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4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
8 8
9=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10
11 #include <ev.h>
12
13 ev_io stdin_watcher;
14 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
15
16 /* called when data readable on stdin */
17 static void
18 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents)
19 {
20 /* puts ("stdin ready"); */
21 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); /* just a syntax example */
22 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); /* leave all loop calls */
23 }
24
25 static void
26 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
27 {
28 /* puts ("timeout"); */
29 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); /* leave one loop call */
30 }
31
32 int
33 main (void)
34 {
35 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
36
37 /* initialise an io watcher, then start it */
38 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
39 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
40
41 /* simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout */
42 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
43 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
44
45 /* loop till timeout or data ready */
46 ev_loop (loop, 0);
47
48 return 0;
49 }
50
9=head1 DESCRIPTION 51=head1 DESCRIPTION
10 52
53The newest version of this document is also available as a html-formatted
54web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
55time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>.
56
11Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 57Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
12file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage 58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
13these event sources and provide your program with events. 59these event sources and provide your program with events.
14 60
15To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process 61To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process
16(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then 62(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then
17communicate events via a callback mechanism. 63communicate events via a callback mechanism.
21details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the 67details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the
22watcher. 68watcher.
23 69
24=head1 FEATURES 70=head1 FEATURES
25 71
26Libev supports select, poll, the linux-specific epoll and the bsd-specific 72Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
27kqueue mechanisms for file descriptor events, relative timers, absolute 73BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
28timers with customised rescheduling, signal events, process status change 74for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
29events (related to SIGCHLD), and event watchers dealing with the event 75(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers
30loop mechanism itself (idle, prepare and check watchers). It also is quite 76with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals
77(C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and event
78watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>,
79C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as
80file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events
81(C<ev_fork>).
82
83It also is quite fast (see this
31fast (see this L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing 84L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
32it to libevent for example). 85for example).
33 86
34=head1 CONVENTIONS 87=head1 CONVENTIONS
35 88
36Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration 89Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will
37will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info 90be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about
38about various configuration options please have a look at the file 91various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in
39F<README.embed> in the libev distribution. If libev was configured without 92this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event
40support for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial 93loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop>
41argument of name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) 94(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument.
42will not have this argument.
43 95
44=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION 96=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION
45 97
46Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 98Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
47(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 99(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
48the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 100the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
49called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 101called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
50to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 102to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
51it, you should treat it as such. 103it, you should treat it as some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name
52 104component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
105throughout libev.
53 106
54=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 107=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
55 108
56These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 109These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
57library in any way. 110library in any way.
62 115
63Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 116Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
64C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp 117C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
65you actually want to know. 118you actually want to know.
66 119
120=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
121
122Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
123either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
124this is a subsecond-resolution C<sleep ()>.
125
67=item int ev_version_major () 126=item int ev_version_major ()
68 127
69=item int ev_version_minor () 128=item int ev_version_minor ()
70 129
71You can find out the major and minor version numbers of the library 130You can find out the major and minor ABI version numbers of the library
72you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and 131you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and
73C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global 132C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global
74symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the 133symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the
75version of the library your program was compiled against. 134version of the library your program was compiled against.
76 135
136These version numbers refer to the ABI version of the library, not the
137release version.
138
77Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch, 139Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch,
78as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 140as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
79compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 141compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
80not a problem. 142not a problem.
81 143
82Example: make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 144Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
83version: 145version.
84 146
85 assert (("libev version mismatch", 147 assert (("libev version mismatch",
86 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 148 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
87 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 149 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
88 150
118 180
119See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 181See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
120 182
121=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 183=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
122 184
123Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar to the 185Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
124realloc C function, the semantics are identical). It is used to allocate 186semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to
125and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when memory 187allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when
126needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some potentially 188memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some
127destructive action. The default is your system realloc function. 189potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc
190function.
128 191
129You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 192You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
130free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 193free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
131or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 194or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
132 195
133Example: replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 196Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
134retries: better than mine). 197retries).
135 198
136 static void * 199 static void *
137 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, long size) 200 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
138 { 201 {
139 for (;;) 202 for (;;)
140 { 203 {
141 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size); 204 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size);
142 205
158callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 221callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no
159matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 222matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
160requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 223requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
161(such as abort). 224(such as abort).
162 225
163Example: do the same thing as libev does internally: 226Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
164 227
165 static void 228 static void
166 fatal_error (const char *msg) 229 fatal_error (const char *msg)
167 { 230 {
168 perror (msg); 231 perror (msg);
218C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 281C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
219override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 282override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
220useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 283useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
221around bugs. 284around bugs.
