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Revision 1.108 by root, Mon Dec 24 10:39:21 2007 UTC

2 2
3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C 3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C
4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 /* this is the only header you need */
8 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
9 8
10 /* what follows is a fully working example program */ 9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10
11 #include <ev.h>
12
11 ev_io stdin_watcher; 13 ev_io stdin_watcher;
12 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 14 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
13 15
14 /* called when data readable on stdin */ 16 /* called when data readable on stdin */
15 static void 17 static void
46 return 0; 48 return 0;
47 } 49 }
48 50
49=head1 DESCRIPTION 51=head1 DESCRIPTION
50 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
51Libev 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
52file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage 58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
53these event sources and provide your program with events. 59these event sources and provide your program with events.
54 60
55To 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
56(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
57communicate events via a callback mechanism. 63communicate events via a callback mechanism.
59You register interest in certain events by registering so-called I<event 65You register interest in certain events by registering so-called I<event
60watchers>, which are relatively small C structures you initialise with the 66watchers>, which are relatively small C structures you initialise with the
61details 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
62watcher. 68watcher.
63 69
64=head1 FEATURES 70=head2 FEATURES
65 71
66Libev supports select, poll, the linux-specific epoll and the bsd-specific 72Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
67kqueue mechanisms for file descriptor events, relative timers, absolute 73BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
68timers with customised rescheduling, signal events, process status change 74for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
69events (related to SIGCHLD), and event watchers dealing with the event 75(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers
70loop 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
71fast (see this L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing 84L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
72it to libevent for example). 85for example).
73 86
74=head1 CONVENTIONS 87=head2 CONVENTIONS
75 88
76Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration 89Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will
77will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info 90be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about
78about various configuration options please have a look at the file 91various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in
79F<README.embed> in the libev distribution. If libev was configured without 92this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event
80support for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial 93loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop>
81argument 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.
82will not have this argument.
83 95
84=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION 96=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
85 97
86Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 98Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
87(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 99(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
88the 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
89called 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
90to 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
91it, you should treat it as such. 103it, you should treat it as some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name
104component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
105throughout libev.
92 106
93=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 107=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
94 108
95These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 109These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
96library in any way. 110library in any way.
101 115
102Returns 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
103C<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
104you actually want to know. 118you actually want to know.
105 119
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
106=item int ev_version_major () 126=item int ev_version_major ()
107 127
108=item int ev_version_minor () 128=item int ev_version_minor ()
109 129
110You 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
111you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and 131you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and
112C<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
113symbols 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
114version of the library your program was compiled against. 134version of the library your program was compiled against.
115 135
136These version numbers refer to the ABI version of the library, not the
137release version.
138
116Usually, 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,
117as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 140as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
118compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 141compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
119not a problem. 142not a problem.
120 143
121Example: make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 144Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
122version: 145version.
123 146
124 assert (("libev version mismatch", 147 assert (("libev version mismatch",
125 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 148 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
126 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 149 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
127 150
155C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 178C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for
156recommended ones. 179recommended ones.
157 180
158See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 181See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
159 182
160=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, size_t size)) 183=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
161 184
162Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype and semantics are 185Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
163identical to the realloc C function). It is used to allocate and free 186semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to
164memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when memory needs to be 187allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when
165allocated, the library might abort or take some potentially destructive 188memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some
166action. The default is your system realloc function. 189potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc
190function.
167 191
168You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 192You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
169free 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,
170or 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.
171 195
172Example: 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
173retries: better than mine). 197retries).
174 198
175 static void * 199 static void *
176 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size) 200 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
177 { 201 {
178 for (;;) 202 for (;;)
197callback 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
198matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 222matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
199requested 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
200(such as abort). 224(such as abort).
201 225
202Example: do the same thing as libev does internally: 226Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
203 227
204 static void 228 static void
205 fatal_error (const char *msg) 229 fatal_error (const char *msg)
206 { 230 {
207 perror (msg); 231 perror (msg);
257C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 281C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
258override 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
259useful 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
260around bugs. 284around bugs.
261 285
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
262=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 306=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
263 307
264This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 308This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
265libev 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,
266but 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
267using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its usually 311using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its
268the fastest backend for a low number of fds. 312usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.
313
314To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of
315parallelity (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are
316writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many
317connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have
318a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of
319readyness notifications you get per iteration.
269 320
270=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows) 321=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
271 322
272And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated than 323And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
273select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial limit on the 324than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
274number of fds you can use (except it will slow down considerably with a 325limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down
275lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, i.e. O(total_fds). 326considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select,
327i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for
328performance tips.
