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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
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>.
10 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 occuring), and it will manage
13these event sources and provide your program with events. 59these event sources and provide your program with events.
14 60
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
76Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch, 128Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch,
77as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 129as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
78compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 130compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
79not a problem. 131not a problem.
80 132
81Example: make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 133Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
82version: 134version.
83 135
84 assert (("libev version mismatch", 136 assert (("libev version mismatch",
85 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 137 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
86 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 138 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
87 139
115C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 167C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for
116recommended ones. 168recommended ones.
117 169
118See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 170See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
119 171
120=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, size_t size)) 172=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
121 173
122Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype and semantics are 174Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
123identical to the realloc C function). It is used to allocate and free 175semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to
124memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when memory needs to be 176allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when
125allocated, the library might abort or take some potentially destructive 177memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some
126action. The default is your system realloc function. 178potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc
179function.
127 180
128You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 181You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
129free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 182free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
130or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 183or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
131 184
132Example: replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 185Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
133retries: better than mine). 186retries).
134 187
135 static void * 188 static void *
136 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size) 189 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
137 { 190 {
138 for (;;) 191 for (;;)
157callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 210callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no
158matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 211matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
159requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 212requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
160(such as abort). 213(such as abort).
161 214
162Example: do the same thing as libev does internally: 215Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
163 216
164 static void 217 static void
165 fatal_error (const char *msg) 218 fatal_error (const char *msg)
166 { 219 {
167 perror (msg); 220 perror (msg);
217C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 270C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
218override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 271override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
219useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 272useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
220around bugs. 273around bugs.
221 274
275=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
276
277Instead of calling C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork> manually after
278a fork, you can also make libev check for a fork in each iteration by
279enabling this flag.
280
281This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
282and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
283iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
284Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
285without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my Linux system also has
286C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
287
288The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
289forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
290flag.
291
292This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
293environment variable.
294
222=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 295=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
223 296
224This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 297This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
225libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 298libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
226but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 299but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
313Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 386Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
314always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 387always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
315handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by 388handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
316undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 389undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
317 390
318Example: try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 391Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
319 392
320 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 393 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
321 if (!epoller) 394 if (!epoller)
322 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 395 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
323 396
361 434
362Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 435Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
363C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 436C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
364after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 437after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
365 438
439=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
440
441Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
442the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
443happily wraps around with enough iterations.
444
445This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
446"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
447C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls.
448
366=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 449=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
367 450
368Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 451Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
369use. 452use.
370 453
403libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 486libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
404usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 487usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
405 488
406Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 489Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
407 490
491 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
408 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 492 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return.
409 - Queue prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 493 - Queue all prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers.
410 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 494 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
411 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 495 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
412 - Update the "event loop time". 496 - Update the "event loop time".
413 - Calculate for how long to block. 497 - Calculate for how long to block.
414 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 498 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
422 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 506 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
423 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 507 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
424 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 508 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
425 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *. 509 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *.
426 510
427Example: queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding 511Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding
428anymore. 512anymore.
429 513
430 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 514 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
431 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 515 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
432 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 516 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
452visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 536visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if
453no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 537no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent
454way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 538way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party
455libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>. 539libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>.
456 540
457Example: create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 541Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
458running when nothing else is active. 542running when nothing else is active.
459 543
460 struct dv_signal exitsig; 544 struct ev_signal exitsig;
461 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 545 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
462 ev_signal_start (myloop, &exitsig); 546 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
463 evf_unref (myloop); 547 evf_unref (loop);
464 548
465Example: for some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 549Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
466 550
467 ev_ref (myloop); 551 ev_ref (loop);
468 ev_signal_stop (myloop, &exitsig); 552 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
469 553
470=back 554=back
471 555
472 556
473=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 557=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
653=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher) 737=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
654 738
655Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding 739Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding
656events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher 740events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher
657is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but 741is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but
658C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe) and you must make sure the watcher is available to 742C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
659libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 743make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
744it).
660 745
661=item callback = ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 746=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
662 747
663Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 748Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
664 749
665=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 750=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
666 751
667Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 752Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
668(modulo threads). 753(modulo threads).
754
755=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority)
756
757=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
758
759Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
760integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
761(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
762before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
763from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
764
765This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
766invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
767example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
768watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
769
770If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
771you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
772
773You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
774pending.