222 285
286=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
287
288Instead of calling C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork> manually after
289a fork, you can also make libev check for a fork in each iteration by
290enabling this flag.
291
292This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
293and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
294iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
295Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
296without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my Linux system also has
297C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
298
299The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
300forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
301flag.
302
303This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
304environment variable.
305
223=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 306=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
224 307
225This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 308This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
226libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 309libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
227but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 310but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
236lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, i.e. O(total_fds). 319lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, i.e. O(total_fds).
237 320
238=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 321=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
239 322
240For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 323For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
241but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like 324but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
242O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), epoll scales 325like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
243either O(1) or O(active_fds). 326epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number
327of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
328cases and rewiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad
329support for dup:
244 330
245While stopping and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration will 331While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
246result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 332will result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident
247(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 333(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
248best to avoid that. Also, dup()ed file descriptors might not work very 334best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
249well if you register events for both fds. 335very well if you register events for both fds.
250 336
251Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 337Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
252need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data 338need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
253(or space) is available. 339(or space) is available.
254 340
255=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 341=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
256 342
257Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 343Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
258was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work with 344was broken on I<all> BSDs (usually it doesn't work with anything but
259anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course its 345sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course it's completely
346useless. On NetBSD, it seems to work for all the FD types I tested, so it
260completely useless). For this reason its not being "autodetected" 347is used by default there). For this reason it's not being "autodetected"
261unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 348unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using
262C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>). 349C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
350system like NetBSD.
263 351
264It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 352It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
265kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 353kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed,
266course). While starting and stopping an I/O watcher does not cause an 354of course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does
267extra syscall as with epoll, it still adds up to four event changes per 355never cause an extra syscall as with epoll, it still adds up to two event
268incident, so its best to avoid that. 356changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it drops fds
357silently in similarly hard-to-detetc cases.
269 358
270=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 359=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
271 360
272This is not implemented yet (and might never be). 361This is not implemented yet (and might never be).
273 362
274=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 363=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
275 364
276This uses the Solaris 10 port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 365This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
277it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 366it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
278 367
279Please note that solaris ports can result in a lot of spurious 368Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
280notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid 369notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
281blocking when no data (or space) is available. 370blocking when no data (or space) is available.
282 371
283=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 372=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
284 373
314Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 403Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
315always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 404always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
316handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by 405handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
317undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 406undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
318 407
319Example: try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 408Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
320 409
321 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 410 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
322 if (!epoller) 411 if (!epoller)
323 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 412 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
324 413
327Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 416Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
328etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 417etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
329sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 418sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
330responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 419responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before>
331calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 420calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
332the easiest thing, youc na just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 421the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
333for example). 422for example).
423
424Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by
425this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers)
426would need to be stopped manually.
427
428In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the
429rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling
430pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
431C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).
334 432
335=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 433=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
336 434
337Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 435Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
338earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 436earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
362 460
363Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 461Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
364C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 462C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
365after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 463after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
366 464
465=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
466
467Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
468the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
469happily wraps around with enough iterations.
470
471This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
472"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
473C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls.
474
367=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 475=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
368 476
369Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 477Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
370use. 478use.
371 479
373 481
374Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop 482Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop
375received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 483received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
376change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 484change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base
377time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the 485time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
378event occuring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 486event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
379 487
380=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 488=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
381 489
382Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 490Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
383after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 491after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
404libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 512libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
405usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 513usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
406 514
407Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 515Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
408 516
517 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
409 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 518 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return.
410 - Queue prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 519 - Queue all prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers.
411 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 520 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
412 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 521 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
413 - Update the "event loop time". 522 - Update the "event loop time".
414 - Calculate for how long to block. 523 - Calculate for how long to block.
415 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 524 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
423 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 532 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
424 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 533 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
425 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 534 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
426 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *. 535 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *.
427 536
428Example: queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding 537Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding
429anymore. 538anymore.
430 539
431 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 540 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
432 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 541 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
433 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 542 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
453visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 562visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if
454no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 563no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent
455way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 564way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party
456libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>. 565libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>.
457 566
458Example: create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 567Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
459running when nothing else is active. 568running when nothing else is active.