276 329
277=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 330=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
278 331
279For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 332For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
280but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like 333but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
281O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), epoll scales 334like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
282either O(1) or O(active_fds). 335epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number
336of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
337cases and rewiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad
338support for dup.
283 339
284While stopping and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration will 340While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
285result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 341will result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident
286(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 342(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
287best to avoid that. Also, dup()ed file descriptors might not work very 343best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
288well if you register events for both fds. 344very well if you register events for both fds.
289 345
290Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 346Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
291need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data 347need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
292(or space) is available. 348(or space) is available.
293 349
350Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
351watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e.
352keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times.
353
354While nominally embeddeble in other event loops, this feature is broken in
355all kernel versions tested so far.
356
294=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 357=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
295 358
296Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 359Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
297was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work with 360was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably
298anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course its 361with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
299completely useless). For this reason its not being "autodetected" 362it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected"
300unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 363unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using
301C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>). 364C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
365system like NetBSD.
366
367You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
368only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
369the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
302 370
303It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 371It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
304kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 372kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
305course). While starting and stopping an I/O watcher does not cause an 373course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
306extra syscall as with epoll, it still adds up to four event changes per 374cause an extra syscall as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
307incident, so its best to avoid that. 375two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it
376drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
377
378This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
379
380While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
381everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
382almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets
383(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop
384(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and using it only for
385sockets.
308 386
309=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 387=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
310 388
311This is not implemented yet (and might never be). 389This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an
390implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets
391and is not embeddable, which would limit the usefulness of this backend
392immensely.
312 393
313=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 394=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
314 395
315This uses the Solaris 10 port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 396This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
316it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 397it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
317 398
318Please note that solaris ports can result in a lot of spurious 399Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
319notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid 400notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
320blocking when no data (or space) is available. 401blocking when no data (or space) is available.
402
403While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
404file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
405descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
406might perform better.
321 407
322=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 408=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
323 409
324Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 410Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
325with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 411with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
326C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 412C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
413
414It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
327 415
328=back 416=back
329 417
330If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 418If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these
331backends will be tried (in the reverse order as given here). If none are 419backends will be tried (in the reverse order as given here). If none are
353Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 441Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
354always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 442always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
355handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by 443handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
356undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 444undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
357 445
358Example: try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 446Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
359 447
360 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 448 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
361 if (!epoller) 449 if (!epoller)
362 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 450 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
363 451
366Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 454Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
367etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 455etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
368sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 456sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
369responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 457responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before>
370calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 458calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
371the easiest thing, youc na just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 459the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
372for example). 460for example).
461
462Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by
463this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers)
464would need to be stopped manually.
465
466In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the
467rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling
468pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
469C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).
373 470
374=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 471=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
375 472
376Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 473Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
377earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 474earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
401 498
402Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 499Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
403C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 500C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
404after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 501after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
405 502
503=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
504
505Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
506the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
507happily wraps around with enough iterations.
508
509This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
510"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
511C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls.
512
406=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 513=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
407 514
408Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 515Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
409use. 516use.
410 517
412 519
413Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop 520Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop
414received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 521received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
415change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 522change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base
416time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the 523time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
417event occuring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 524event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
418 525
419=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 526=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
420 527
421Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 528Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
422after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 529after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
443libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 550libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
444usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 551usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
445 552
446Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 553Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
447 554
555 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
448 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 556 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return.
449 - Queue prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 557 - Queue all prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers.
450 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 558 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
451 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 559 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
452 - Update the "event loop time". 560 - Update the "event loop time".
453 - Calculate for how long to block. 561 - Calculate for how long to block.
454 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 562 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
462 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 570 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
463 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 571 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
464 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 572 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
465 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *. 573 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *.
466 574
467Example: queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding 575Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding
468anymore. 576anymore.
469 577
470 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 578 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
471 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 579 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
472 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 580 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
492visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 600visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if
493no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 601no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent
494way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 602way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party
495libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>. 603libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>.
496 604
497Example: create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 605Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
498running when nothing else is active. 606running when nothing else is active.
499 607
500 struct dv_signal exitsig; 608 struct ev_signal exitsig;
501 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 609 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
502 ev_signal_start (myloop, &exitsig); 610 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
503 evf_unref (myloop); 611 evf_unref (loop);
504 612
505Example: for some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 613Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
506 614
507 ev_ref (myloop); 615 ev_ref (loop);
508 ev_signal_stop (myloop, &exitsig); 616 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
617
618=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
619
620=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
621
622These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
623for events. Both are by default C<0>, meaning that libev will try to
624invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency.