775
776The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
777always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
778
779Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
780fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
781or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
782
783=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
784
785Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
786C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
787can deal with that fact.
788
789=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
790
791If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status
792and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
793watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
669 794
670=back 795=back
671 796
672 797
673=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 798=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
694 { 819 {
695 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 820 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
696 ... 821 ...
697 } 822 }
698 823
699More interesting and less C-conformant ways of catsing your callback type 824More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
700have been omitted.... 825instead have been omitted.
826
827Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple
828watchers:
829
830 struct my_biggy
831 {
832 int some_data;
833 ev_timer t1;
834 ev_timer t2;
835 }
836
837In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated,
838you need to use C<offsetof>:
839
840 #include <stddef.h>
841
842 static void
843 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
844 {
845 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
846 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
847 }
848
849 static void
850 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
851 {
852 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
853 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
854 }
701 855
702 856
703=head1 WATCHER TYPES 857=head1 WATCHER TYPES
704 858
705This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 859This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
750it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 904it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
751C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 905C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
752 906
753If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 907If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not
754play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 908play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test
755wether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 909whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface
756such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 910such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
757its own, so its quite safe to use). 911its own, so its quite safe to use).
758 912
759=over 4 913=over 4
760 914
774 928
775The events being watched. 929The events being watched.
776 930
777=back 931=back
778 932
779Example: call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 933Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
780readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 934readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
781attempt to read a whole line in the callback: 935attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
782 936
783 static void 937 static void
784 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 938 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
785 { 939 {
786 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 940 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
838=item ev_timer_again (loop) 992=item ev_timer_again (loop)
839 993
840This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 994This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
841repeating. The exact semantics are: 995repeating. The exact semantics are:
842 996
997If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
998
843If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it. 999If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
844 1000
845If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat 1001If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
846value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value. 1002C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
847 1003
848This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1004This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
849example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called 1005example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle
850idle timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, 1006timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
851say, 60 seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do 1007seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
852this is to configure an C<ev_timer> with C<after>=C<repeat>=C<60> and calling 1008configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
853C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If 1009C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
854you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the 1010you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
855socket, you can stop the timer, and again will automatically restart it if 1011socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
856need be. 1012automatically restart it if need be.
857 1013
858You can also ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start> altogether 1014That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
859and only ever use the C<repeat> value: 1015altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
860 1016
861 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.); 1017 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
862 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1018 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
863 ... 1019 ...
864 timer->again = 17.; 1020 timer->again = 17.;
865 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1021 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
866 ... 1022 ...
867 timer->again = 10.; 1023 timer->again = 10.;
868 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1024 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
869 1025
870This is more efficient then stopping/starting the timer eahc time you want 1026This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
871to modify its timeout value. 1027you want to modify its timeout value.
872 1028
873=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1029=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
874 1030
875The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1031The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
876or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any), 1032or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
877which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1033which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
878 1034
879=back 1035=back
880 1036
881Example: create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1037Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
882 1038
883 static void 1039 static void
884 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1040 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
885 { 1041 {
886 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1042 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
888 1044
889 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1045 struct ev_timer mytimer;
890 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1046 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
891 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1047 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
892 1048
893Example: create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1049Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
894inactivity. 1050inactivity.
895 1051
896 static void 1052 static void
897 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1053 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
898 { 1054 {
1023switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1179switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1024the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1180the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1025 1181
1026=back 1182=back
1027 1183
1028Example: call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1184Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1029system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1185system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1030potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1186potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability.