460 569
461 struct dv_signal exitsig; 570 struct ev_signal exitsig;
462 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 571 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
463 ev_signal_start (myloop, &exitsig); 572 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
464 evf_unref (myloop); 573 evf_unref (loop);
465 574
466Example: for some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 575Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
467 576
468 ev_ref (myloop); 577 ev_ref (loop);
469 ev_signal_stop (myloop, &exitsig); 578 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
579
580=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
581
582=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
583
584These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
585for events. Both are by default C<0>, meaning that libev will try to
586invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency.
587
588Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>)
589allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks to
590increase efficiency of loop iterations.
591
592The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to
593handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes
594the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
595events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
596overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
597
598By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
599time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
600at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
601C<ev_timer>) will be not affected.
602
603Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
604to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
605latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers
606will not be affected.
607
608Many programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect interval to
609a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for interactive servers
610(of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It usually doesn't make
611much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>, as this approsaches
612the timing granularity of most systems.
470 613
471=back 614=back
472 615
473 616
474=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 617=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
565received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 708received 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 709many 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 710(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep
568C<ev_loop> from blocking). 711C<ev_loop> from blocking).
569 712
713=item C<EV_EMBED>
714
715The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
716
717=item C<EV_FORK>
718
719The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
720C<ev_fork>).
721
570=item C<EV_ERROR> 722=item C<EV_ERROR>
571 723
572An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 724An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might
573happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 725happen 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 726ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
645=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher) 797=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
646 798
647Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding 799Returns 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 800events 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 801is 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 802C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
651libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 803make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
804it).
652 805
653=item callback = ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 806=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
654 807
655Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 808Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
656 809
657=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 810=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
658 811
659Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 812Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
660(modulo threads). 813(modulo threads).
814
815=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority)
816
817=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
818
819Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
820integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
821(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
822before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
823from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
824
825This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
826invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
827example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
828watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
829
830If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
831you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
832
833You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
834pending.
835
836The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
837always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
838
839Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
840fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
841or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
842
843=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
844
845Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
846C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
847can deal with that fact.
848
849=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
850
851If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status
852and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
853watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
661 854
662=back 855=back
663 856
664 857
665=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 858=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
686 { 879 {
687 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 880 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
688 ... 881 ...
689 } 882 }
690 883
691More interesting and less C-conformant ways of catsing your callback type 884More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
692have been omitted.... 885instead have been omitted.
886
887Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple
888watchers:
889
890 struct my_biggy
891 {
892 int some_data;
893 ev_timer t1;
894 ev_timer t2;
895 }
896
897In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated,
898you need to use C<offsetof>:
899
900 #include <stddef.h>
901
902 static void
903 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
904 {
905 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
906 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
907 }
908
909 static void
910 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
911 {
912 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
913 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
914 }
693 915
694 916
695=head1 WATCHER TYPES 917=head1 WATCHER TYPES
696 918
697This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 919This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
742it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 964it 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. 965C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
744 966
745If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 967If 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 968play 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 969whether 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 970such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
749its own, so its quite safe to use). 971its own, so its quite safe to use).
972
973=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
974
975Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
976descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means,
977such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
978descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
979this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
980registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
981fact, a different file descriptor.
982
983To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows
984the following policy: Each time C<ev_io_set> is being called, libev
985will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise
986it is assumed that the file descriptor stays the same. That means that
987you I<have> to call C<ev_io_set> (or C<ev_io_init>) when you change the
988descriptor even if the file descriptor number itself did not change.
989
990This is how one would do it normally anyway, the important point is that
991the libev application should not optimise around libev but should leave
992optimisations to libev.
993
994=head3 The special problem of dup'ed file descriptors
995
996Some backends (e.g. epoll), cannot register events for file descriptors,
997but only events for the underlying file descriptions. That menas when you
998have C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors and register events for them, only one
999file descriptor might actually receive events.
1000
1001There is no workaorund possible except not registering events
1002for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors or to resort to
1003C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1004
1005=head3 The special problem of fork
1006
1007Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit
1008useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about
1009it in the child.
1010
1011To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
1012C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,
1013enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1014C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1015
1016
1017=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
750 1018
751=over 4 1019=over 4
752 1020
753=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1021=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
754 1022
766 1034
767The events being watched. 1035The events being watched.
768 1036
769=back 1037=back
770 1038
771Example: call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1039Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
772readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1040readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
773attempt to read a whole line in the callback: 1041attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
774 1042
775 static void 1043 static void
776 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1044 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
777 { 1045 {
778 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1046 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
808 1076
809The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1077The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed,
810but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1078but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
811order of execution is undefined. 1079order of execution is undefined.