625
626Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>)
627allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks to
628increase efficiency of loop iterations.
629
630The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to
631handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes
632the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
633events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
634overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
635
636By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
637time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
638at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
639C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
640introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations.
641
642Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
643to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
644latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers
645will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce
646any overhead in libev.
647
648Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect
649interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
650interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
651usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
652as this approsaches the timing granularity of most systems.
509 653
510=back 654=back
511 655
512 656
513=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 657=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
693=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher) 837=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
694 838
695Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding 839Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding
696events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher 840events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher
697is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but 841is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but
698C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe) and you must make sure the watcher is available to 842C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
699libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 843make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
844it).
700 845
701=item callback = ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 846=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
702 847
703Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 848Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
704 849
705=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 850=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
706 851
707Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 852Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
708(modulo threads). 853(modulo threads).
854
855=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority)
856
857=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
858
859Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
860integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
861(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
862before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
863from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
864
865This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
866invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
867example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
868watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
869
870If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
871you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
872
873You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
874pending.
875
876The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
877always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
878
879Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
880fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
881or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
882
883=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
884
885Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
886C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
887can deal with that fact.
888
889=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
890
891If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status
892and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
893watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
709 894
710=back 895=back
711 896
712 897
713=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 898=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
734 { 919 {
735 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 920 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
736 ... 921 ...
737 } 922 }
738 923
739More interesting and less C-conformant ways of catsing your callback type 924More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
740have been omitted.... 925instead have been omitted.
926
927Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple
928watchers:
929
930 struct my_biggy
931 {
932 int some_data;
933 ev_timer t1;
934 ev_timer t2;
935 }
936
937In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated,
938you need to use C<offsetof>:
939
940 #include <stddef.h>
941
942 static void
943 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
944 {
945 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
946 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
947 }
948
949 static void
950 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
951 {
952 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
953 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
954 }
741 955
742 956
743=head1 WATCHER TYPES 957=head1 WATCHER TYPES
744 958
745This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 959This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
790it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 1004it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
791C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 1005C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
792 1006
793If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 1007If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not
794play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 1008play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test
795wether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 1009whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface
796such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 1010such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
797its own, so its quite safe to use). 1011its own, so its quite safe to use).
1012
1013=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1014
1015Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
1016descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means,
1017such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
1018descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
1019this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
1020registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
1021fact, a different file descriptor.
1022
1023To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows
1024the following policy: Each time C<ev_io_set> is being called, libev
1025will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise
1026it is assumed that the file descriptor stays the same. That means that
1027you I<have> to call C<ev_io_set> (or C<ev_io_init>) when you change the
1028descriptor even if the file descriptor number itself did not change.
1029
1030This is how one would do it normally anyway, the important point is that
1031the libev application should not optimise around libev but should leave
1032optimisations to libev.
1033
1034=head3 The special problem of dup'ed file descriptors
1035
1036Some backends (e.g. epoll), cannot register events for file descriptors,
1037but only events for the underlying file descriptions. That means when you
1038have C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors and register events for them, only one
1039file descriptor might actually receive events.
1040
1041There is no workaround possible except not registering events
1042for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to
1043C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1044
1045=head3 The special problem of fork
1046
1047Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit
1048useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about
1049it in the child.
1050
1051To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
1052C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,
1053enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1054C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1055
1056
1057=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
798 1058
799=over 4 1059=over 4
800 1060
801=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1061=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
802 1062
814 1074
815The events being watched. 1075The events being watched.
816 1076
817=back 1077=back
818 1078
819Example: call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1079Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
820readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1080readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
821attempt to read a whole line in the callback: 1081attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
822 1082
823 static void 1083 static void
824 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1084 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
825 { 1085 {
826 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1086 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
856 1116
857The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1117The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed,
858but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1118but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
859order of execution is undefined. 1119order of execution is undefined.
860 1120
1121=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1122
861=over 4 1123=over 4
862 1124
863=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1125=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
864 1126
865=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1127=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
878=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1140=item ev_timer_again (loop)
879 1141
880This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1142This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
881repeating. The exact semantics are: 1143repeating. The exact semantics are:
882 1144
1145If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1146
883If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it. 1147If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
884 1148
885If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat 1149If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
886value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value. 1150C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
887 1151
888This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1152This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
889example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called 1153example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle
890idle timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, 1154timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
891say, 60 seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do 1155seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
892this is to configure an C<ev_timer> with C<after>=C<repeat>=C<60> and calling 1156configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
893C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If 1157C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
894you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the 1158you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
895socket, you can stop the timer, and again will automatically restart it if 1159socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
896need be. 1160automatically restart it if need be.