1031 1187
1032 static void 1188 static void
1033 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1189 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1037 1193
1038 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1194 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1039 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1195 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1040 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1196 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1041 1197
1042Example: the same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1198Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1043 1199
1044 #include <math.h> 1200 #include <math.h>
1045 1201
1046 static ev_tstamp 1202 static ev_tstamp
1047 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1203 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1049 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1205 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;
1050 } 1206 }
1051 1207
1052 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1208 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1053 1209
1054Example: call a callback every hour, starting now: 1210Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1055 1211
1056 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1212 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1057 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1213 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1058 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1214 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1059 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1215 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1120The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems 1276The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1121C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details). 1277C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1122 1278
1123=back 1279=back
1124 1280
1125Example: try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1281Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1126 1282
1127 static void 1283 static void
1128 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1284 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1129 { 1285 {
1130 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1286 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1145not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 1301not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1146not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is 1302not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is
1147otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of 1303otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of
1148the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 1304the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1149 1305
1306The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1307relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1308
1150Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 1309Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply
1151calls C<stat (2)> regulalry on the path to see if it changed somehow. You 1310calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You
1152can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify 1311can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify
1153a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 1312a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,
1154unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around 1313unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around
1155five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also 1314five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also
1156impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats 1315impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats
1158 1317
1159This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 1318This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1160as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1319as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1161resource-intensive. 1320resource-intensive.
1162 1321
1163At the time of this writing, no specific OS backends are implemented, but 1322At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1164if demand increases, at least a kqueue and inotify backend will be added. 1323implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the
1324reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the
1325semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
1326to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1327usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1328polling.
1165 1329
1166=over 4 1330=over 4
1167 1331
1168=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval) 1332=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1169 1333
1233 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1397 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1234 1398
1235 1399
1236=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1400=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1237 1401
1238Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1402Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1239(prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count). That is, as long 1403priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
1240as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1404count).
1241imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1405
1242watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration - 1406That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1407(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1408triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1409are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1243until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1410iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1244busy. 1411and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
1245 1412
1246The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 1413The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
1247active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1414active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
1248 1415
1249Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1416Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1259kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 1426kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1260believe me. 1427believe me.
1261 1428
1262=back 1429=back
1263 1430
1264Example: dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle>, start it, and in the 1431Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1265callback, free it. Alos, use no error checking, as usual. 1432callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1266 1433
1267 static void 1434 static void
1268 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1435 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1269 { 1436 {
1270 free (w); 1437 free (w);
1315with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 1482with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine
1316of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event 1483of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
1317loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 1484loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1318low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 1485low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1319 1486
1487It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1488priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1489after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1490too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1491supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers did
1492their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other event
1493loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
1494C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
1495others).
1496
1320=over 4 1497=over 4
1321 1498
1322=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1499=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
1323 1500
1324=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1501=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1327parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 1504parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1328macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1505macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1329 1506
1330=back 1507=back
1331 1508
1332Example: To include a library such as adns, you would add IO watchers 1509There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1333and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, as required by libadns, and 1510into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1511(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1512use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib>
1513embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV
1514into the Glib event loop).
1515
1516Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1334in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows is 1517and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1335pseudo-code only of course: 1518is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1519priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1520the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1336 1521
1337 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1522 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1338 static ev_timer tw; 1523 static ev_timer tw;
1339 1524
1340 static void 1525 static void
1341 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1526 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1342 { 1527 {
1343 // set the relevant poll flags
1344 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1345 struct pollfd *fd = (struct pollfd *)w->data;
1346 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1347 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1348 } 1528 }
1349 1529
1350 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1530 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1351 static void 1531 static void
1352 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1532 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1353 { 1533 {
1354 int timeout = 3600000;truct pollfd fds [nfd]; 1534 int timeout = 3600000;
1535 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1355 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 1536 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1356 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 1537 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1357 1538
1358 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 1539 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1359 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1540 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1360 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 1541 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1361 1542
1362 // create on ev_io per pollfd 1543 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1363 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1544 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1364 { 1545 {
1365 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 1546 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1366 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 1547 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1367 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 1548 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1368 1549
1369 fds [i].revents = 0; 1550 fds [i].revents = 0;
1370 iow [i].data = fds + i;
1371 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 1551 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1372 } 1552 }
1373 } 1553 }
1374 1554
1375 // stop all watchers after blocking 1555 // stop all watchers after blocking
1377 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 1557 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1378 { 1558 {
1379 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 1559 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1380 1560
1381 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1561 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1562 {
1563 // set the relevant poll flags
1564 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1565 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1566 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1567 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1568 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1569
1570 // now stop the watcher
1382 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 1571 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1572 }
1383 1573
1384 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 1574 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1575 }
1576
1577Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1578in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1579
1580Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1581notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1582callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1583
1584 static void
1585 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1586 {
1587 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1588 update_now (EV_A);
1589
1590 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1591 }
1592
1593 static void
1594 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1595 {
1596 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1597 update_now (EV_A);
1598
1599 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1600 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1601 }
1602
1603 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1604
1605Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1606want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override
1607their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
1608loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
1609this.