812 1080
1081=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1082
813=over 4 1083=over 4
814 1084
815=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1085=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
816 1086
817=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1087=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
830=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1100=item ev_timer_again (loop)
831 1101
832This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1102This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
833repeating. The exact semantics are: 1103repeating. The exact semantics are:
834 1104
1105If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1106
835If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it. 1107If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
836 1108
837If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat 1109If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
838value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value. 1110C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
839 1111
840This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1112This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
841example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called 1113example: 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, 1114timeout, 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 1115seconds 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 1116configure 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 1117C<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 1118you 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 1119socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
848need be. 1120automatically restart it if need be.
849 1121
850You can also ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start> altogether 1122That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
851and only ever use the C<repeat> value: 1123altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
852 1124
853 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.); 1125 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
854 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1126 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
855 ... 1127 ...
856 timer->again = 17.; 1128 timer->again = 17.;
857 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1129 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
858 ... 1130 ...
859 timer->again = 10.; 1131 timer->again = 10.;
860 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1132 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
861 1133
862This is more efficient then stopping/starting the timer eahc time you want 1134This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
863to modify its timeout value. 1135you want to modify its timeout value.
864 1136
865=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1137=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
866 1138
867The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1139The 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), 1140or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
869which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1141which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
870 1142
871=back 1143=back
872 1144
873Example: create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1145Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
874 1146
875 static void 1147 static void
876 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1148 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
877 { 1149 {
878 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1150 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
880 1152
881 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1153 struct ev_timer mytimer;
882 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1154 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
883 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1155 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
884 1156
885Example: create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1157Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
886inactivity. 1158inactivity.
887 1159
888 static void 1160 static void
889 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1161 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
890 { 1162 {
910but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1182but 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 1183to 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 () 1184periodic 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 1185+ 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 1186take 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 1187roughly 10 seconds later).
916again).
917 1188
918They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1189They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as
919triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 1190triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated,
1191rules.
920 1192
921As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1193As 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 1194time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
923during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1195during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
924 1196
1197=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1198
925=over 4 1199=over 4
926 1200
927=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1201=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
928 1202
929=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1203=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 1205Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
932operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1206operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
933 1207
934=over 4 1208=over 4
935 1209
936=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1210=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
937 1211
938In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1212In 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, 1213C<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 1214that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the
941system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1215system time reaches or surpasses this time.
942 1216
943=item * non-repeating interval timer (interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1217=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
944 1218
945In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1219In 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 1220C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
947of any time jumps. 1221and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
948 1222
949This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1223This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system
950time: 1224time:
951 1225
952 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1226 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
958 1232
959Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1233Another 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 1234C<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. 1235time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
962 1236
1237For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1238C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1239this value.
1240
963=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 1241=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
964 1242
965In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1243In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
966ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1244ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
967reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1245reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
968current time as second argument. 1246current time as second argument.
969 1247
970NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1248NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
971ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1249ever, 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 1250return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
973starting a prepare watcher). 1251starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
974 1252
975Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1253Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,
976ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1254ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
977 1255
978 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1256 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1001Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1279Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1002when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1280when 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 1281a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1004program when the crontabs have changed). 1282program when the crontabs have changed).
1005 1283
1284=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1285
1286When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1287absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1288
1289Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1290timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1291
1006=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 1292=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1007 1293
1008The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1294The 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 1295take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1010called. 1296called.
1013 1299
1014The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1300The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1015switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1301switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1016the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1302the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1017 1303
1304=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1305
1306When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1307trigger next.
1308
1018=back 1309=back
1019 1310
1020Example: call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1311Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1021system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1312system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1022potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1313potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability.
1023 1314
1024 static void 1315 static void
1025 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1316 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1029 1320
1030 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1321 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1031 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1322 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1032 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1323 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1033 1324
1034Example: the same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1325Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1035 1326
1036 #include <math.h> 1327 #include <math.h>
1037 1328
1038 static ev_tstamp 1329 static ev_tstamp
1039 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1330 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1041 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1332 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;
1042 } 1333 }
1043 1334
1044 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1335 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1045 1336
1046Example: call a callback every hour, starting now: 1337Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1047 1338
1048 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1339 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1049 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1340 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1050 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1341 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1051 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1342 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1063with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1354with 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 1355as 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 1356watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
1066SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1357SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1067 1358
1359=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1360
1068=over 4 1361=over 4
1069 1362
1070=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 1363=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
1071 1364
1072=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum) 1365=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)
1083 1376
1084=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1377=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1085 1378
1086Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1379Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1087some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1380some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies).