897 1161
898You can also ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start> altogether 1162That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
899and only ever use the C<repeat> value: 1163altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
900 1164
901 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.); 1165 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
902 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1166 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
903 ... 1167 ...
904 timer->again = 17.; 1168 timer->again = 17.;
905 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1169 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
906 ... 1170 ...
907 timer->again = 10.; 1171 timer->again = 10.;
908 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1172 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
909 1173
910This is more efficient then stopping/starting the timer eahc time you want 1174This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
911to modify its timeout value. 1175you want to modify its timeout value.
912 1176
913=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1177=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
914 1178
915The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1179The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
916or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any), 1180or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
917which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1181which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
918 1182
919=back 1183=back
920 1184
921Example: create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1185Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
922 1186
923 static void 1187 static void
924 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1188 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
925 { 1189 {
926 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1190 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
928 1192
929 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1193 struct ev_timer mytimer;
930 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1194 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
931 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1195 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
932 1196
933Example: create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1197Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
934inactivity. 1198inactivity.
935 1199
936 static void 1200 static void
937 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1201 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
938 { 1202 {
958but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1222but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
959to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1223to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
960periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now () 1224periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now ()
961+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 1225+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will
962take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger 1226take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger
963roughly 10 seconds later and of course not if you reset your system time 1227roughly 10 seconds later).
964again).
965 1228
966They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1229They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as
967triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 1230triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated,
1231rules.
968 1232
969As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1233As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the
970time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1234time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
971during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1235during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
972 1236
1237=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1238
973=over 4 1239=over 4
974 1240
975=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1241=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
976 1242
977=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1243=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb)
979Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1245Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
980operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1246operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
981 1247
982=over 4 1248=over 4
983 1249
984=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1250=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
985 1251
986In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1252In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time
987C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1253C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs,
988that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1254that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the
989system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1255system time reaches or surpasses this time.
990 1256
991=item * non-repeating interval timer (interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1257=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
992 1258
993In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1259In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
994C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N) and then repeat, regardless 1260C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
995of any time jumps. 1261and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
996 1262
997This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1263This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system
998time: 1264time:
999 1265
1000 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1266 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1006 1272
1007Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1273Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1008C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1274C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1009time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1275time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1010 1276
1277For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1278C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1279this value.
1280
1011=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 1281=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1012 1282
1013In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1283In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
1014ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1284ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1015reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1285reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1016current time as second argument. 1286current time as second argument.
1017 1287
1018NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1288NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1019ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1289ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it,
1020return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by 1290return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
1021starting a prepare watcher). 1291starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1022 1292
1023Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1293Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,
1024ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1294ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1025 1295
1026 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1296 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1049Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1319Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1050when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1320when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1051a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1321a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1052program when the crontabs have changed). 1322program when the crontabs have changed).
1053 1323
1324=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1325
1326When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1327absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1328
1329Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1330timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1331
1054=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 1332=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1055 1333
1056The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1334The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1057take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being 1335take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1058called. 1336called.
1061 1339
1062The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1340The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1063switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1341switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1064the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1342the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1065 1343
1344=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1345
1346When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1347trigger next.
1348
1066=back 1349=back
1067 1350
1068Example: call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1351Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1069system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1352system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1070potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1353potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability.
1071 1354
1072 static void 1355 static void
1073 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1356 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1077 1360
1078 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1361 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1079 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1362 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1080 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1363 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1081 1364
1082Example: the same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1365Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1083 1366
1084 #include <math.h> 1367 #include <math.h>
1085 1368
1086 static ev_tstamp 1369 static ev_tstamp
1087 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1370 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1089 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1372 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;
1090 } 1373 }
1091 1374
1092 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1375 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1093 1376
1094Example: call a callback every hour, starting now: 1377Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1095 1378
1096 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1379 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1097 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1380 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1098 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1381 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1099 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1382 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1111with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1394with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long
1112as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1395as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal
1113watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1396watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
1114SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1397SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1115 1398
1399=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1400
1116=over 4 1401=over 4
1117 1402
1118=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 1403=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
1119 1404
1120=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum) 1405=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)
1131 1416
1132=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1417=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1133 1418
1134Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1419Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1135some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1420some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies).