1610
1611 static gint
1612 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1613 {
1614 int got_events = 0;
1615
1616 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1617 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1618
1619 if (timeout >= 0)
1620 // create/start timer
1621
1622 // poll
1623 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1624
1625 // stop timer again
1626 if (timeout >= 0)
1627 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1628
1629 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1630 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1631 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1632
1633 return got_events;
1385 } 1634 }
1386 1635
1387 1636
1388=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 1637=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1389 1638
1593 1842
1594To use it, 1843To use it,
1595 1844
1596 #include <ev++.h> 1845 #include <ev++.h>
1597 1846
1598(it is not installed by default). This automatically includes F<ev.h> 1847This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
1599and puts all of its definitions (many of them macros) into the global 1848of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1600namespace. All C++ specific things are put into the C<ev> namespace. 1849put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
1850options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
1601 1851
1602It should support all the same embedding options as F<ev.h>, most notably 1852Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
1603C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 1853classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
1854that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
1855you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
1856
1857Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be
1858used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only
1859need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other
1860types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing
1861it).
1604 1862
1605Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 1863Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1606 1864
1607=over 4 1865=over 4
1608 1866
1624 1882
1625All of those classes have these methods: 1883All of those classes have these methods:
1626 1884
1627=over 4 1885=over 4
1628 1886
1629=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *) 1887=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1630 1888
1631=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *, struct ev_loop *) 1889=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1632 1890
1633=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 1891=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1634 1892
1635The constructor takes a pointer to an object and a method pointer to 1893The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1636the event handler callback to call in this class. The constructor calls 1894with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
1637C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the C<set> method 1895
1638before starting it. If you do not specify a loop then the constructor 1896The constructor calls C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the
1639automatically associates the default loop with this watcher. 1897C<set> method before starting it.
1898
1899It will not set a callback, however: You have to call the templated C<set>
1900method to set a callback before you can start the watcher.
1901
1902(The reason why you have to use a method is a limitation in C++ which does
1903not allow explicit template arguments for constructors).
1640 1904
1641The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active. 1905The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active.
1906
1907=item w->set<class, &class::method> (object *)
1908
1909This method sets the callback method to call. The method has to have a
1910signature of C<void (*)(ev_TYPE &, int)>, it receives the watcher as
1911first argument and the C<revents> as second. The object must be given as
1912parameter and is stored in the C<data> member of the watcher.
1913
1914This method synthesizes efficient thunking code to call your method from
1915the C callback that libev requires. If your compiler can inline your
1916callback (i.e. it is visible to it at the place of the C<set> call and
1917your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
1918thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
1919
1920Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
1921
1922 struct myclass
1923 {
1924 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
1925 }
1926
1927 myclass obj;
1928 ev::io iow;
1929 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
1930
1931=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
1932
1933Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
1934callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
1935C<data> member and is free for you to use.
1936
1937The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
1938
1939See the method-C<set> above for more details.
1940
1941Example:
1942
1943 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
1944 iow.set <io_cb> ();
1642 1945
1643=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 1946=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1644 1947
1645Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 1948Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
1646do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 1949do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1647 1950
1648=item w->set ([args]) 1951=item w->set ([args])
1649 1952
1650Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 1953Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be
1651called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 1954called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1652automatically stopped and restarted. 1955automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
1956method.
1653 1957
1654=item w->start () 1958=item w->start ()
1655 1959
1656Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument as the 1960Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
1657constructor already takes the loop. 1961constructor already stores the event loop.
1658 1962
1659=item w->stop () 1963=item w->stop ()
1660 1964
1661Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 1965Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1662 1966
1687 1991
1688 myclass (); 1992 myclass ();
1689 } 1993 }
1690 1994
1691 myclass::myclass (int fd) 1995 myclass::myclass (int fd)
1692 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb),
1693 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb)
1694 { 1996 {
1997 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
1998 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
1999
1695 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2000 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
1696 } 2001 }
1697 2002
1698 2003
1699=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2004=head1 MACRO MAGIC
1700 2005
1701Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is 2006Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is
1702C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines wether (most) functions and 2007C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) functions and
1703callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2008callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
1704 2009
1705To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2010To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
1706following macros are defined: 2011following macros are defined:
1707 2012
1740Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 2045Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
1741loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 2046loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
1742 2047
1743=back 2048=back
1744 2049
1745Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, working regardless of 2050Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
1746wether multiple loops are supported or not. 2051macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2052or not.
