeout >= 0)
1873 // create/start timer
1874
1875 // poll
1876 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1877
1878 // stop timer again
1879 if (timeout >= 0)
1880 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1881
1882 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1883 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1884 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1885
1886 return got_events;
1377 } 1887 }
1378 1888
1379 1889
1380=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 1890=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1381 1891
1424portable one. 1934portable one.
1425 1935
1426So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared 1936So 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 1937that 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 1938this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to
1429create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything: 1939create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.
1940
1941=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1942
1943=over 4
1944
1945=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1946
1947=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1948
1949Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
1950embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1951invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1952to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
1953if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1954
1955=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1956
1957Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1958similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1959apropriate way for embedded loops.
1960
1961=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
1962
1963The embedded event loop.
1964
1965=back
1966
1967=head3 Examples
1968
1969Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default
1970event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default
1971loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the mebeddable loop is stored in
1972C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the acse no embeddable loop can be
1973used).
1430 1974
1431 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 1975 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
1432 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 1976 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
1433 struct ev_embed embed; 1977 struct ev_embed embed;
1434 1978
1445 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 1989 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1446 } 1990 }
1447 else 1991 else
1448 loop_lo = loop_hi; 1992 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1449 1993
1994Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
1995a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
1996kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
1997C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
1998
1999 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2000 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2001 struct ev_embed embed;
2002
2003 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2004 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2005 {
2006 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2007 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2008 }
2009
2010 if (!loop_socket)
2011 loop_socket = loop;
2012
2013 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
2014
2015
2016=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
2017
2018Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
2019whoever is a good citizen cared to tell libev about it by calling
2020C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork>). The invocation is done before the
2021event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
2022and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
2023C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
2024handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
2025
2026=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2027
1450=over 4 2028=over 4
1451 2029
1452=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2030=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1453 2031
1454=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2032Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
1455 2033kind. 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 2034believe 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 2035
1472=back 2036=back
1473 2037
1474 2038
1475=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2039=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
1564 2128
1565To use it, 2129To use it,
1566 2130
1567 #include <ev++.h> 2131 #include <ev++.h>
1568 2132
1569(it is not installed by default). This automatically includes F<ev.h> 2133This 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 2134of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1571namespace. All C++ specific things are put into the C<ev> namespace. 2135put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2136options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
1572 2137
1573It should support all the same embedding options as F<ev.h>, most notably 2138Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
1574C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 2139classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
2140that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
2141you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
2142
2143Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be
2144used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only
2145need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other
2146types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing
2147it).
1575 2148
1576Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 2149Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1577 2150
1578=over 4 2151=over 4
1579 2152
1595 2168
1596All of those classes have these methods: 2169All of those classes have these methods:
1597 2170
1598=over 4 2171=over 4
1599 2172
1600=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *) 2173=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1601 2174
1602=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *, struct ev_loop *) 2175=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1603 2176
1604=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 2177=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1605 2178
1606The constructor takes a pointer to an object and a method pointer to 2179The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1607the event handler callback to call in this class. The constructor calls 2180with. 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 2181
1609before starting it. If you do not specify a loop then the constructor 2182The constructor calls C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the
1610automatically associates the default loop with this watcher. 2183C<set> method before starting it.
2184
2185It will not set a callback, however: You have to call the templated C<set>
2186method to set a callback before you can start the watcher.
2187
2188(The reason why you have to use a method is a limitation in C++ which does
2189not allow explicit template arguments for constructors).
1611 2190
1612The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active. 2191The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active.
2192
2193=item w->set<class, &class::method> (object *)
2194
2195This method sets the callback method to call. The method has to have a
2196signature of C<void (*)(ev_TYPE &, int)>, it receives the watcher as
2197first argument and the C<revents> as second. The object must be given as
2198parameter and is stored in the C<data> member of the watcher.
2199
2200This method synthesizes efficient thunking code to call your method from
2201the C callback that libev requires. If your compiler can inline your
2202callback (i.e. it is visible to it at the place of the C<set> call and
2203your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2204thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2205
2206Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2207
2208 struct myclass
2209 {
2210 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2211 }
2212
2213 myclass obj;
2214 ev::io iow;
2215 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2216
2217=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2218
2219Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2220callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2221C<data> member and is free for you to use.
2222
2223The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2224
2225See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2226
2227Example:
2228
2229 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2230 iow.set <io_cb> ();
1613 2231
1614=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2232=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1615 2233
1616Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2234Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
1617do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2235do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1618 2236
1619=item w->set ([args]) 2237=item w->set ([args])
1620 2238
1621Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2239Basically 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 2240called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1623automatically stopped and restarted. 2241automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2242method.
1624 2243
1625=item w->start () 2244=item w->start ()
1626 2245
1627Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument as the 2246Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
1628constructor already takes the loop. 2247constructor already stores the event loop.