1421
1422=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1136 1423
1137=over 4 1424=over 4
1138 1425
1139=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 1426=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid)
1140 1427
1160The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems 1447The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1161C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details). 1448C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1162 1449
1163=back 1450=back
1164 1451
1165Example: try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1452Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1166 1453
1167 static void 1454 static void
1168 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1455 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1169 { 1456 {
1170 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1457 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1185not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 1472not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1186not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is 1473not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is
1187otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of 1474otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of
1188the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 1475the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1189 1476
1477The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1478relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1479
1190Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 1480Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply
1191calls C<stat (2)> regulalry on the path to see if it changed somehow. You 1481calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You
1192can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify 1482can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify
1193a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 1483a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,
1194unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around 1484unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around
1195five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also 1485five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also
1196impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats 1486impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats
1198 1488
1199This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 1489This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1200as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1490as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1201resource-intensive. 1491resource-intensive.
1202 1492
1203At the time of this writing, no specific OS backends are implemented, but 1493At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1204if demand increases, at least a kqueue and inotify backend will be added. 1494implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the
1495reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the
1496semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
1497to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1498usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1499polling.
1500
1501=head3 Inotify
1502
1503When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only
1504available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up
1505change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily
1506when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1507
1508Inotify presense does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1509except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1510making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presense of inotify support
1511there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling.
1512
1513(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1514implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1515descriptor open on the object at all times).
1516
1517=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1518
1519The C<stat ()> syscall only supports full-second resolution portably, and
1520even on systems where the resolution is higher, many filesystems still
1521only support whole seconds.
1522
1523That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you might
1524miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and calls
1525your callback, which does something. When there is another update within
1526the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it.
1527
1528The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for a second (or till
1529the next second boundary), using a roughly one-second delay C<ev_timer>
1530(C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.01); ev_timer_again (loop, w)>). The C<.01>
1531is added to work around small timing inconsistencies of some operating
1532systems.
1533
1534=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1205 1535
1206=over 4 1536=over 4
1207 1537
1208=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval) 1538=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1209 1539
1245=item const char *path [read-only] 1575=item const char *path [read-only]
1246 1576
1247The filesystem path that is being watched. 1577The filesystem path that is being watched.
1248 1578
1249=back 1579=back
1580
1581=head3 Examples
1250 1582
1251Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 1583Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1252 1584
1253 static void 1585 static void
1254 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 1586 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1267 } 1599 }
1268 1600
1269 ... 1601 ...
1270 ev_stat passwd; 1602 ev_stat passwd;
1271 1603
1272 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd"); 1604 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1273 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1605 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1274 1606
1607Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1608miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1609one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1610C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1611
1612 static ev_stat passwd;
1613 static ev_timer timer;
1614
1615 static void
1616 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1617 {
1618 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1619
1620 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1621 }
1622
1623 static void
1624 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1625 {
1626 /* reset the one-second timer */
1627 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1628 }
1629
1630 ...
1631 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1632 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1633 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.01);
1634
1275 1635
1276=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1636=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1277 1637
1278Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1638Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1279(prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count). That is, as long 1639priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
1280as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1640count).
1281imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1641
1282watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration - 1642That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1643(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1644triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1645are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1283until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1646iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1284busy. 1647and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
1285 1648
1286The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 1649The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
1287active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1650active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
1288 1651
1289Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1652Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1290effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do 1653effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do
1291"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 1654"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
1292event loop has handled all outstanding events. 1655event loop has handled all outstanding events.
1293 1656
1657=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1658
1294=over 4 1659=over 4
1295 1660
1296=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1661=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1297 1662
1298Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any 1663Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any
1299kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 1664kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1300believe me. 1665believe me.
1301 1666
1302=back 1667=back
1303 1668
1304Example: dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle>, start it, and in the 1669Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1305callback, free it. Alos, use no error checking, as usual. 1670callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1306 1671
1307 static void 1672 static void
1308 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1673 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1309 { 1674 {
1310 free (w); 1675 free (w);
1355with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 1720with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine
1356of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event 1721of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
1357loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 1722loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1358low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 1723low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1359 1724
1725It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1726priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1727after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1728too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1729supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers
1730did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other
1731(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable
1732state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to
1733coexist peacefully with others).
1734
1735=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1736
1360=over 4 1737=over 4
1361 1738
1362=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1739=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
1363 1740
1364=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1741=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1367parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 1744parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1368macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1745macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1369 1746
1370=back 1747=back
1371 1748
1372Example: To include a library such as adns, you would add IO watchers 1749There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1373and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, as required by libadns, and 1750into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1751(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1752use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib>
1753embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV
1754into the Glib event loop).