1381
1382=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1088 1383
1089=over 4 1384=over 4
1090 1385
1091=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 1386=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid)
1092 1387
1112The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems 1407The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1113C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details). 1408C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1114 1409
1115=back 1410=back
1116 1411
1117Example: try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1412Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1118 1413
1119 static void 1414 static void
1120 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1415 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1121 { 1416 {
1122 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1417 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1137not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 1432not 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 1433not 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 1434otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of
1140the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 1435the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1141 1436
1437The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1438relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1439
1142Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 1440Since 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 1441calls 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 1442can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify
1145a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 1443a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,
1146unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around 1444unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around
1147five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also 1445five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also
1148impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats 1446impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats
1150 1448
1151This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 1449This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1152as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1450as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1153resource-intensive. 1451resource-intensive.
1154 1452
1155At the time of this writing, no specific OS backends are implemented, but 1453At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1156if demand increases, at least a kqueue and inotify backend will be added. 1454implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the
1455reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the
1456semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
1457to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1458usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1459polling.
1460
1461=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1157 1462
1158=over 4 1463=over 4
1159 1464
1160=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval) 1465=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1161 1466
1225 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1530 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1226 1531
1227 1532
1228=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1533=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1229 1534
1230Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1535Idle 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 1536priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
1232as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1537count).
1233imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1538
1234watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration - 1539That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1540(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1541triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1542are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1235until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1543iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1236busy. 1544and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
1237 1545
1238The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 1546The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
1239active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1547active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
1240 1548
1241Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1549Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1242effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do 1550effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do
1243"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 1551"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
1244event loop has handled all outstanding events. 1552event loop has handled all outstanding events.
1245 1553
1554=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1555
1246=over 4 1556=over 4
1247 1557
1248=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1558=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1249 1559
1250Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any 1560Initialises 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, 1561kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1252believe me. 1562believe me.
1253 1563
1254=back 1564=back
1255 1565
1256Example: dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle>, start it, and in the 1566Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1257callback, free it. Alos, use no error checking, as usual. 1567callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1258 1568
1259 static void 1569 static void
1260 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1570 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1261 { 1571 {
1262 free (w); 1572 free (w);
1307with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 1617with 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 1618of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
1309loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 1619loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1310low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 1620low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1311 1621
1622It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1623priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1624after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1625too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1626supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers did
1627their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other event
1628loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
1629C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
1630others).
1631
1632=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1633
1312=over 4 1634=over 4
1313 1635
1314=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1636=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
1315 1637
1316=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1638=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1319parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 1641parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1320macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1642macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1321 1643
1322=back 1644=back
1323 1645
1324Example: To include a library such as adns, you would add IO watchers 1646There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1325and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, as required by libadns, and 1647into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1648(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1649use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib>
1650embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV
1651into the Glib event loop).
1652
1653Method 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 1654and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1327pseudo-code only of course: 1655is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1656priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1657the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1328 1658
1329 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1659 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1330 static ev_timer tw; 1660 static ev_timer tw;
1331 1661
1332 static void 1662 static void
1333 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1663 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1334 { 1664 {
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 } 1665 }
1341 1666
1342 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1667 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1343 static void 1668 static void
1344 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1669 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1345 { 1670 {
1346 int timeout = 3600000;truct pollfd fds [nfd]; 1671 int timeout = 3600000;
1672 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1347 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 1673 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1348 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 1674 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1349 1675
1350 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 1676 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1351 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1677 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1352 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 1678 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1353 1679
1354 // create on ev_io per pollfd 1680 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1355 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1681 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1356 { 1682 {
1357 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 1683 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1358 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 1684 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1359 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 1685 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1360 1686
1361 fds [i].revents = 0; 1687 fds [i].revents = 0;
1362 iow [i].data = fds + i;
1363 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 1688 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1364 } 1689 }
1365 } 1690 }
1366 1691
1367 // stop all watchers after blocking 1692 // stop all watchers after blocking
1369 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 1694 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1370 { 1695 {
1371 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 1696 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1372 1697
1373 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1698 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1699 {
1700 // set the relevant poll flags
1701 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1702 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1703 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1704 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1705 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1706
1707 // now stop the watcher
1374 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 1708 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1709 }
1375 1710
1376 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 1711 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1712 }
1713
1714Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1715in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1716
1717Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1718notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1719callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1720
1721 static void
1722 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1723 {
1724 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1725 update_now (EV_A);
1726
1727 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1728 }
1729
1730 static void
1731 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1732 {
1733 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1734 update_now (EV_A);
1735
1736 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1737 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1738 }
1739
1740 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1741
1742Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1743want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override
1744their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
1745loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
1746this.