1747 2053
1748 static void 2054 static void
1749 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2055 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1750 { 2056 {
1751 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 2057 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
1753 2059
1754 ev_check check; 2060 ev_check check;
1755 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 2061 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
1756 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 2062 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
1757 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 2063 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1758
1759 2064
1760=head1 EMBEDDING 2065=head1 EMBEDDING
1761 2066
1762Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2067Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1763applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2068applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1803 ev_vars.h 2108 ev_vars.h
1804 ev_wrap.h 2109 ev_wrap.h
1805 2110
1806 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2111 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1807 2112
1808 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is by default) 2113 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
1809 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2114 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1810 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2115 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1811 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2116 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1812 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2117 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1813 2118
1938 2243
1939=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 2244=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
1940 2245
1941reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 2246reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
1942 2247
2248=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2249
2250If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2251interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2252be detected at runtime.
2253
1943=item EV_H 2254=item EV_H
1944 2255
1945The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 2256The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
1946undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This 2257undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This
1947can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 2258can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
1970will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 2281will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
1971additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 2282additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
1972for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 2283for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
1973argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 2284argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
1974 2285
2286=item EV_MINPRI
2287
2288=item EV_MAXPRI
2289
2290The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
2291C<EV_MAXPRI>, but otherwise there are no non-obvious limitations. You can
2292provide for more priorities by overriding those symbols (usually defined
2293to be C<-2> and C<2>, respectively).
2294
2295When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2296all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2297and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2298fine.
2299
2300If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2301C<0> will save some memory and cpu.
2302
1975=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 2303=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
1976 2304
1977If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 2305If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
1978defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 2306defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
1979code. 2307code.
1980 2308
2309=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE
2310
2311If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
2312defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2313code.
2314
1981=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 2315=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
1982 2316
1983If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If 2317If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
1984defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 2318defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
1985 2319
2002=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 2336=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2003 2337
2004C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 2338C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2005pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 2339pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2006than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to 2340than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to
2007increase this value. 2341increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
2342
2343=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
2344
2345C<ev_staz> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2346inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2347usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2348watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2349two).
2008 2350
2009=item EV_COMMON 2351=item EV_COMMON
2010 2352
2011By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 2353By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
2012this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 2354this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
2041interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file 2383interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file
2042will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header 2384will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header
2043file. 2385file.
2044 2386
2045The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 2387The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2046that everybody includes and which overrides some autoconf choices: 2388that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2047 2389
2390 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
2048 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 2391 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2049 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 2392 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2050 #define EV_PERIODICS 0 2393 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2394 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2395 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2051 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 2396 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2397 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2398 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2052 2399
2053 #include "ev++.h" 2400 #include "ev++.h"
2054 2401
2055And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 2402And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
2056 2403
2062 2409
2063In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 2410In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2064libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 2411libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2065documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 2412documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2066 2413
2414All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
2415extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
2416happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
2417mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
2418it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
2419
2067=over 4 2420=over 4
2068 2421
2069=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 2422=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
2070 2423
2424This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
2425there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
2426have to skip those 100 watchers.
2427
2071=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 2428=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
2072 2429
2430That means that for changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
2431as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
2432
2073=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 2433=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)
2074 2434
2435These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
2075=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 2436=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)
2076 2437
2077=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % 16)) 2438=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2439
2440These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
2441correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2442have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
2078 2443
2079=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 2444=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1)
2080 2445
2081=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 2446=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2082 2447
2448A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2449libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel).
2450
2083=item Activating one watcher: O(1) 2451=item Activating one watcher: O(1)
2084 2452
2453=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2454
2455Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2456priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2457linearly search all the priorities.
2458
2085=back 2459=back
2086 2460
2087 2461
2088=head1 AUTHOR 2462=head1 AUTHOR
2089 2463

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