1755
1756Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1374in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows is 1757and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1375pseudo-code only of course: 1758is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1759priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1760the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1376 1761
1377 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1762 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1378 static ev_timer tw; 1763 static ev_timer tw;
1379 1764
1380 static void 1765 static void
1381 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1766 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1382 { 1767 {
1383 // set the relevant poll flags
1384 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1385 struct pollfd *fd = (struct pollfd *)w->data;
1386 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1387 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1388 } 1768 }
1389 1769
1390 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1770 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1391 static void 1771 static void
1392 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1772 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1393 { 1773 {
1394 int timeout = 3600000;truct pollfd fds [nfd]; 1774 int timeout = 3600000;
1775 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1395 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 1776 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1396 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 1777 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1397 1778
1398 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 1779 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1399 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1780 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1400 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 1781 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1401 1782
1402 // create on ev_io per pollfd 1783 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1403 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1784 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1404 { 1785 {
1405 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 1786 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1406 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 1787 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1407 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 1788 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1408 1789
1409 fds [i].revents = 0; 1790 fds [i].revents = 0;
1410 iow [i].data = fds + i;
1411 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 1791 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1412 } 1792 }
1413 } 1793 }
1414 1794
1415 // stop all watchers after blocking 1795 // stop all watchers after blocking
1417 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 1797 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1418 { 1798 {
1419 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 1799 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1420 1800
1421 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1801 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1802 {
1803 // set the relevant poll flags
1804 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1805 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1806 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1807 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1808 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1809
1810 // now stop the watcher
1422 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 1811 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1812 }
1423 1813
1424 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 1814 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1815 }
1816
1817Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1818in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1819
1820Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1821notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1822callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1823
1824 static void
1825 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1826 {
1827 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1828 update_now (EV_A);
1829
1830 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1831 }
1832
1833 static void
1834 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1835 {
1836 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1837 update_now (EV_A);
1838
1839 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1840 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1841 }
1842
1843 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1844
1845Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1846want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override
1847their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
1848loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
1849this.
1850
1851 static gint
1852 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1853 {
1854 int got_events = 0;
1855
1856 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1857 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1858
1859 if (timeout >= 0)
1860 // create/start timer
1861
1862 // poll
1863 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1864
1865 // stop timer again
1866 if (timeout >= 0)
1867 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1868
1869 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1870 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1871 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1872
1873 return got_events;
1425 } 1874 }
1426 1875
1427 1876
1428=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 1877=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1429 1878
1493 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 1942 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1494 } 1943 }
1495 else 1944 else
1496 loop_lo = loop_hi; 1945 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1497 1946
1947=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1948
1498=over 4 1949=over 4
1499 1950
1500=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 1951=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1501 1952
1502=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 1953=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1511 1962
1512Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 1963Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1513similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 1964similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1514apropriate way for embedded loops. 1965apropriate way for embedded loops.
1515 1966
1516=item struct ev_loop *loop [read-only] 1967=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
1517 1968
1518The embedded event loop. 1969The embedded event loop.
1519 1970
1520=back 1971=back
1521 1972
1528event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 1979event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
1529and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling 1980and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
1530C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 1981C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
1531handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 1982handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
1532 1983
1984=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1985
1533=over 4 1986=over 4
1534 1987
1535=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1988=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1536 1989
1537Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 1990Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
1633 2086
1634To use it, 2087To use it,
1635 2088
1636 #include <ev++.h> 2089 #include <ev++.h>
1637 2090
1638(it is not installed by default). This automatically includes F<ev.h> 2091This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
1639and puts all of its definitions (many of them macros) into the global 2092of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1640namespace. All C++ specific things are put into the C<ev> namespace. 2093put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2094options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
1641 2095
1642It should support all the same embedding options as F<ev.h>, most notably 2096Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
1643C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 2097classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
2098that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
2099you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
2100
2101Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be
2102used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only
2103need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other
2104types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing
2105it).
1644 2106
1645Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 2107Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1646 2108
1647=over 4 2109=over 4
1648 2110
1664 2126
1665All of those classes have these methods: 2127All of those classes have these methods:
1666 2128
1667=over 4 2129=over 4
1668 2130
1669=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *) 2131=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1670 2132
1671=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *, struct ev_loop *) 2133=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1672 2134
1673=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 2135=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1674 2136
1675The constructor takes a pointer to an object and a method pointer to 2137The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1676the event handler callback to call in this class. The constructor calls 2138with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
1677C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the C<set> method 2139
1678before starting it. If you do not specify a loop then the constructor 2140The constructor calls C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the
1679automatically associates the default loop with this watcher. 2141C<set> method before starting it.