1747
1748 static gint
1749 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1750 {
1751 int got_events = 0;
1752
1753 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1754 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1755
1756 if (timeout >= 0)
1757 // create/start timer
1758
1759 // poll
1760 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1761
1762 // stop timer again
1763 if (timeout >= 0)
1764 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1765
1766 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1767 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1768 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1769
1770 return got_events;
1377 } 1771 }
1378 1772
1379 1773
1380=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 1774=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1381 1775
1382This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 1776This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
1383into another (currently only C<ev_io> events are supported in the embedded 1777into another (currently only C<ev_io> events are supported in the embedded
1384loop, other types of watchers might be handled in a delayed or incorrect 1778loop, other types of watchers might be handled in a delayed or incorrect
1385fashion and must not be used). 1779fashion and must not be used). (See portability notes, below).
1386 1780
1387There are primarily two reasons you would want that: work around bugs and 1781There are primarily two reasons you would want that: work around bugs and
1388prioritise I/O. 1782prioritise I/O.
1389 1783
1390As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support 1784As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support
1445 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 1839 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1446 } 1840 }
1447 else 1841 else
1448 loop_lo = loop_hi; 1842 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1449 1843
1844=head2 Portability notes
1845
1846Kqueue is nominally embeddable, but this is broken on all BSDs that I
1847tried, in various ways. Usually the embedded event loop will simply never
1848receive events, sometimes it will only trigger a few times, sometimes in a
1849loop. Epoll is also nominally embeddable, but many Linux kernel versions
1850will always eport the epoll fd as ready, even when no events are pending.
1851
1852While libev allows embedding these backends (they are contained in
1853C<ev_embeddable_backends ()>), take extreme care that it will actually
1854work.
1855
1856When in doubt, create a dynamic event loop forced to use sockets (this
1857usually works) and possibly another thread and a pipe or so to report to
1858your main event loop.
1859
1860=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1861
1450=over 4 1862=over 4
1451 1863
1452=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 1864=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1453 1865
1454=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 1866=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1463 1875
1464Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 1876Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1465similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 1877similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1466apropriate way for embedded loops. 1878apropriate way for embedded loops.
1467 1879
1468=item struct ev_loop *loop [read-only] 1880=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
1469 1881
1470The embedded event loop. 1882The embedded event loop.
1883
1884=back
1885
1886
1887=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
1888
1889Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
1890whoever is a good citizen cared to tell libev about it by calling
1891C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork>). The invocation is done before the
1892event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
1893and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
1894C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
1895handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
1896
1897=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1898
1899=over 4
1900
1901=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1902
1903Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
1904kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1905believe me.
1471 1906
1472=back 1907=back
1473 1908
1474 1909
1475=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 1910=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
1564 1999
1565To use it, 2000To use it,
1566 2001
1567 #include <ev++.h> 2002 #include <ev++.h>
1568 2003
1569(it is not installed by default). This automatically includes F<ev.h> 2004This 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 2005of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1571namespace. All C++ specific things are put into the C<ev> namespace. 2006put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2007options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
1572 2008
1573It should support all the same embedding options as F<ev.h>, most notably 2009Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
1574C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 2010classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
2011that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
2012you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
2013
2014Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be
2015used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only
2016need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other
2017types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing
2018it).
1575 2019
1576Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 2020Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1577 2021
1578=over 4 2022=over 4
1579 2023
1595 2039
1596All of those classes have these methods: 2040All of those classes have these methods:
1597 2041
1598=over 4 2042=over 4
1599 2043
1600=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *) 2044=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1601 2045
1602=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *, struct ev_loop *) 2046=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1603 2047
1604=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 2048=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1605 2049
1606The constructor takes a pointer to an object and a method pointer to 2050The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1607the event handler callback to call in this class. The constructor calls 2051with. 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 2052
1609before starting it. If you do not specify a loop then the constructor 2053The constructor calls C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the
1610automatically associates the default loop with this watcher. 2054C<set> method before starting it.
2055
2056It will not set a callback, however: You have to call the templated C<set>
2057method to set a callback before you can start the watcher.