1629 2248
1630=item w->stop () 2249=item w->stop ()
1631 2250
1632Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 2251Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1633 2252
1634=item w->again () C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only 2253=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
1635 2254
1636For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding 2255For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding
1637C<ev_TYPE_again> function. 2256C<ev_TYPE_again> function.
1638 2257
1639=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only 2258=item w->sweep () (C<ev::embed> only)
1640 2259
1641Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>. 2260Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
1642 2261
1643=item w->update () C<ev::stat> only 2262=item w->update () (C<ev::stat> only)
1644 2263
1645Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>. 2264Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
1646 2265
1647=back 2266=back
1648 2267
1658 2277
1659 myclass (); 2278 myclass ();
1660 } 2279 }
1661 2280
1662 myclass::myclass (int fd) 2281 myclass::myclass (int fd)
1663 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb),
1664 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb)
1665 { 2282 {
2283 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2284 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2285
1666 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2286 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
1667 } 2287 }
2288
2289
2290=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2291
2292Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal
2293of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
2294functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2295
2296To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2297following macros are defined:
2298
2299=over 4
2300
2301=item C<EV_A>, C<EV_A_>
2302
2303This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2304loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
2305C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2306
2307 ev_unref (EV_A);
2308 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2309 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2310
2311It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2312which is often provided by the following macro.
2313
2314=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2315
2316This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2317loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
2318C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2319
2320 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
2321 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2322
2323 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
2324 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2325
2326It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
2327suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2328
2329=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2330
2331Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
2332loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
2333
2334=back
2335
2336Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2337macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2338or not.
2339
2340 static void
2341 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2342 {
2343 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
2344 }
2345
2346 ev_check check;
2347 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
2348 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
2349 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1668 2350
1669=head1 EMBEDDING 2351=head1 EMBEDDING
1670 2352
1671Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2353Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1672applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2354applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1673Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe) 2355Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe)
1674and rxvt-unicode. 2356and rxvt-unicode.
1675 2357
1676The goal is to enable you to just copy the neecssary files into your 2358The 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 2359source 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 2360you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of
1679libev somewhere in your source tree). 2361libev somewhere in your source tree).
1680 2362
1681=head2 FILESETS 2363=head2 FILESETS
1712 ev_vars.h 2394 ev_vars.h
1713 ev_wrap.h 2395 ev_wrap.h
1714 2396
1715 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2397 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1716 2398
1717 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is by default) 2399 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) 2400 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) 2401 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) 2402 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) 2403 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1722 2404
1771 2453
1772If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2454If 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 2455monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use
1774of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 2456of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
1775usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2457usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
1776the functionality isn't available is safe, though, althoguh you have 2458the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
1777to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 2459to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
1778function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2460function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
1779 2461
1780=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2462=item EV_USE_REALTIME
1781 2463
1782If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2464If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1783realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2465realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at
1784runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2466runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will
1785be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2467be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
1786(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See tzhe note about libraries 2468(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
1787in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 2469note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2470
2471=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2472
2473If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2474and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
1788 2475
1789=item EV_USE_SELECT 2476=item EV_USE_SELECT
1790 2477
1791If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 2478If 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 2479C<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 2497wants osf handles on win32 (this is the case when the select to
1811be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call 2498be 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, 2499C<_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 2500it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
1814on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms. 2501on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.
2502
2503=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE
2504
2505If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map
2506file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the
2507default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually
2508correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management,
2509in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles.
1815 2510
1816=item EV_USE_POLL 2511=item EV_USE_POLL
1817 2512
1818If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2) 2513If 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 2514backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
1847 2542
1848=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 2543=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
1849 2544
1850reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 2545reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
1851 2546
2547=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2548
2549If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2550interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2551be detected at runtime.
2552
1852=item EV_H 2553=item EV_H
1853 2554
1854The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 2555The 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 2556undefined 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. 2557virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
1857 2558
1858=item EV_CONFIG_H 2559=item EV_CONFIG_H
1859 2560
1860If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override 2561If 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 2562F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
1862C<EV_H>, above. 2563C<EV_H>, above.
1863 2564
1864=item EV_EVENT_H 2565=item EV_EVENT_H
1865 2566
1866Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea 2567Similarly 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. 2568of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the dfeault is C<"event.h">.
1868 2569
1869=item EV_PROTOTYPES 2570=item EV_PROTOTYPES
1870 2571
1871If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function 2572If 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 2573prototypes, 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 2580will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
1880additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 2581additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
1881for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 2582for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
1882argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 2583argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
1883 2584
2585=item EV_MINPRI
2586
2587=item EV_MAXPRI
2588
2589The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
2590C<EV_MAXPRI>, but otherwise there are no non-obvious limitations. You can
2591provide for more priorities by overriding those symbols (usually defined
2592to be C<-2> and C<2>, respectively).
2593
2594When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2595all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2596and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2597fine.
2598
2599If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2600C<0> will save some memory and cpu.
2601
1884=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 2602=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
1885 2603
1886If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 2604If 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 2605defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
1888code. 2606code.