2142
2143It will not set a callback, however: You have to call the templated C<set>
2144method to set a callback before you can start the watcher.
2145
2146(The reason why you have to use a method is a limitation in C++ which does
2147not allow explicit template arguments for constructors).
1680 2148
1681The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active. 2149The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active.
2150
2151=item w->set<class, &class::method> (object *)
2152
2153This method sets the callback method to call. The method has to have a
2154signature of C<void (*)(ev_TYPE &, int)>, it receives the watcher as
2155first argument and the C<revents> as second. The object must be given as
2156parameter and is stored in the C<data> member of the watcher.
2157
2158This method synthesizes efficient thunking code to call your method from
2159the C callback that libev requires. If your compiler can inline your
2160callback (i.e. it is visible to it at the place of the C<set> call and
2161your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2162thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2163
2164Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2165
2166 struct myclass
2167 {
2168 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2169 }
2170
2171 myclass obj;
2172 ev::io iow;
2173 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2174
2175=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2176
2177Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2178callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2179C<data> member and is free for you to use.
2180
2181The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2182
2183See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2184
2185Example:
2186
2187 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2188 iow.set <io_cb> ();
1682 2189
1683=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2190=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1684 2191
1685Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2192Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
1686do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2193do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1687 2194
1688=item w->set ([args]) 2195=item w->set ([args])
1689 2196
1690Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2197Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be
1691called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 2198called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1692automatically stopped and restarted. 2199automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2200method.
1693 2201
1694=item w->start () 2202=item w->start ()
1695 2203
1696Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument as the 2204Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
1697constructor already takes the loop. 2205constructor already stores the event loop.
1698 2206
1699=item w->stop () 2207=item w->stop ()
1700 2208
1701Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 2209Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1702 2210
1703=item w->again () C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only 2211=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
1704 2212
1705For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding 2213For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding
1706C<ev_TYPE_again> function. 2214C<ev_TYPE_again> function.
1707 2215
1708=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only 2216=item w->sweep () (C<ev::embed> only)
1709 2217
1710Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>. 2218Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
1711 2219
1712=item w->update () C<ev::stat> only 2220=item w->update () (C<ev::stat> only)
1713 2221
1714Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>. 2222Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
1715 2223
1716=back 2224=back
1717 2225
1727 2235
1728 myclass (); 2236 myclass ();
1729 } 2237 }
1730 2238
1731 myclass::myclass (int fd) 2239 myclass::myclass (int fd)
1732 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb),
1733 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb)
1734 { 2240 {
2241 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2242 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2243
1735 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2244 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
1736 } 2245 }
1737 2246
1738 2247
1739=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2248=head1 MACRO MAGIC
1740 2249
1741Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is 2250Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal
1742C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines wether (most) functions and 2251of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
1743callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2252functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
1744 2253
1745To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2254To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
1746following macros are defined: 2255following macros are defined:
1747 2256
1748=over 4 2257=over 4
1780Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 2289Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
1781loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 2290loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
1782 2291
1783=back 2292=back
1784 2293
1785Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, working regardless of 2294Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
1786wether multiple loops are supported or not. 2295macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2296or not.
1787 2297
1788 static void 2298 static void
1789 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2299 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1790 { 2300 {
1791 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 2301 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
1794 ev_check check; 2304 ev_check check;
1795 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 2305 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
1796 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 2306 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
1797 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 2307 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1798 2308
1799
1800=head1 EMBEDDING 2309=head1 EMBEDDING
1801 2310
1802Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2311Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1803applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2312applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1804Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe) 2313Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe)
1805and rxvt-unicode. 2314and rxvt-unicode.
1806 2315
1807The goal is to enable you to just copy the neecssary files into your 2316The goal is to enable you to just copy the necessary files into your
1808source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so 2317source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so
1809you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of 2318you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of
1810libev somewhere in your source tree). 2319libev somewhere in your source tree).
1811 2320
1812=head2 FILESETS 2321=head2 FILESETS
1843 ev_vars.h 2352 ev_vars.h
1844 ev_wrap.h 2353 ev_wrap.h
1845 2354
1846 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2355 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1847 2356
1848 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is by default) 2357 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
1849 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2358 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1850 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2359 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1851 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2360 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1852 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2361 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1853 2362
1902 2411
1903If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2412If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1904monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 2413monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use
1905of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 2414of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
1906usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2415usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
1907the functionality isn't available is safe, though, althoguh you have 2416the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
1908to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 2417to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
1909function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2418function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
1910 2419
1911=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2420=item EV_USE_REALTIME
1912 2421
1913If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2422If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1914realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2423realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at
1915runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2424runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will
1916be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2425be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
1917(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See tzhe note about libraries 2426(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
1918in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 2427note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2428
2429=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2430
2431If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2432and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
1919 2433
1920=item EV_USE_SELECT 2434=item EV_USE_SELECT
1921 2435
1922If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 2436If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
1923C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 2437C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no
1978 2492
1979=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 2493=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
1980 2494
1981reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 2495reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
1982 2496
2497=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2498
2499If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2500interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2501be detected at runtime.