2058
2059(The reason why you have to use a method is a limitation in C++ which does
2060not allow explicit template arguments for constructors).
1611 2061
1612The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active. 2062The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active.
2063
2064=item w->set<class, &class::method> (object *)
2065
2066This method sets the callback method to call. The method has to have a
2067signature of C<void (*)(ev_TYPE &, int)>, it receives the watcher as
2068first argument and the C<revents> as second. The object must be given as
2069parameter and is stored in the C<data> member of the watcher.
2070
2071This method synthesizes efficient thunking code to call your method from
2072the C callback that libev requires. If your compiler can inline your
2073callback (i.e. it is visible to it at the place of the C<set> call and
2074your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2075thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2076
2077Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2078
2079 struct myclass
2080 {
2081 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2082 }
2083
2084 myclass obj;
2085 ev::io iow;
2086 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2087
2088=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2089
2090Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2091callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2092C<data> member and is free for you to use.
2093
2094The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2095
2096See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2097
2098Example:
2099
2100 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2101 iow.set <io_cb> ();
1613 2102
1614=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2103=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1615 2104
1616Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2105Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
1617do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2106do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1618 2107
1619=item w->set ([args]) 2108=item w->set ([args])
1620 2109
1621Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2110Basically 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 2111called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1623automatically stopped and restarted. 2112automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2113method.
1624 2114
1625=item w->start () 2115=item w->start ()
1626 2116
1627Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument as the 2117Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
1628constructor already takes the loop. 2118constructor already stores the event loop.
1629 2119
1630=item w->stop () 2120=item w->stop ()
1631 2121
1632Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 2122Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1633 2123
1634=item w->again () C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only 2124=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
1635 2125
1636For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding 2126For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding
1637C<ev_TYPE_again> function. 2127C<ev_TYPE_again> function.
1638 2128
1639=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only 2129=item w->sweep () (C<ev::embed> only)
1640 2130
1641Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>. 2131Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
1642 2132
1643=item w->update () C<ev::stat> only 2133=item w->update () (C<ev::stat> only)
1644 2134
1645Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>. 2135Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
1646 2136
1647=back 2137=back
1648 2138
1658 2148
1659 myclass (); 2149 myclass ();
1660 } 2150 }
1661 2151
1662 myclass::myclass (int fd) 2152 myclass::myclass (int fd)
1663 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb),
1664 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb)
1665 { 2153 {
2154 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2155 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2156
1666 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2157 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
1667 } 2158 }
2159
2160
2161=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2162
2163Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal
2164of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
2165functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2166
2167To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2168following macros are defined:
2169
2170=over 4
2171
2172=item C<EV_A>, C<EV_A_>
2173
2174This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2175loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
2176C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2177
2178 ev_unref (EV_A);
2179 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2180 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2181
2182It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2183which is often provided by the following macro.
2184
2185=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2186
2187This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2188loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
2189C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2190
2191 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
2192 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2193
2194 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
2195 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2196
2197It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
2198suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2199
2200=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2201
2202Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
2203loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
2204
2205=back
2206
2207Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2208macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2209or not.
2210
2211 static void
2212 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2213 {
2214 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
2215 }
2216
2217 ev_check check;
2218 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
2219 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
2220 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1668 2221
1669=head1 EMBEDDING 2222=head1 EMBEDDING
1670 2223
1671Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2224Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1672applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2225applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1673Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe) 2226Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe)
1674and rxvt-unicode. 2227and rxvt-unicode.
1675 2228
1676The goal is to enable you to just copy the neecssary files into your 2229The 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 2230source 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 2231you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of
1679libev somewhere in your source tree). 2232libev somewhere in your source tree).
1680 2233
1681=head2 FILESETS 2234=head2 FILESETS
1712 ev_vars.h 2265 ev_vars.h
1713 ev_wrap.h 2266 ev_wrap.h
1714 2267
1715 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2268 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1716 2269
1717 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is by default) 2270 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) 2271 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) 2272 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) 2273 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) 2274 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1722 2275
1771 2324
1772If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2325If 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 2326monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use
1774of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 2327of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
1775usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2328usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
1776the functionality isn't available is safe, though, althoguh you have 2329the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
1777to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 2330to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
1778function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2331function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
1779 2332
1780=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2333=item EV_USE_REALTIME
1781 2334
1782If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2335If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1783realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2336realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at
1784runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2337runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will
1785be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2338be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
1786(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See tzhe note about libraries 2339(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
1787in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 2340note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2341
2342=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2343
2344If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2345and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
1788 2346
1789=item EV_USE_SELECT 2347=item EV_USE_SELECT
1790 2348
1791If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 2349If 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 2350C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no
1847 2405
1848=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 2406=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
1849 2407
1850reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 2408reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
1851 2409
2410=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2411
2412If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2413interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2414be detected at runtime.