1889 2607
2608=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE
2609
2610If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
2611defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2612code.
2613
1890=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 2614=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
1891 2615
1892If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If 2616If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
1893defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 2617defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
1894 2618
1895=item EV_STAT_ENABLE 2619=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
1896 2620
1897If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If 2621If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
2622defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2623
2624=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
2625
2626If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
1898defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 2627defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
1899 2628
1900=item EV_MINIMAL 2629=item EV_MINIMAL
1901 2630
1902If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 2631If 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 2632speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override
1904some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64. 2633some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64.
2634
2635=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2636
2637C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2638pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2639than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to
2640increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
2641
2642=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
2643
2644C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2645inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2646usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2647watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2648two).
1905 2649
1906=item EV_COMMON 2650=item EV_COMMON
1907 2651
1908By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 2652By 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 2653this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
1922 2666
1923=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb) 2667=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb)
1924 2668
1925Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher, 2669Can 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 2670and 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 2671definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
1928their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 2672their 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 2673avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
1930method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 2674method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2675
2676=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
2677
2678If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of
2679exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
2680all public symbols, one per line:
2681
2682 Symbols.ev for libev proper
2683 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
2684
2685This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
2686multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
2687itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this).
2688
2689A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
2690include before including F<ev.h>:
2691
2692 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
2693
2694This would create a file F<wrap.h> which essentially looks like this:
2695
2696 #define ev_backend myprefix_ev_backend
2697 #define ev_check_start myprefix_ev_check_start
2698 #define ev_check_stop myprefix_ev_check_stop
2699 ...
1931 2700
1932=head2 EXAMPLES 2701=head2 EXAMPLES
1933 2702
1934For a real-world example of a program the includes libev 2703For a real-world example of a program the includes libev
1935verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module 2704verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module
1938interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file 2707interface) 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 2708will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header
1940file. 2709file.
1941 2710
1942The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 2711The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
1943that everybody includes and which overrides some autoconf choices: 2712that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
1944 2713
2714 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
1945 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 2715 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
1946 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 2716 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
1947 #define EV_PERIODICS 0 2717 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2718 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2719 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
1948 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 2720 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2721 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2722 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
1949 2723
1950 #include "ev++.h" 2724 #include "ev++.h"
1951 2725
1952And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 2726And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
1953 2727
1959 2733
1960In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 2734In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
1961libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 2735libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
1962documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 2736documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
1963 2737
2738All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
2739extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
2740happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
2741mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
2742it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
2743
1964=over 4 2744=over 4
1965 2745
1966=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 2746=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
1967 2747
2748This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
2749there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
2750have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
2751
1968=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 2752=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
2753
2754That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
2755as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
1969 2756
1970=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 2757=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)
1971 2758
2759These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
2760
1972=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 2761=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)
1973 2762
1974=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % 16)) 2763=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
1975 2764
2765These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
2766correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2767have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
2768
1976=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 2769=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
2770
2771By virtue of using a binary heap, the next timer is always found at the
2772beginning of the storage array.
1977 2773
1978=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 2774=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
1979 2775
1980=item Activating one watcher: O(1) 2776A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2777libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
2778on backend and wether C<ev_io_set> was used).
2779
2780=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
2781
2782=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2783
2784Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2785priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2786linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
2787watchers becomes O(1) w.r.t. prioritiy handling.
1981 2788
1982=back 2789=back
1983 2790
1984 2791
2792=head1 Win32 platform limitations and workarounds
2793
2794Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
2795requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
2796model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
2797the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
2798descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
2799e.g. cygwin.
2800
2801There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
2802embedding it into other applications.
2803
2804Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and the
2805abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets is not
2806recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use more than
2807a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally different
2808implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX model, which cannot
2809be implemented efficiently on windows (microsoft monopoly games).
2810
2811=over 4
2812
2813=item The winsocket select function
2814
2815The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it requires
2816socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors>. This makes select
2817very inefficient, and also requires a mapping from file descriptors
2818to socket handles. See the discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>,
2819C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor
2820symbols for more info.
2821
2822The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the microsoft runtime
2823libraries and raw winsocket select is:
2824
2825 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
2826 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
2827
2828Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
2829complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
2830
2831=item Limited number of file descriptors
2832
2833Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. Early versions
2834of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a max. of C<64> handles
2835(probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels can only wait for
2836C<64> things at the same time internally; microsoft recommends spawning a
2837chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the previous thread in each).
2838
2839Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
2840to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
2841call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own
2842select emulation on windows).
2843
2844Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the microsoft runtime
2845libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish
2846or something like this inside microsoft). You can increase this by calling
2847C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
2848arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the microsoft runtime
2849libraries.
2850
2851This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on
2852windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to
2853wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
2854calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
2855
2856=back
2857
2858
1985=head1 AUTHOR 2859=head1 AUTHOR
1986 2860
1987Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 2861Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
1988 2862

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