2502
1983=item EV_H 2503=item EV_H
1984 2504
1985The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 2505The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
1986undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This 2506undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This
1987can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 2507can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
2010will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 2530will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
2011additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 2531additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
2012for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 2532for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
2013argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 2533argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
2014 2534
2535=item EV_MINPRI
2536
2537=item EV_MAXPRI
2538
2539The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
2540C<EV_MAXPRI>, but otherwise there are no non-obvious limitations. You can
2541provide for more priorities by overriding those symbols (usually defined
2542to be C<-2> and C<2>, respectively).
2543
2544When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2545all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2546and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2547fine.
2548
2549If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2550C<0> will save some memory and cpu.
2551
2015=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 2552=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2016 2553
2017If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 2554If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2018defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 2555defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2019code. 2556code.
2020 2557
2558=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE
2559
2560If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
2561defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2562code.
2563
2021=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 2564=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2022 2565
2023If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If 2566If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
2024defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 2567defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2025 2568
2042=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 2585=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2043 2586
2044C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 2587C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2045pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 2588pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2046than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to 2589than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to
2047increase this value. 2590increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
2591
2592=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
2593
2594C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2595inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2596usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2597watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2598two).
2048 2599
2049=item EV_COMMON 2600=item EV_COMMON
2050 2601
2051By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 2602By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
2052this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 2603this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
2065 2616
2066=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb) 2617=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb)
2067 2618
2068Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher, 2619Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher,
2069and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member 2620and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member
2070definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.v> header file for 2621definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
2071their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 2622their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
2072avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 2623avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
2073method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 2624method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2625
2626=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
2627
2628If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of
2629exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
2630all public symbols, one per line:
2631
2632 Symbols.ev for libev proper
2633 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
2634
2635This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
2636multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
2637itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this).
2638
2639A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
2640include before including F<ev.h>:
2641
2642 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
2643
2644This would create a file F<wrap.h> which essentially looks like this:
2645
2646 #define ev_backend myprefix_ev_backend
2647 #define ev_check_start myprefix_ev_check_start
2648 #define ev_check_stop myprefix_ev_check_stop
2649 ...
2074 2650
2075=head2 EXAMPLES 2651=head2 EXAMPLES
2076 2652
2077For a real-world example of a program the includes libev 2653For a real-world example of a program the includes libev
2078verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module 2654verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module
2081interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file 2657interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file
2082will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header 2658will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header
2083file. 2659file.
2084 2660
2085The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 2661The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2086that everybody includes and which overrides some autoconf choices: 2662that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2087 2663
2664 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
2088 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 2665 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2089 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 2666 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2090 #define EV_PERIODICS 0 2667 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2668 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2669 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2091 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 2670 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2671 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2672 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2092 2673
2093 #include "ev++.h" 2674 #include "ev++.h"
2094 2675
2095And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 2676And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
2096 2677
2102 2683
2103In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 2684In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2104libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 2685libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2105documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 2686documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2106 2687
2688All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
2689extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
2690happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
2691mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
2692it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
2693
2107=over 4 2694=over 4
2108 2695
2109=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 2696=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
2110 2697
2698This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
2699there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
2700have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
2701
2111=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 2702=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
2703
2704That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
2705as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
2112 2706
2113=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 2707=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)
2114 2708
2709These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
2710
2115=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 2711=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)
2116 2712
2117=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % 16)) 2713=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2118 2714
2715These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
2716correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2717have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
2718
2119=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 2719=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
2720
2721By virtue of using a binary heap, the next timer is always found at the
2722beginning of the storage array.
2120 2723
2121=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 2724=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2122 2725
2123=item Activating one watcher: O(1) 2726A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2727libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
2728on backend and wether C<ev_io_set> was used).
2729
2730=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
2731
2732=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2733
2734Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2735priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2736linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
2737watchers becomes O(1) w.r.t. prioritiy handling.
2124 2738
2125=back 2739=back
2126 2740
2127 2741
2128=head1 AUTHOR 2742=head1 AUTHOR

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