2415
1852=item EV_H 2416=item EV_H
1853 2417
1854The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 2418The 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 2419undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This
1856can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 2420can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
1879will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 2443will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
1880additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 2444additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
1881for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 2445for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
1882argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 2446argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
1883 2447
2448=item EV_MINPRI
2449
2450=item EV_MAXPRI
2451
2452The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
2453C<EV_MAXPRI>, but otherwise there are no non-obvious limitations. You can
2454provide for more priorities by overriding those symbols (usually defined
2455to be C<-2> and C<2>, respectively).
2456
2457When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2458all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2459and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2460fine.
2461
2462If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2463C<0> will save some memory and cpu.
2464
1884=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 2465=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
1885 2466
1886If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 2467If 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 2468defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
1888code. 2469code.
1889 2470
2471=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE
2472
2473If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
2474defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2475code.
2476
1890=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 2477=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
1891 2478
1892If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If 2479If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
1893defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 2480defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
1894 2481
1895=item EV_STAT_ENABLE 2482=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
1896 2483
1897If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If 2484If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
2485defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2486
2487=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
2488
2489If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
1898defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 2490defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
1899 2491
1900=item EV_MINIMAL 2492=item EV_MINIMAL
1901 2493
1902If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 2494If 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 2495speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override
1904some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64. 2496some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64.
2497
2498=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2499
2500C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2501pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2502than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to
2503increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
2504
2505=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
2506
2507C<ev_staz> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2508inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2509usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2510watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2511two).
1905 2512
1906=item EV_COMMON 2513=item EV_COMMON
1907 2514
1908By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 2515By 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 2516this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
1922 2529
1923=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb) 2530=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb)
1924 2531
1925Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher, 2532Can 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 2533and 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 2534definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
1928their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 2535their 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 2536avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
1930method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 2537method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2538
2539=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
2540
2541If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of
2542exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
2543all public symbols, one per line:
2544
2545 Symbols.ev for libev proper
2546 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
2547
2548This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
2549multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
2550itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this).
2551
2552A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
2553include before including F<ev.h>:
2554
2555 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
2556
2557This would create a file F<wrap.h> which essentially looks like this:
2558
2559 #define ev_backend myprefix_ev_backend
2560 #define ev_check_start myprefix_ev_check_start
2561 #define ev_check_stop myprefix_ev_check_stop
2562 ...
1931 2563
1932=head2 EXAMPLES 2564=head2 EXAMPLES
1933 2565
1934For a real-world example of a program the includes libev 2566For a real-world example of a program the includes libev
1935verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module 2567verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module
1938interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file 2570interface) 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 2571will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header
1940file. 2572file.
1941 2573
1942The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 2574The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
1943that everybody includes and which overrides some autoconf choices: 2575that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
1944 2576
2577 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
1945 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 2578 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
1946 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 2579 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
1947 #define EV_PERIODICS 0 2580 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2581 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2582 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
1948 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 2583 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2584 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2585 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
1949 2586
1950 #include "ev++.h" 2587 #include "ev++.h"
1951 2588
1952And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 2589And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
1953 2590
1959 2596
1960In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 2597In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
1961libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 2598libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
1962documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 2599documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
1963 2600
2601All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
2602extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
2603happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
2604mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
2605it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
2606
1964=over 4 2607=over 4
1965 2608
1966=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 2609=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
1967 2610
2611This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
2612there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
2613have to skip those 100 watchers.
2614
1968=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 2615=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
1969 2616
2617That means that for changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
2618as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
2619
1970=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 2620=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)
1971 2621
2622These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
1972=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 2623=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)
1973 2624
1974=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % 16)) 2625=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2626
2627These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
2628correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2629have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
1975 2630
1976=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 2631=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1)
1977 2632
1978=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 2633=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
1979 2634
2635A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2636libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel).
2637
1980=item Activating one watcher: O(1) 2638=item Activating one watcher: O(1)
1981 2639
2640=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2641
2642Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2643priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2644linearly search all the priorities.
2645
1982=back 2646=back
1983 2647
1984 2648
1985=head1 AUTHOR 2649=head1 AUTHOR
1986 2650

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